Brittany Renner
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2024

Brittany Renner Reveals How Her Finances Have ‘Crumbled’ Since She Became A Devoted Muslim

'I have no idea where I'm going to live or how I'm going to provide for my son,' she revealed on Instagram.

Brittany Renner is revealing how much her life has “crumbled” since making a complete 180 from her former Instagram model/reality star persona to a devoted Muslim.

The Basketball Wives alum took to Instagram last week to provide a candid update on the current status of her life since devoting herself to the Muslim religion. According to Renner, her new fully clothed lifestyle isn’t offering her the same financial benefits she once enjoyed.

“First of all, Allahu Akbar. I’ve gone through a lot of changes internally, and as a result, my outer world has completely crumbled,” she told her followers. “I’m sorry, I don’t know. Leaving me incredibly uncertain in just about every area in my life.”

“I have no idea where I’m going to live or how I’m going to provide for my son,” Renner continued. “But Allah has moved mountains for me, and I trust that this will be no different.”

Comparing herself to the Alice in Wonderland scene where Alice ate a cookie and grew bigger than the house she was in, Renner went on to say that she has “outgrown where I am.”

“The facade is fading, Alhamdulillah,” she added. “And I’m at a place where I don’t want anything that doesn’t have my name on it. Take it away. It serves no purpose here, and I don’t want a penny more than I’m meant to have because I can do a lot with a little.”

Renner ended her message with a declaration to remove all material distractions from her life that no longer serve her.

“The facade is fading, and when the facade fades and all the BS is cleared out, it makes room for what has always been for you,” she said.

The messages follow a month-long journey Renner has documented on Instagram to move away from the tight and revealing clothing she used to make money as an Instagram model to her unannounced transition to wearing hijab coverings and fully covered clothing.

Last month, she posted a video showing herself throwing out all of her old clothes that don’t fit into her new lifestyle.

“Cleaning house. Out with the old, in with the new,” Renner said while sporting a red hijab.

Renner still has old FashionNova modeling pics on her page, likely due to contractual obligations. But more recently, her FashionNova promo posts show her modeling Nova Men and full coverings along with her hijab. It’s a bold move from a former reality star who admitted her body count during an interview on Club Shay Shay last September.

Now, one year later, Renner has made a drastic change in the lifestyle she promotes online. Unfortunately, it means a change in the way she once made her money.

Gary Payton, Green Label Rx, hemp, Cannabis
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2024

Gary Payton Partners With Green Label Rx To Launch ‘Greater Purpose’ Cannabis Brand

'It became important for me to share the benefits of cannabis-based recovery and offer top-tier wellness products for those living active lifestyles.'

Former NBA great Gary Payton has recently partnered with Green Label Rx to launch Greater Purpose, a wellness brand that fuses cannabis and recovery for athletes and professionals.

The product will debut on Sept. 20 at Hall of Flowers, a cannabis industry expo in Santa Rosa, California. The former Seattle Supersonic legendary guard has collaborated with Green Label Rx Founder Jason McKnight to bring this product to the world.

“With maintaining peak physical performance throughout my career, it became important for me to share the benefits of cannabis-based recovery and offer top-tier wellness products for those living active lifestyles,” said Gary Payton in a written statement.

Greater Purpose touts itself as the first brand of its kind to combine the world of recovery and cannabis. The line of topical products will aid in relieving chronic muscle pain as it was developed to utilize the medicinal benefits of cannabis and formulated to assist people who are engaged in active lifestyles.

At the Hall of Flowers festival, people will experience Greater Purpose while receiving exclusive giveaway prizes, live product demos, and a chance to meet Payton at the event.

“Greater Purpose is more than just a product line – it’s a movement to redefine how we think about recovery and self-care,” Jason McKnight said.

It was recently revealed that Payton, who has been coaching basketball for several years, was announced as the new head coach of the College of Alameda men’s basketball team. He will lead the team after being the head coach at Lincoln University in Oakland, California, for the past three seasons.

Payton has been coaching in Ice Cube’s Big3 league since it started in 2017. This past season, he led his team to the title and was named the Big3 Coach of the Year.

He won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. The 56-year-old played in the NBA for 17 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics, the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics. He was picked as NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the 1995-96 season, becoming the first point guard to win the award.

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrate Black Cannabis Week With The Diasporic Alliance For Cannabis Opportunities 

Frankie Beverly, Farewell Tour, Atlanta, Georgia, maze, Tony Lindsay, farewell, State Farm arena, retire, retirement,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2024

Frankie Beverly’s Music Catalog Scores Multiple Billboard ‘Top 10’ Debuts After Singer’s Death

Three of his songs were among the top 10 songs on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart.

