by Sharelle B. McNair

October 26, 2024

Alabama’s Magic City Classic Promotes $1.4B Economic Impact And Importance Of HBCUs

Are you team Hornet or Bulldogs?

AL reports that the highly anticipated Magic City Classic will not only showcase a rivalry between the state’s two HBCUs but also have a massive impact on the economy and culture.

The football game on Oct. 26, showcased in Birmingham, Alabama, allows Huntsville’s Alabama A&M and Montgomery’s Alabama State University to go head-to-head on neutral territory and is known to draw crowds in the thousands. Those attendees always come ready to spend cash on various items, including school gear, food, and drinks. An economic report from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) revealed that in September 2024, Alabama’s impact was strong, receiving a grade of B with “all 14 HBCUs” putting together “$1.4 billion — billion with a B — economic impact on an annual basis.”

Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for UNCF Lodriguez Murray spoke highly of the growth seen during the annual Magic City HBCU Breakfast. Sponsored by the historic philanthropic organization, Murray celebrated why events like the Classic are so instrumental. “It’s always great to gather for sporting events, but it’s even better when they have a meaning,” he said.

“The meeting of these two HBCUs… gives all of us, the city of Birmingham, state of Alabama, and all of us nationally, an opportunity to take a deeper dive into why HBCUs are so important.”

The UNCF executive highlighted that HBCUs nationwide are making record-breaking strides in enrollment and new opportunities for students. Because of that, he feels it is the right time for the government and other philanthropic entities to invest in HBCUs. “Nationally, higher education enrollment is down, but not so at HBCUs. Our students are much more inclined to not only apply but to attend. And this is despite those national trends. And it’s also despite many setbacks that institutions like HBCUs undertake,” Murray said.

“You know, they have smaller endowments, smaller budgets, have infrastructure challenges, and yet students are choosing to go to those institutions. And it’s not second or third-rate students. These are some of the top students in anyone’s region of the country that are choosing to go to HBCUs, oftentimes over Ivy League institutions.”

In May 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced federal HBCU investments and support reached more than $16 billion. Over $4 billion was secured to guarantee education benefits for veterans and students needing federal financial aid through Pell Grants and work-study programs. Attendees of Magic City will see just how much support the HBCUs have secured. Kickoff for the 83rd showdown between the Bulldogs and the Hornet starts at 2:30 p.m., according to WVTM 13. However, if the game isn’t enticing enough, fans can join several festivities, including a parade and the Coors Light Pregame Tailgate Party.

by Mitti Hicks

October 25, 2024

U.S. Navy Veteran Facing 3 Years In Dubai Prison For Traveling With Prescription Drugs

Charles Wimberly has been released on bail, but he cannot leave the country. If he is found guilty, he faces three years in prison at minimum.

A US Navy veteran is facing three years in prison in Dubai after traveling with prescription medications.

Charles Wimberly from Covington, Georgia, was traveling to the United Arab Emirates with Ibuprofen and CBD oil, two medications reportedly prescribed for a degenerative joint disease that affects his spine. Wimberly is supposed to undergo surgery in November, followed by six months of recovery. He traveled to Dubai for a pre-surgery vacation. He landed in Dubai on Sept. 21, and all was well.

But that all changed for the veteran six days later. Wimberly was detained on Sept. 27 at Dubai International Airport. Dubai officials arrested him for allegedly “trafficking” his prescription medications after finding the medicine during the pre-departure screening.

According to the UAE Embassy, all travelers to the UAE must comply with local laws and regulations regarding medications that can and cannot be brought into the country. Travelers must also check with their doctor to confirm whether the medication is controlled. In Wimberly’s case, CBD oil falls under Class A, a controlled substance in the UAE. These drugs cannot be “freely imported into the country.” According to the UAE’s Ministry of Health & Prevention, cannabis in all forms is prohibited, and travelers must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health’s website before bringing it.

While the Navy vet has been released on bail, he cannot leave the country. If he is found guilty, he faces three years in prison at minimum.

“My PTSD is at a very high level right now. I’m so tired of crying. I can’t stop shaking. My daughter is so upset. I feel like I’ve let everyone down,” he reportedly told staff with Detained in Dubai, an organization known to specialize in the UAE’s civil and criminal justice system.

