‘Check In On Your Friends,’ Says Megan Thee Stallion In New Suicide Prevention PSA

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 27, 2023

‘Check In On Your Friends,’ Says Megan Thee Stallion In New Suicide Prevention PSA

Megan Thee Stallion is using her platform for a bigger purpose. The “Savage” rapper has released a new PSA for suicide prevention titled “Check In On Your Friends.”

The rapper shared the new video to her Instagram, as she got real with expectation of being “thick-skinned” and strong in the midst of struggle.

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

“But to be everything for everybody, it wears on you,” shared the 26-year-old to her over 31 million followers. “‘Black don’t crack,’ they say. But it can. I can. We all can. Y’all its OK to not be OK. Reach out to a friend if you see them going through it. No matter who you are, being vulnerable is what makes us whole.”

At the end of the video, she also shouted out her own initiative’s website, badbitcheshavebaddaystoo.com, that provides additional resources for those who struggle with mental health issues.

The announcement is part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and The Jed Foundation’s ongoing campaign, Seize the Awkward. The nationwide movement seeks to encourage young adults to talk with one another about their mental health and wellbeing.

AFSP’s CEO, Bob Gebbia, expressed their gratitude in a statement regarding the Grammy winner’s inclusion in the campaign.

“As we work to address the mental health needs of marginalized youth, our partnership with Megan Thee Stallion will help connect our Seize the Awkward campaign in a more relatable way to a younger and diverse population,” said Gebbia. “Her involvement will help ensure young people hear the message that struggling with one’s mental health is normal, and so is asking for help. We are grateful to Megan Thee Stallion for being open about her struggles and for normalizing mental health conversations.”

The Houston native also encouraged young people to be part of the support system needed to uplift someone who is struggling. “A strong support system can make a powerful difference in someone’s life,” she shared.

As the Hot Girl seems to be leaving past traumas behind, her new era has become one of advocacy and, of course, music one can bounce their “Bongos” to.

Tim Scott Advocates Firing Striking Auto Workers

by Daniel Johnson

September 27, 2023

Tim Scott Advocates Firing Striking Auto Workers

GOP presidential candidate Tim Scott praised Ronald Reagan’s response to striking airline workers in 1981 during a Sept. 20 campaign stop in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

“Ronald Reagan gave us a great example when federal employees decided they were going to strike,” Scott said,” Scott told the crowd, CNBC reported. “‘You strike, you’re fired.’ Simple concept to me.” Scott, who like every other Republican candidate not named Trump, is struggling in voter polls, most likely praised Reagan because he knew it would play well with his audience, observers noted.

According to Kenneth Dau-Schmidt, a law professor at the University of Indiana Bloomington, Reagan’s response was an ill-advised gamble.

“There never had a been a president so hostile to union workers, and it could have gone bad,” Dau-Schmidt said. “If one plane went down, Reagan would have looked like a goat.” Dau-Schmidt added, “But there were no major crashes, and conservatives now just say, ’You have to be tough.'”

The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 established that workers in the private sector have the right to strike if they feel their working conditions are unfair.

Sharon Block, the executive director of the Center for Labor and a Just Economy, told CNBC that under that act, you cannot simply fire striking workers. However, there is no such provision for federal workers.

Scott was not spared the ire of those who felt like he was being hostile toward the labor rights of workers in general. The United Auto Workers, who are currently organizing a strike at Stellantis and GM parts manufacturing plants, filed a formal grievance with the National Labor Relations Board on Sept. 21 after Scott made comments

In the complaint, UAW President Shawn Fain said, “Tim Scott threatened employees with adverse consequences if they engage in protected, concerted activity by publicly responding to a question about striking workers as follows: ‘You strike, you’re fired.'”

Scott fired back at the union. “The UAW is one of the most corrupt and scandal-plagued unions in America. They are showing their true colors once again and autoworkers and taxpayers will be left holding the bag together. They want to threaten me and shut me up.”