Master performer and revered R&B soul singer Frankie Beverly died on Sept. 10 at 77. Music lovers flocked to listen to his songs online shortly after his death, and three of his songs were among the top 10 songs on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart.

According to RatedRnB, the singer saw a massive uptick in sales on the list after news of his death hit the airwaves. His most popular song, “Before I Let Go,” which seems like it’s been played at every Black BBQ for the past 40 years, shot up to the No. 2 slot on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart, according to Luminate. “Joy and Pain” was at the  No. 7 spot, while “Golden Time of Day” came in at No. 7.

Meanwhile, Billboard reported that the streams for Beverly’s catalog (Maze feat. Frankie Beverly) jumped 970%. From Sept. 8–10, songs streamed on-demand were over 690,000. After the announcement of his death, from Sept. 11–13, it skyrocketed to over 7.4 million streams.

“Before I Let Go” saw a jump of 540% from 156,000 streams to just over 997,000 streams. Streams of the song “Joy and Pain” increased 1200% from just over 50,000 to over 654,000 streams. Sales after his passing across his catalog saw a 9,308% boost. Before Beverly’s death, between Sept. 8-10, there were only 95 digital tracks sold; between Sept. 11-13, that figure rose to over 8,900 digital tracks sold.

When Beverly was asked about Beyoncé recording a cover of “Before I Let Go” in 2019, he expressed that it was an honor to have her re-record that song.

“It’s a blessing. It’s amazing how she works; she’s very smart,” he told Billboard at the time of the song’s release. “I’m caught off guard, but in a beautiful way. She’s such a sweet person, too. She’s a very sweet, religious kind of person. Then, the way she just released it, it’s off the chain. She’s done so much; this is one of the high points of my life.”

RELATED CONTENT: Frankie Beverly Reportedly Had 6-Figure Net Worth When He Died

Tarji Carter - The Franchise Game Founder / Event Organizer
by Nancy E Williams

September 19, 2024

Second Annual ‘The Franchise Game’ Symposium In Plano, TX Broke New Ground

The Franchise Game, the US’s first and only African American Franchise Symposium and Trade Show, held its second annual event on Aug. 16, 2024, in Plano, Texas. The event, spearheaded by The Franchise Player, Tarji Carter, Marketing Expert Dessie Brown, Jr., and Brand Consultant Daylon Goff, took place at Yum! Restaurants International Corporate Campus. The symposium brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss the secrets to success, challenges, and opportunities in franchising.

Lubbock D. Smith, III (Vista Bank), Rickey Booker (Breakfast Brothers), Jarvis Boyd (chick-fil-A owner/operator), Consuela Jacobs (Chick Fil A Owner/Operator), Terrence Shine (Wells Fargo Bank)
Attendees at The Franchise Game
: Jarvis Boyd, Roland Parrish, Dessie Brown, Jr.
Tarji Carter, The Franchise Player
Alongside Dessie Brown and Daylon Goff (the Co-Founders of The Franchise Game)
Roland Parish and Lady Jade

(Photo Credits: Donnie R. Word II)

The theme for this year’s event, “Own Your Future: Franchising as a Path to True Independence,” was keenly in focus throughout the day. There were numerous notable highlights, but according to Tarji Carter, “One of the most unforgettable moments at The Franchise Game 2024 was the incredible fireside chat with our honored guest, Roland Parrish, and the amazing Lady Jade. Roland’s story of using his success to revitalize a struggling community in Dallas through his foundation is truly inspiring. And his sponsorship of the Charlie Pride internship with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club shows just how deep his commitment runs. But what really stole the show were the priceless gems he dropped, encouraging everyone to lead with integrity, not greed. His words hit home in a powerful way and left the audience feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to make a difference.”

James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer of Yum! Brands made a tremendous impact at this year’s The Franchise Game by offering two scholarships to the Yum! Franchising Bootcamp at the University of Louisville’s Executive Education Program! This opportunity is a game-changer for the two lucky attendees, who will now have the chance to dive deep into the world of franchising and gain invaluable knowledge to level up their business journey. What a fantastic gesture of support and empowerment from James and Yum! Brands!