The company’s CEO says this situation has further impacted Wimberly’s health.

“Charles was locked up and deprived of his prescription medication as well as meds to manage his diabetes and sleep apnea, causing him to suffer a diabetic episode,” Detained CEO Radha Stirling says. “He’s a good man who does not partake in drugs (as evidenced in his medical history). All he wanted was one last holiday before his debilitating surgery.”

Stirling also says the Navy vet is being impacted financially since he’s on bail and unable to leave.

“This leaves him forced to stay in hotels while he awaits prosecution. Charles cannot afford the unexpected hotel bills, medical or legal bills. For many,” adds Stirling, “the process is the punishment.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 25, 2024

Charlamagne And Anderson Cooper Get In Heated Debate Over CNN’s Coverage Of VP Harris vs. Trump

Charlamagne is calling out CNN and other networks for their seemingly nonchalant coverage of Donald Trump.

Things got a bit heated when radio personality Charlamagne Tha God confronted Anderson Cooper about CNN’s presidential election coverage.

The Breakfast Club host appeared on CNN on Oct. 24, where he criticized the network and other major news outlets for their seemingly casual approach to former President Donald Trump’s controversial rhetoric. Charlamagne argued that CNN did not label Trump as a “fascist” but instead focused more on his comments regarding Harris’s race.

“It’s crazy because you still don’t have news networks having that conversation, like when somebody says, when somebody questions Kamala Harris’s blackness or, ‘Is she a DEI hire?’ you all will have roundtable discussions about that, asking that question,” Charlamagne said in a clip shared online.

“How come we’re not having a roundtable discussion asking, ‘Is Donald Trump a fascist?’ Actually, not even asking — he’s stating it,” Charlamagne added. “How come that is not the topic of discussion on networks like CNN every day?”

Charlamagne and Anderson Cooper get into it over CNN’s coverage of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris: pic.twitter.com/pbT33aSckV
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 25, 2024

Cooper responded, saying he talks about it “every night” on his show.

But Charlamagne continued to drive his point home.

“I feel like I heard more on this network about, ‘Is Kamala Harris Black?’ than I do about Donald Trump being a fascist,” he said.

That’s when Cooper fired back with an expletive in defense of his reporting on the election.

“Honestly, that’s bulls‑‑‑. I’m sorry. I’m a fan of yours, but to say that we‘re sitting around discussing ‘Is Kamala Harris Black…’”

“I’ve seen that. I’ve seen roundtable discussions a lot. Now that’s bulls‑‑‑, Anderson,” Charlamagne said.

While acknowledging the “nutty people” with “strongly held beliefs” who have been invited on CNN panels to “have a legitimate conversation,” Cooper still defended the network’s anchors and their reporting on Trump and Harris.

“I think no network has honest conversations about Donald Trump,” Charlamagne concluded. “Nobody’s had an honest conversation about Donald Trump since 2016.”

100 Black Entrepreneurs, Biden, Harris, Funeral, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman,,Marcyliena H. Morgan

by Stacy Jackson

October 25, 2024

Oldest Living American, Elizabeth Francis, Dies Peacefully At Age 115

At the time of her death, the Houston resident was reportedly the 54th oldest person in the world to ever live.

Elizabeth Francis, who died on Oct. 22 at the age of 115, was the oldest living American and the third-oldest person in the world.

The supercentenarian, who turned 115 earlier this year, died peacefully, according to ABC News. Born in 1909, Francis was reportedly the 54th oldest person in the world and the 21st oldest American to ever live at the time of her death. Francis was born in Louisiana but was a longtime resident of Houston and respected and honored by family, political leaders, and members of the community. During her life, she ran a coffee shop as a single mother.

She lived at home with her 95-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and was alert to the interactions and conversations around her, even without the assistance of hearing aids, noted global human longevity company LongeviQuest. Every day, Francis was able to look up at her walls and find proclamations from political leaders in Houston who visited her regularly. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump penned a message in remembrance of the Houston elder. He described her as “a powerful pearl of wisdom.”

Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living person in the U.S., has died at age 115. Her granddaughter described her as a joyful, faith-filled woman who lived by the motto, "Treat people like you want to be treated" — a powerful pearl of wisdom we should all live by! Rest In Power pic.twitter.com/ozJVnLd4TP
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) October 24, 2024

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned, Francis was a single mother who ran a coffee shop. The secret behind Francis’ long life included a loving family, abstaining from drinking alcohol and smoking, and staying highly active throughout her years.