Scott, like fellow Republican candidate Nikki Haley have represented South Carolina, a state that like most Southern states, can be seen as anti-union. In 2015, Vox reported that “Right To Work” laws, which can be interpreted as a set of laws that work against unions, had spread to almost half the country. Generally sequestered in Southern states, but spreading out to other parts of the country, these so-called “right to work” laws have demonstrated an ability to cut union membership.

The AFL-CIO’s website describes the cumulative effect of these “right to work” laws as follows: “These laws make it harder for working people to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 27, 2023

Bronny James Misses First Practice At USC But Coach Assures He’s ‘Doing Well’

University of Southern California recruit Bronny James, son of future Hall of Famer LeBron James, did not participate in the USC’s basketball team’s first official practice of the fall.

Although he wasn’t there, the team’s coach, Andy Enfield, told reporters that Bronny is “doing very well” while recovering from a cardiac arrest he suffered on July 24, 2023.

According to ESPN, Bronny missed the first practice, but Coach Enfield assured the media that the freshman, who turns 19 next week, has been in class and progressing health-wise.

“Bronny’s doing very well,” Enfield said. “But we just can’t comment on anything medically. He’s going to class and doing extremely well in school, and we’re really excited for him.”

After Bronny was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, it was revealed that a congenital heart defect was the probable cause of his cardiac arrest, but that his condition could be treated. He is expected to fully recover, allowing him to be back on the court, although no timetable has been set for his return.

“He’s around when he can be,” Enfield said. “And he’s getting caught up [with] some schoolwork and doing very well. His grades are excellent right now, and he’s being the true student-athlete.”

The anticipation to watch Bronny bring his game to USC has not been lost on the coach.

“We anticipate him being a very valuable part of our basketball team,” Enfield said. “But that’ll be all sorted out. He’s the ultimate teammate because he cares about winning, and he has such a personal relationship with all his teammates. When you watch him on the court and you’re around them, that’s the first thing you notice within five or 10 minutes — and it’s contagious.”

Bronny has already made a huge impact at the university. Nike released T-shirts with his name and number, and the $30 shirts sold out quickly.

Dr. Yves Duroseau, white neighbor, doctor, NYC doctor, racist attack

by Daniel Johnson

September 27, 2023

NYC Doctor Suing After White Neighbor Allegedly Turns Water Hose On His Dinner Guests

Dr. Yves Duroseau, the head of Lenox Hill Hospital ‘s emergency department and the first doctor to publicly receive the COVID-19 vaccine, filed a lawsuit involving his neighbor allegedly attacking the doctor’s guests at his Queens, New York City, home. The incident happened on Sept 17, 2022, when Duroseau was hosting a dinner party for his sister at his home, alongside his wife and several high-profile dinner guests. Everyone in attendance at the party except for one person was an ethnic minority, and the dinner was catered by chef Vanessa Cantave, the winner of Rocco’s Dinner Party in 2011.

According to The Independent, the lawsuit states that what happened was “reminiscent of 1960s Birmingham, Alabama, when white law enforcement officers used fire hoses to douse, assault and batter African Americans participating in civil rights demonstrations in an attempt to get them to comply and disperse.”

Duroseau ‘s neighbor, a white woman, referred to in his lawsuit as “Jane Doe,” allegedly disturbed the dinner party by showing up in the foyer of the house, uninvited, with a German shepherd in tow. Catering employees and guests stated they were afraid that the dog would attack them, as it was acting in a highly aggressive manner. The woman allegedly demanded that the partygoers turn their music down. Dr. Duroseau informed her that the party would soon be ending and asked the woman to leave.

Not long after that, Duroseau’s other neighbor, Marcus Rosebrock, allegedly grabbed his garden hose and began spraying water at the people gathered in the backyard. In the lawsuit, Rosebrock is described as conducting himself in a “racist character” and that the water pressure was “extremely powerful and stinging in nature.”

According to the lawsuit, Rosebrock pointed the hose at the attendants of the party “with increased water pressure and violently water sprayed them in the face and body, drenching them.” The lawsuit addresses the actions of both Jane Doe and Marcus Rosebrock, seeking charges of trespassing and assault and battery, respectively.