This year attracted twice the number of exhibitors, including Ben & Jerry’s, American Franchise Academy, Nebo Law Firm, Dine Brands (IHOP, Applebee’s, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop), GoTo Foods (Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Jamba Juice, McAlister’s Deli, and Auntie Anne’s), Smoothie King, Potbelly Sandwiches, KFC, European Wax Center, Inspire Brands (Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy Johns, and Sonic Drive-In), EATS Broker (restaurant broker), ATenantCo (commercial real estate), Orchatect (IT infrastructure solutions), and Chick N Max.

I had the pleasure of attending the Symposium and Trade Show representing Ben & Jerry’s and covering the event for BLACK ENTERPRISE readers. In my role as Franchise Development Consultant for the brand, I shared with The Franchise Game attendees details about Ben & Jerry’s industry-leading Racial Equity Incentive Program, which offers a significant reduction in the franchise fee and waived royalty fees for BIPOC candidates interested in ownership. “It’s clearly one of the most, if not the most, aggressive incentives programs in the game,” expressed Carter. “We were also very grateful to partner with Ben & Jerry’s, who generously sponsored ten tickets for students from the University of North Texas at Frisco, giving them the opportunity to attend The Franchise Game and get a firsthand look at the world of franchising. It’s all about creating opportunity and access, and we’re so grateful for Ben & Jerry’s commitment to making a real difference!”

With the overwhelming success of The Franchise Game 2024, planning for 2025 is already underway. Carter shared, “2024 was an absolute game-changer! We doubled in size, with bigger, better, and bolder programming that set the stage for something truly special. Our partnership with Yum! Brands has been phenomenal, and I’m excited to announce we’re returning to their Plano Corporate Campus for The Franchise Game 2025 — and trust me, it’s going to be EPIC! We’re already gearing up for next year, ready to welcome more Texas entrepreneurs and give them the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to thrive as franchise owners. I can’t wait to see everyone there!”

To learn more about The Franchise Player and events, go to thefranchiseplayer.com.

OG Maco, Atlanta, dies
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2024

Mia X Inducted Into Rice University’s Hip Hop Archival Collection

Mia X is the latest Southern rap pioneer added to Rice University's Hip-Hop Archival Collection.

Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) just added the First Lady of No Limit Records to its growing Hip-Hop Archival Collection to celebrate her trailblazing contributions to rap music.

Mia X was honored on Sept. 18 as a hip-hop pioneer through Rice University’s “Mia X: Soldier, Survivor, Savant” event held inside the Grand Hall at the Rice Memorial Center. The prestigious school hailed as a “New Ivy” by Forbes, added Mia X to the collection to celebrate her role as the first female rapper signed to Master P’s No Limit Records and her diverse three-decade career as an artist, entrepreneur, and educator.

Her induction into the Hip Hop Archival Collection honors Mia X’s influence as an artist whose work explores social justice, race, and empowerment themes. Mia X is celebrated for serving as a trailblazer with her feminist-focused lyrics of the 1990s and activism, in which she most recently used her lyrical flow to motivate people to get the COVID-19 vaccine on “Vax That Thang Up” with Juvenile and Mannie Fresh.

“Mia X is a major figure in the history of hip-hop, blazing a path many others have followed,” said Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of Humanities and founding director of CERCL and Rice’s Center for African and African American Studies.

“Having Mia X contribute to the CERCL Hip Hop Archival Collection helps us to extend Rice’s engagement with the expansive geography of hip-hop. We are excited to bring Mia X to campus, and we look forward to our ongoing connection.”

A panel discussion was held to honor Mia X’s contributions that featured Pinn, Chinara Butler (widow of the late Pimp C), and G Dash, a key figure in the SwishaHouse movement. The discussion delved into topics that covered Mia X’s pioneering influence and the lasting impact of her work on culture.

The Hip Hop Archival Collection, founded by Pinn to preserve hip-hop’s cultural significance, is central to CERCL’s mission of documenting and honoring hip-hop’s cultural significance, especially in the South, where artists like Mia X have played a key role in shaping the genre’s evolution. The collection, housed in Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center, also emphasizes its role as a platform for intellectual and community leadership.

Mia X’s inception follows that of rap pioneers Pimp C, Too Short, K-Rino, and SwishaHouse.

RELATED CONTENT: Hip Hop Hall Of Fame Celebrates The Culture With UPCOMING CAFE AND MUSEUM IN HARLEM

Purdue, Trey Kaufman-Renn Racist Taunts ,Illinois
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2024

Memphis Head Coach Penny Hardaway Announces Latest Assistant Coaches

Nolan Smith and former Detroit Mercy basketball head coach Mike Davis will be on the staff as assistant coaches for the 2024-25 season.