Francis’ 69-year-old granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, also her caregiver, said she loved people and the Lord. “Her faith was extremely strong,” Harrison said. Even though Francis lost her own mother when she was 11 years old, she stood strong as the backbone of the family. She stayed strong through times of segregation and two world wars by holding fast to her faith. She was a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and her favorite Bible verse from the book of John states: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Harrison attested to her grandmother’s noble character. “…She would always say, treat people like you want to be treated. And that was her motto.”

At age 114, the elderly woman told ABC Houston KTRK-TV that she still felt young. Healthy eating was the norm for Francis as she constantly grew her own vegetables and cooked at home. When asked about her status as the oldest living American, Francis said, “I just feel like living every day!”

Harrison said her grandmother was a “jolly” woman — a personality that reflected what LongeviQuest stated was her favorite color — yellow. Anyone who desires to reach her age should speak their mind and not hold their tongue, according to a tip BE mentioned she shared earlier this year.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2024

Wiz Khalifa Indicted For Smoking Marijuana At Romanian Music Festival

The rapper could go to jail for up to two years if he's convicted.

Wiz Khalifa, who was arrested and charged after smoking marijuana on stage while performing at July’s Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti in Romania, has been indicted on an illegal drug possession charge.

According to Rolling Stone, the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism issued a press release that stated that the rapper was in possession of 18.53 grams of cannabis in addition to “a cigarette that contained cannabis” on that night.

Under Romanian law, he faces anywhere between three months and two years in prison or a fine for having drugs (marijuana) that were classified as risk.

People reported that on Oct. 21, the DIICOT stated that Khalifa was indicted on Oct. 15 “for committing the crime of possession of dangerous drugs, without the right, with a view to consumption [of his] own,” according to a translation. Marijuana is illegal there and can’t be used for recreational or medical use.

“Based on the evaluation of the drug user by the Centre for Anti-drug
Prevention, the prosecutor decides to include a user in an integrated assistance program for drug users, with consent,” the agency said. “If the user follows the protocol, the court can decide to renounce the application of the punishment (or to postpone the punishment).”

Drugs classified as high-risk warrant a potential prison sentence of six months to three years, according to the European Union Drugs Agency.

On July 13, a day after being arrested but let go, Wiz took to Instagram and briefly mentioned the situation.

Last nights show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time

— Wizzlemania (@wizkhalifa) July 14, 2024

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by Sharelle B. McNair

October 25, 2024

Popular Dallas Pharmacy Owner Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For $41M Healthcare Scheme

Did they think they would get away with this?

A Dallas pharmacy owner and Hollywood screenwriter, Ivor Jallah, is turning in his jewels for a jumpsuit after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for running a $41 million healthcare scam, Fox 4 reports.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas claims that Jallah and co-conspirator Shannon Turley submitted nearly $46 million in bogus claims to insurance companies. Prosecutors allege Jallah used the stolen millions to fund his “promising” Hollywood career and lavish lifestyle to match. Court documents show Jallah and Turley operated close to nine Texas pharmacies and would pay “marketers” for the personal information of insured patients.

The 37-year-old was pursuing a career as a screenwriter and director and used the money to purchase land, luxury vehicles, and more. An IMDB page lists him as a screenwriter for the 2019 movie Grand Isle, starring Nicolas Cage.

Jallah’s former neighbor, Fred Moyini, became suspicious when he noticed more high-end vehicles were consistently seen going in and out of his Far North Dallas home. “He was probably doing something bad. Who knows,” Moyini said.

“Outlandish. I can say that. Way outlandish.”

According to The Dallas Morning News, the pair admitted to scamming insurance companies with fake prescriptions for headache sprays and pain and scar creams starting in 2017. As part of the scheme, Turley and Jallah would pay physicians to stamp phony prescription forms when, in reality, they didn’t treat the patients. In other instances, they used physicians’ stamps without consent.

Once the pharmacies shipped out a portion of the medications billed to insurance, Jallah stopped shipping them. When insurance companies started audits to determine whether prescription claims were legitimate, the duo used false drug purchase invoices to support claims submitted to insurance companies.