According to Duroseau’s attorney, Derek Sells, Duroseau and his wife called 911 on the night of the alleged attack and Sells said that although Rosebrock still lives next door, there has been no significant contact between the two households since the night of the party. Rosebrock has not responded to the complaint filed by Duroseau, but his attorney, Brandon Gilliard, said that, “Mr. Rosebrock denies any of the allegations in the complaint and rejects any characterization that he is racist, or [that] his actions were racially motivated.”

by Iman Milner

September 27, 2023

Black Kentucky Dads Aim To Build Distillery On Land Previously Owned By KKK Leader

In April 2023, Aaron Floyd and Antonio Santago founded D.A.A.D Distilling to foster community for single fathers and boost Kentucky’s economy through their shared love for bourbon. Now their dream includes opening a family-friendly distillery on land they say was once owned by a Kentucky KKK leader.

The men, along with two other partners, plan to bring their vision to life in the Lancaster area of Garrard County, a place they frequent despite its history.

“Garrard County is a place where we come to free our minds. We came to the nature preserves here. It’s very peaceful and relaxing,” Floyd said. “We really had a strong gravitational pull to that area, and we wanted to really just reshape the area and change the ties to that particular area.”

The men of D.A.A.D also intend to debunk the myth of the absent Black father through their commitment to their own families and support of fathers in the area.

“Growing up without a father, I had a stepfather, and I actually just met my biological father three years ago,” Santago said. “After having a long conversation with him, he pretty much explained to me my main purpose of being a father and what I needed to do.”

The family-friendly nature of their planned location will provide an alternative solution for places to spend quality “daddy and me” time. “We want to be able to do more for the children as well as for the families and the communities, give back to city services as well as just be a pillar within the community and show what dads are capable of doing,” said Floyd.

D.A.A.D Distilling estimates its vision for the 100 acres of land will cost over $1 million to bring to life. It is currently raising $100,000 via its GoFundMe.

The history of racial tensions in Kentucky has continued in recent years, with KKK propaganda being posted throughout several cities in June 2023. In 2017, the state reportedly had four active Klan chapters.

Umpire, Art Williams, first black Umpire

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 27, 2023

Inspirational Story of National League’s First Black Umpire Highlighted In New Book And Mini Documentary

Whether you are a history or sports fan or enjoy stories of courage and inspiration, legendary umpire Art Williams is a name you should know.

Over fifty years after taking the field, portions of Arts’ incredible story have recently garnered significant accolades. A related news segment received a Daytime Emmy Award, the book Unbelievable! The Life Journey of Art Williams has been honored with four distinct awards in four different literary categories, and the associated documentary short has been selected for twenty-five film festivals in the United States and abroad. September 18 has officially been proclaimed Art Williams Day in the City of Bakersfield, California.

Art was born in Arkansas to a family of sharecroppers, and after relocating to California, he was signed to the Detroit Tigers organization right after high school. His pitching career was cut short by an injury, but Art persisted in life and in the sport. Through hard work and determination, he ultimately reached his goal of becoming the First Black Umpire in the National League when he officiated the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres on September 18, 1972. This historic milestone came six years after Emmett Ashford’s American League debut and twenty-eight years before the American and National Leagues were united under the Major League Baseball umbrella in 2000.

In the five-plus decades since the groundbreaking accomplishments of Art and Emmett, only nine other African Americans have become Major League Baseball umpires. Although Art passed away in 1979 at 44, his younger brother, 82-year-old Dr. Audie Williams, is doing everything he can to keep Art’s legacy alive.

Mookie Betts – Dodgers outfielder / second baseman and one of Major League Baseball’s most dynamic, well-rounded superstars – has stressed the importance of bringing culture to the game and providing opportunities for everyone to be successful.

“The goal I set out to accomplish is getting blacks in baseball, not necessarily on the field, but just around the field and maybe in the front office.” “All of us have talents, and it’s important for us to find it,” he said. “I found mine in baseball, and I just want to use my platform to help others find theirs.”

Dr. Williams, a veteran, retired coach, and educator, understands the mission. Through his company, Let’s Play Ball! Productions, he will continue sharing his big brother’s story, encouraging representation in baseball and beyond, and inspiring anyone with a dream to persevere, no matter the obstacles.