Former NBA player-turned-college basketball coach, Penny Hardaway has just announced that he has hired two assistant coaches, one a former HBCU head coach to join his staff at the University of Memphis.

The school announced that Nolan Smith and former Detroit Mercy basketball head coach Mike Davis will be on the staff as assistant coaches for the 2024-25 season.

“I am excited to have coach Davis as part of our program,” Hardaway said in a written statement. “He is a veteran coach and brings a winning mentality to the team with an impressive resume to back it up, both on and off the court.

“Mike has won at the highest level, achieved great success, and is a proven leader of young men. He will serve our program in the office, on campus, and in the community. We are happy to have Mike and his family in Memphis.”

Davis had spent the past six seasons as head coach at Detroit Mercy (2018-24) as he brings 35-plus years of experience coaching on the sideline. He has been a head coach for 24 years and took his teams to the postseason in 14 of those years. He has a winning record in 15 of those 24 seasons while recording at least 20 wins nine times.

Meanwhile, Smith was recently an assistant coach at Louisville over the last two years (2022-24). Previous to working at Louisville, he spent six seasons working with legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke (2016-22).

“Nolan is a grit and grind guy and is one of the brightest young coaches in college basketball,” Hardaway said. “He works hard and has a passion for the game that is unmatched.

“He brings a championship mindset to our team after not only having won a national championship as a player but also by learning from one of the all-time greats in, Mike Krzyzewski. Our players are going to love being in the gym with Nolan, and we are excited to have him and his family as part of Tiger Nation.”

The Tigers will play their first exhibition game on Oct. 15 at the Hoops for St. Jude® Tip Off Classic, where they will face off against North Carolina at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.

Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia, Sixers
by Stacy Jackson

September 19, 2024

Philly Mayor Approves Plans For New Sixers Arena Near Chinatown

Mayor Parker's endorsement is an attempt to keep the Sixers team in the city, but some residents oppose the arena's location near Chinatown.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker believes she’s made the right deal for the city’s people by approving building plans for a new arena in Center City to keep the Sixers home.

“Philadelphia, I am proud,” the mayor said in a video from her City Hall office on Sept. 18. “This is a historic agreement. It is the best financial deal ever entered into by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena.”

According to CBS News, Parker hosted a town hall meeting a week before Wednesday’s announcement to discuss the $1.55 million project, 76 Place. Plans included the arena’s location on Market and Filbert Streets and 10th and 11th Streets. The development would replace a section of Fashion District Philadelphia and include a 395-unit high-rise beside the arena. The mayor says the agreement would result in a private investment of over $1.3 billion for the city.

“We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with City Council,” the Sixers said in a statement.

The endorsement follows New Jersey’s offer for the Sixers to build the arena on the Camden waterfront near the Ben Franklin Bridge, but Parker is determined to keep the team in the city. However, due to its location near Chinatown, plans for 76 Place sparked controversy after it was pitched in 2022. Ahead of Parker’s town hall meeting last week, protestors gathered in opposition to the proposal, and according to CBS News, participants argued the project’s potential to displace residents and harm small businesses. Councilmember Mark Squilla informed us that legislators will consider public comments and amendments before a final vote to introduce legislation on the project to protect Chinatown and neighboring residents.

The proposal calls for final approval from the City Council, and Mayor Parker stated she would make a formal presentation soon. The Sixers hope to open the new arena by the 2031-32 NBA season. For now, the team will remain at the Wells Fargo Center.

Shelitha Robertson, PPP, Atlanta attorney, SBA, ppp loan fraud, lawyer, Juventus Duorinaah, Carlos Moore
by Jameelah Mullen

September 19, 2024

Former Georgia Politician Arrested For PPP Loan Fraud

James Frank Austin allegedly purchased a Bentley after receiving nearly $2 million in funds.

Former Georgia State House candidate James Frank Austin Jr. was indicted by a federal grand jury for filing a false COVID PPP loan application. 

According to the indictment, Austin received over $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) assistance. A second defendant, Rosalend Way, was also named in the indictment, WMAZ News, Macon reported.

The indictment accused James Frank Austin Jr. of bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiring to commit wire fraud. Way was charged with two counts of conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help offset payroll expenses for businesses affected by the  COVID-19 pandemic. 

Austin filed a PPP loan request where he claimed that his business, Austin Smith Center for Community Development, had 15 employees with a monthly payroll of approximately $650,000. He received a loan for $654,315. 

Austin and Way also filed a loan application for another organization, the Propel Opportunity Fund (POF).