To take things further, Jallah selected pharmacy employees to create fake prescription delivery logs and instructed the “marketers” to ask patients to sign the logs regardless of whether they received the prescriptions or not. When the marketers didn’t get the patient signatures, Jallah asked pharmacy employees to forge them.

When law enforcement officers discovered the scam, the military’s healthcare system, Tricare, stopped payment for the creams as the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud said each container of cream contained up to 10 different drugs, some as powerful anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said healthcare is too much of an issue in the country for people to be taken advantage of. “By billing for prescription medication patients never needed nor received, these defendants brazenly lined their pockets at the expense of each and every client who paid into health insurance,” Simonton said in a statement.

“Healthcare is already a significant expense for many Americans. We cannot and will not allow pharmacy operators to abuse the system in this way.”

U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay ordered Jallah to pay more than $41 million in restitution, and eight defendants pleaded guilty to charges related to the pharmacy scam, receiving a combined sentence of 24 years in prison.

Turley is scheduled to be sentenced in November 2024.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 25, 2024

Oprah Winfrey And Gayle King Credit 48-Year Friendship As A Key Factor In Career Success

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King believe they wouldn't be where they are if not for each other.

Having friends in high places can be valuable, but having the right friends is priceless—Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are prime examples of this.

The two met in 1976 while starting their media careers at a Baltimore news station. Their genuine connection and unwavering support for each other fostered a lasting friendship that both have credited with boosting their career success.

“She fills a role for me that is as solid as mothering or sistering or anything could be,” Winfrey said of King on Melinda French Gates’ Moments that Make Us.

The billionaire media mogul remembers being 30 and hesitant to move to Chicago to launch her talk show and compete with Phil Donahue, who was then dominating the talk show landscape.

“Gayle was the only person who said, ‘I think you could do it,’” she said. “Had I not had somebody who believed that me moving to Chicago could be successful, I might have not made the move.”

Forty years later, Winfrey continues to be grateful for King’s unwavering support of her career choices.

“The reasons why I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier—not happy but happier—for me, for any kind of success or victory or challenge I get through than I am for myself,” she shared.

King shares the same sentiment about Winfrey, crediting the OWN founder for her role at CBS and attending the Met Gala.

“I wouldn’t dream of [making a big decision] without getting Oprah’s take,” King said.

French Gates revealed that she prioritizes time with her three closest female friends by reserving spots on her calendar for their Monday morning walks together.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have three female friends now for over 30 years,” French Gates shared. “They are my truth counsel. Whenever I’m going to make a really hard decision or make a big transition, I know I have to have the courage to tell them, and they’re honest with me.”

“They’re your kitchen cabinet,” Winfrey added.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 25, 2024

Lincoln Project Highlights Trump’s Lies Through The Mouths Of Babes

The Lincoln Project's new ad highlights Donald Trump's non-presidential nature.

On Oct. 24, the Lincoln Project released an advertisement focusing on the most absurd claims and lies told by presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The video, posted to YouTube, uses the innocence of youth to convey the character of the man who can potentially hold the highest office in America.

The diverse group of children featured in the ad appear prepubescent; some young enough to still have baby teeth. The kids are seen speaking, but the audience hears Trump’s voice as he criticizes soldiers captured during war and how Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio, are “eating the dogs” and “eating the cats.”

Children are taught to tell the truth, not embellish when speaking about problems and how to work through strong emotions to facilitate good communication. The ad shows how the rules seem not to apply to Trump.

The Lincoln Project is not the first to speak out against Trump’s unpresidential conduct and baseless claims. Radio personality Charlamagne tha God called out CNN and other news platforms for spending too much time discussing frivolous points and not amplifying “fascist” statements made by Trump.

The Lincoln Project calls itself a “leading pro-democracy organization in the United States—dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of democracy.”

“Trump’s racism, xenophobia, and sexism is on full display every time a family turns on the TV,” said Ryan Wiggins, Lincoln Project’s chief of staff. “Hate is taught, and Trump is a damaging example to young children. The policies he wants to enact are full of hate and will destroy the fabric of the nation. Our children will not inherit the America of the last 250 years, but the America Trump remakes in his own image. This nightmare must be ended once and for all.”