On this and every September 18, please take a moment to honor Art Williams and his tremendous achievements, and then dedicate some time and attention to setting goals, nurturing specific talents, sharing your gifts with the world, and encouraging others to be great, too.

Lorri Dotson, Founder and CEO of Founder and CEO of VIGCE LLC

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 26, 2023

Entrepreneur Lorri Dotson Invests In Dream Exchange, The First Minority-Owned And -Governed Stock Exchange

Dream Exchange announced Lorri S. Dotson, a visionary leader, and trailblazing entrepreneur has decided to join a growing group of esteemed investors in the first minority-owned and governed stock exchange. Dotson’s journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where she grew up witnessing her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Her parents’ entrepreneurial legacy greatly influenced her path, as they owned multiple businesses, including one of the first black-owned oil and gas service stations in the 1970s.

Driven by her passion for innovation and community empowerment, Dotson recognized the transformative potential of Dream Exchange. As a minority-owned stock exchange, Dream Exchange aims to provide equal access and opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and investors. Dotson’s investment showcases her commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses and creating an ecosystem within the financial industry.

“I invested in Dream Exchange because I believe in the power of innovation and the potential for positive change in the financial industry. This platform disrupts traditional norms and creates opportunities for underrepresented groups to access capital markets. By supporting Dream Exchange, I am investing in a future that embraces equal opportunity for all.” – Lorri Dotson

“The arrival of our investors is not merely a financial transaction; it is a testament to the strength of our vision and the promise of our organization. Their partnership symbolizes a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and long-term success. We are truly fortunate to have them by our side as we embark on this extraordinary journey.” – said Founder and CEO Joe Cecala.

“We welcome the recent round of investors with open arms; let us not forget the profound impact their support will have on our collective journey. Their belief in our mission is a testament to the potential we hold and the transformative power of our vision. Together, we will forge new paths, break barriers, and create a future that surpasses all expectations.” – said Managing Member, Dwain Kyles

This news was first published on blackbusiness.com

Car, stolen car, electronics, Mother's Day, Mother, Day

by Stacy Jackson

September 26, 2023

Preteens Hijack Mom’s Car After Having Electronic Devices Taken Away

A 10-year-old boy and his 11-year-old sister hijacked their mother’s car after having their electronic devices removed as a punishment for “not using them appropriately.”

Alachua police stopped the unidentified minors on a freeway near Gainesville, Florida, on Sept. 21 after their mother’s white sedan was reported missing, according to Today. The younger brother was behind the wheel when deputies ordered the occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint at around 3:50 a.m.

Though their mother chose not to pursue the stolen vehicle case, the children could face other charges for operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.

The siblings managed to travel 200 miles away from home. After police took them into custody, their mother drove three hours to pick them up.

“Our detectives did speak with their mother at length,” the sheriff’s office said. She “was clearly doing her best to raise two young children, and she was very receptive to the recommendations they provided in helping her get assistance.”

On Thursday, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department alerted the public via Facebook post that the siblings, who had also been reported missing by their mother, were pulled over on I-75. The department shared, “Two North Port, Florida kids are stopped in Alachua County operating a stolen vehicle. At around 3:50 a.m., Deputies located a white sedan traveling on I-75 in the City of Alachua.”

The department added, “Much to their surprise, Deputies observed a 10 year old male driver exit the vehicle, along with his 11 year old sister.”

The police department said in a later comment on the same post that the siblings stole the car and left home because they were “upset” with their mother.

The comment began, “We have read and understand that several of you have questions about this incident. We will do our best to elaborate just a bit to help you better understand the outcome of this incident.

“It was learned that both children were upset with their mother because she took away their electronic devices, which is believed to have been done because they were not using them appropriately.”

The police department also said it was not led to believe anyone at home was mistreating the children.

by Jeffrey McKinney

September 26, 2023

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Wants To Close The Youth Mentorship Gap

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is aiming to close the mentorship gap for Black youth as it looks to attract 1 million supporters.