The pair claimed they had 18 employees with an average monthly payroll of $420,558, according to the indictment obtained by The Macon Times. They provided documentation that showed they had paid more than $4.9 million in wages in 2019. They received over $1 million in loans for this application.

They submitted another application on behalf of the POF and received $372,500.

According to prosecutors, the information and the supporting documents, which included IRS forms, were falsified. The company had no employees and, therefore, no payroll expenses.

After receiving $2 million in COVID assistance, Austin and Way allegedly used the funds for personal use. Way is accused of using $30,000 to pay off a loan with Mercedes-Benz Financial. Austin purchased a Bentley for $119,840, prosecutors alleged. 

Way was arrested on Tuesday and released on $20,000 bond. Austin was arrested on Sept.18 and made his first appearance in Federal Court on Sept. 19.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Atlanta Attorney Sentenced 7 Years For Stealing $15M In PPP Loans

J.D. Vance, Haitian immigrants
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 19, 2024

J.D. Vance Says He Will Continue To Call Haitian Migrants ‘Illegal Aliens’ Despite Being Completely Wrong

He just doesn't know when to stop....

Ohio senator and Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance doubled down on his claims that Haitian migrants are “illegal aliens” after a reporter confirmed a majority of them are in the country legally, HuffPost reported.   

During the Sept. 18 rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vance said he would continue to mislabel members of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, after suggesting they have been stealing and eating neighborhood pets. When a reporter asked Vance how he plans to remove the estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living there, the senator pointed the finger at Vice President Kamala Harris. “This is a media and Kamala Harris fact check that I want to clarify and clear up right now. The media loves to say that the Haitian migrants, hundreds of thousands of them by the way … they are here legally,” Vance said. 

“And what they mean is Kamala Harris used two separate programs, mass parole and Temporary Protected Status. She used two programs to wave a wand and say we’re not going to deport those people here. Well, if Kamala Harris waves the wand illegally and says these people are now here legally, I’m still going to call them an illegal alien.”

Vance continued to say that “an illegal action from Kamala Harris does not make an alien legal. That is not how this works.”

His comments about the Temporary Protected Status program are incorrect. Close to 300,000 Haitians have been granted residence in the United States under the program. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Homeland Security extended the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Haitian beneficiaries under the program through August 2025. 

It allows migrants from foreign countries facing disasters or political turmoil to live in the U.S. legally. In June 2024, the Biden administration extended TPS status for Haitians until Feb. 3, 2026. 

Because of false claims that both Vance and Donald Trump have spread about the Haitian community, the mid-sized town has been riddled with bomb threats, school evacuations, and harassment toward its residents. According to NPR, Vance’s team reached out to city leadership to find out if the rumors were true, and after finding out they were lies, he continued to spread them anyway. “He asked point-blank, ‘Are the rumors true of pets being taken and eaten?’” Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck said. 

“I told him no. There was no verifiable evidence or reports to show this was true. I told them these claims were baseless.” Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has called for the attacks from political leaders to stop attacking the community as the city has experienced over 30 bomb threats since.

travis Hunter, NIL
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2024

Colorado Football Player Travis Hunter Has Signed The ‘Smartest NIL Deal Ever’ With NerdWallet

'The NIL partnership with NerdWallet empowers me to take charge of my long-term financial future.'

University of Colorado Boulder wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter just inked the “Smartest NIL Deal Ever” when he connected with NerdWallet.

According to the financial company, the future NFL player, currently playing for NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has committed to placing at least 20% of his fee into a smart savings account.

“Preparation is the key to success both on and off the field, and I’m excited to plan for a strong financial future with the help of NerdWallet,” Hunter said in a written statement. “The NIL partnership with NerdWallet empowers me to take charge of my long-term financial future, and I truly believe it can be a game-changer for college athletes like me.”

The financial company is also encouraging other athletes who are interested in their own NIL (Name, image, likeness) deal to check out this link. It provides instructions on how they can partner with NerdWallet if they agree to the terms and conditions listed on the page.

NerdWallet is also giving away a Travis Hunter limited edition playing card on its social media channels. Anyone interested in obtaining that card is instructed to tag a friend with #NerdWalletSweeps in their co-posted Instagram post.

The two-way player (Meaning he plays both defense and offense) signed an NIL deal with Squishmallows last November.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, when asked about his preference for what side of the ball he’d like to be on, whether a cornerback or a wide receiver, he replied he would like to play both positions if he can make it to the NFL. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his coach, who played on offense and defense during his time in the NFL as an active player.

RELATED CONTENT: University Of Colorado Welcomes Its First Officially Registered Black Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi

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