The organization’s content is not solely focused on Trump. Many of its ads focus on current issues being litigated in the Supreme Court and voted on by Congress.

The Lincoln Project sends out a weekly newsletter informing the public about active threats to democracy, which you can receive by clicking here.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 25, 2024

New Kansas City Chiefs Player DeAndre Hopkins Will Honor Kobe Bryant By Wearing No. 8

'Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time.... No. 8 is a special number.'

The Tennessee Titans recently traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Super Bowl-contending team, the Kansas City Chiefs, where the wideout will get to play for a potential playoff-bound team. On his new team, he stated he would be wearing a new uniform number so he couldn’t honor one of his favorite sports athletes, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

According to CBS Sports, after Hopkins was traded to his new team, he announced that he was switching from No. 10 to No. 8, which Kobe wore during his NBA career. He mentioned why he initially chose No. 10 and why he is now picking the number he has now.

“Kobe Bryant, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” Hopkins said. “I knew if I ever got a chance to wear No. 8, just like when I put when I picked No. 10. (Lionel) Messi was my favorite soccer player. Underdog; felt like me at the time coming out of college. Kobe, No. 8 is a special number.”

Officially official.

Welcome to Chiefs Kingdom, @DeAndreHopkins 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9yqz7pqSMi

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 24, 2024

Hopkins did thank his former team’s general manager for giving him a chance to play on a team that may return to the Super Bowl as the Titans, who are 1-5, look to have another dismal season. He told NFL.com, “I’ve got to thank (Titans general manager) Ran (Carthon) and his staff for trading me to a contender, first of all because those guys could’ve traded me anywhere.”

Hopkins goes from playing for a team with one of the worst records in the NFL this season to the only team that has not suffered a defeat (6-0) this season.

He is looking forward to helping the Chiefs and returning to a winning team with arguably the best quarterback in the league.

“It means a lot. It takes your game to a different level. It takes your focus, your drive, knowing that you’re playing for something. It takes your game to a different level. I haven’t played meaningful football in a couple years since we probably started 8-0 in Arizona. So it takes your game to a different level.”

.@DeAndreHopkins looks good in red 👀 pic.twitter.com/kNQTlxh5Xc

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 24, 2024

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 25, 2024

Beyoncé Reportedly Set To Endorse Kamala Harris At Houston Rally Appearance

Beyoncé is expected to officially endorse Harris on Friday.

Kamala Harris is expected to get Beyoncé’s official endorsement when the superstar singer appears at the presidential candidate’s Houston rally on Friday.

Beyoncé’s appearance puts an end to months of speculation over whether the global pop star would endorse Harris. Sources familiar with planning for the event say the “Halo” singer is set to attend the rally alongside her mother, Tina Knowles, and country music legend Willie Nelson, Washington Post reports.

The endorsement follows that of fellow global pop star Taylor Swift, who endorsed Harris for president last month. Rumors swirled that Beyoncé would perform a close-out performance at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Beyoncé has been a public supporter of Democratic presidential nominees since Barack Obama’s win in 2008. The “Cuff It” singer performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” in Washington, DC.C. at Obama’s inauguration ceremony in 2009 and followed up with a cover of Etta James’ “At Last” for President Obama and Michelle Obama’ 2009 Inaugural Ball dance.

She performed at a rally for Hillary Clinton shortly before the 2016 presidential election, and in 2020, Beyoncé showed her support for the Joe Biden-Harris ticket when she displayed her “I Voted” sticker while wearing a “Biden Harris” face mask on the eve of the election.

“Come thru, Texas! #Vote,” she captioned her black-and-white Instagram boomerang.

Lady Gaga reposted the image to her Instagram Story, writing, “Let’s go blue, Texas. Queen B says so!”

Beyoncé joins a growing list of celebrities who have worked to help get Harris elected, including Oprah Winfrey, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, and Lizzo. Earlier this week, Eminem introduced Barack Obama at a Harris campaign rally in Detroit and on Thursday, Bruce Springsteen performed in Atlanta at a rally with Harris and Barack Obama.

Harris is heading to Texas, which her campaign describes as “ground zero of the nation’s extreme abortion bans,” to hold a rally focused on abortion rights. Campaign officials say Harris intends to address the threat she believes former President Donald Trump poses to women and supporters of reproductive rights.