The effort comes as the organization reports there are 30,000 backlogged mentees waiting to be matched with a mentor. The BBBSA declares there are five times more boys on the waiting list than girls hoping for a “Big.” Most of the youth are boys of color.

“It Takes Little to Be Big,” the new national brand campaign, is intended to challenge myths and shift perceptions. The supporters BBBSA is recruiting include mentors, volunteers, influencers, strategic partners, and alums.

The BBBSA, which identifies itself as “the nation’s largest and most experienced mentoring organization,” plans to unite alums, supporters, celebrities, and partners to become mentors and show its efforts are vital to the success of today’s children. BBBSA reports serving 400,000 Bigs, Littles, and their communities in 5,000 communities across 50 states. The organization says over 70% of young people, or “Littles,” are from communities of color.

BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens stated, “We believe in the power of mentorship — we’ve seen its lifelong impact for the millions of kids we’ve served, and on the lives of Bigs who serve as mentors.”

Stevens is the first Black CEO in the BBBSA’s 100-plus-year history.

The push comes as BBBSA says one in three kids today in America is growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor. It believes the gap between mentorship and youth who mostly need it keeps widening because of perceived barriers and expertise needed to become a mentor.

According to a news release, a cornerstone of the campaign is “A Million Little Moments,” a digital storytelling initiative on BeBigNow.org and BBBSA’s social media platforms.

Other campaign details, with some big names behind it, include:

A new PSA, created in partnership with Dentsu Creative and the Ghanaian-American creative entrepreneur Joshua Kissi. “It features real Bigs and Littles, bringing the authentic moments of mentorship to life to show the impact and importance of mentorship through visual storytelling.” Kissi has worked with the likes of Serena Williams, LeBron James, and the beauty brand Ulta.

Grammy-nominated recording artist Aloe Blacc created a campaign anthem called “Never Let You Down.” BBBSA says the song will be available for download on all streaming platforms, with a portion of the money raised going to the organization.

BBBSA has partnered with industry leaders to amplify the campaign and encourage the support of volunteers and donors. It says Clear Channel Outdoor will launch a series of “It Takes Little to Be Big” billboards in key U.S. markets including New York City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

Visit here to gain more details on the campaign.

by Stacy Jackson

September 26, 2023

Michelle Obama Cakes Up Nearly $750K With Recent Speaking Gig

Michelle Obama just collected a nearly $750,000 check to give a speech on diversity and inclusion.

The former first lady of the United States was selected to give a one-hour speech at the Bits & Pretzels Founder Festival in Germany on Sept. 25. She appeared at the tech fair in Munich to speak at a startup event. According to Daily Mail, two inside sources of the conference said the event was “held on the sidelines of the annual Oktoberfest beer festival.”

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The gig for Obama was reportedly worth 700,000 euros, the equivalent of $741,000 U.S. dollars. Conference organizers said the 59-year-old has been highly requested by participants for years and added that she “topped the list, year after year.”

“They really pulled out all the stops to get her,” said the Bits and Pretzels team insider. “It’s one of the highest fees that they have ever paid.”

Booking the former FLOTUS isn’t cheap. Axios reported in 2017 that the pricetag to book The Light We Carry author was $200,000, while her husband, former President Barack Obama’s price was double that at $400,000. The Obamas served two consecutive terms as the first Black U.S. president and first lady from January 2009 to January 2017, as noted by Daily Mail.

The speaking gig is relative to the attorney’s journey as the first Black first lady of the country. Recently, questions have been raised about the author stepping in as a possible alternative candidate to Joe Biden if he withdraws from the 2024 presidential race.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Obama has repeatedly denied any desire to seek office. However, Democrats may be looking to push her to run for candidacy.

“High-level Democrats are rallying to President Biden’s reelection, not because they think it’s in the best interest of the country to have an 82-year-old start a second term but because they fear the potential alternative: the nomination of Kamala Harris and election of Donald Trump,” a Politico report read earlier this year.

Fox 5 Atlanta wrote that Democrats believe she has the “it” factor to beat 2024 candidate Donald Trump.