Alicia Keys, Alicia Teas
by Stacy Jackson

September 25, 2023

Alicia Keys Secures Trademark For ‘Alicia Teas’ Tea Line

Alicia Keys is giving us the tea after filing a new trademark for a line of teas.

The Grammy-winner secured rights to the name “Alicia Teas,” a gift from her producer hubby Swizz Beatz. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the trademark was filed by the singer’s company, AK Worldwide, to secure the name, which is a play on her own name.

In 2020, Swizz surprised Keys with the line of teas during the presentation of gifts for her birthday that year. The rapper was already thinking ahead at the time, imagining that his wife’s teas would make their way into Starbucks for tea drinkers and fans alike to enjoy.

“Everybody in Starbucks all around the world will see Alicia Teas. Happy birthday, baby. Love you,” Swizz wrote on Instagram in 2020, according to Crow River Media.

The “If I Ain’t Got You” singer studied the package that was handed to her by Swizz, and said, “It’s for real. It means that you did this very far in advance,” Contact Music reported.

Taking the next step for her Alicia Teas line marked another exciting milestone for the songwriter this year. In August, the “Girl on Fire” artist announced the official stock of her five bestselling Keys Soulcare products in Ulta Beauty’s “What We Are Loving” section.

The products include skincare favorites such as the VIRAL Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum; Golden Cleanser; Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum; Original Skin Transformation Cream; and Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Keys’ lifestyle brand kicked off in 2020 as a collaboration with e.l.f. Beauty, as previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

 

 

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In March, BE covered the businesswoman’s newly released fashion collection in collaboration with the Italian luxury brand Moncler. The collection was launched as a tribute to the “Empire State of Mind” singer’s New York City roots. The Moncler x Alicia Keys line featured baggy tracksuits, nylon bucket hats, and cropped halter tops in celebration of Keys’ 1990s NYC upbringing.

RELATED CONTENT: Black American Music Association To Honor Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis In Morehouse Ceremony

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Writers Guild of America Reaches Tentative Deal With Studios After Monthslong Strike

After five months of striking and protesting outside major Hollywood studios, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) members have reached a tentative deal.

The deal was reached on Sunday, Sept. 24, after days of serious negotiations, CNN reports. The exact terms of the deal remain under wraps while the agreement moves toward ratification by WGA members.

The agreement comes just in time, as the nearly five-month-long strike inched close to surpassing a 1988 strike that lasted 154 days.

“What we have won in this contract — most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd — is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the WGA told its 11,000 members in an email on Sunday.

“It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.”

While the tentative WGA deal does not immediately end the strike, it serves as a path forward to ending the historic hiatus that has put much of Hollywood at a standstill.

“To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then,” the WGA wrote.

“But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing.”

Meanwhile, the actors union SAG-AFTRA remains on a strike that kicked off in mid-July. The union that represents over 160,000 actors could see some hope with WGA reaching a deal after being the first to launch a strike.

Now, with WGA reaching a deal, the Guild is encouraging its members to join the picket line for the actors’ strike this week. It is also praising the new agreement.

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA said.

RELATED CONTENT: Billy Porter Sells Home ‘Because Of The Strikes’ Blasts Hollywood Execs

 

London Police Turn In Firearms After Officer Charged With Murder
by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

London Police Turn In Firearms After Officer Charged With Murder

Following the shooting death of 24-year-old Chris Kaba by a London police marksman, some officers have refused to carry guns while on patrol.

While England, unlike the United States, does not typically give their officers firearms, the agents that do carry guns underwent specialized training to use them while on patrol. As the Associated Press reported, the Metropolitan Police said its officers are concerned that charging the officer with murder “signals a shift in the way the decisions they make in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.” 

Kaba was killed Sept. 5, 2022, after Metropolitan Police chased him in an unmarked car. After the vehicle stopped, Kaba was hit by a bullet fired through the windshield of his Audi as he sat in his car. The officer who killed Kaba was granted provisional bail as he awaits his trial date in 2024.

According to the BBC, on Sept. 23, over 100 officers turned in their issued firearms, which many British social media users called a petulant action, while police from other departments were called in to help patrol. Metro police still had enough firearm capability to patrol effectively, but they still asked the Ministry of Defense to help with counterterrorism should the need arise.

 

Rosemary Ainslie of the Crown Prosecution Service said that after thoroughly reviewing all the evidence, a murder charge was agreed to for the unidentified officer who killed Kaba. The officer was subsequently suspended from duty and scheduled to appear before the Westminster Magistrate Court on Sept. 21.

Kaba’s death sparked protests and questions about institutional racism within London’s police force. Meanwhile, his family hopes a trial will take place as quickly as possible. The Independent Office for Police Conduct also investigated the incident and found that the shooting happened after a number plate recognition camera identified the plate as one that was linked to a previous firearm incident.

Charging police officers with murder or manslaughter is rare in the United Kingdom. The last officer to be charged with both was Benjamin Monk, in 2021. Monk killed a soccer player by shooting him with a stun gun and kicking him in the head. Monk was acquitted of the murder charge but is serving an eight-year sentence for manslaughter. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Oh My God, I’m Dying’ Denver Policeman Fired For Denying First Aid To Teen Gunshot Victim

concert tickets, IRS, resale
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 25, 2023

IRS Will Now Tax Profits From Re-Sold Concert Tickets

The IRS is coming for the profits made from tickets sold at a marked-up price. A new law will tax all ticket resellers who made over $600 from the endeavor.

The IRS is demanding that ticket distribution companies, including Ticketmaster and Stubhub, inform the government of all individuals who profited substantially from the reselling of tickets, as confirmed by Complex. However, what is deemed “substantial” has now significantly decreased, as the original regulation only required taxes to be paid on profits of $20,000 accumulated from 200 or more transactions annually.

This new ruling is part of the American Rescue Plan Act and comes at the heels of skyrocketing resale prices on multiple tours that commenced in the past year, such as Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The new stipulation is an effort to regulate ticket scalpers who take advantage of high demand by charging exorbitant prices.

In the announcement, the IRS detailed how ticket resellers making a sizable profit margin must now file a 1099-K form to comply with the new tax law.

“Payment apps and online marketplaces are required to file a Form 1099-K if the gross payments to you for goods and services are over $600,” stated the agency. “The $600 reporting threshold started with tax year 2023. There are no changes to what counts as income or how tax is calculated.”

The news will be a relief to fans, as ticket resellers who have made a livelihood out of obtaining tickets to boost their purchase value will now think twice about its feasibility. The venture itself is quite lucrative: The Wall Street Journal reports that the IRS expects 44 million forms to be issued in regard to newly added taxable income.

As for the ticket distribution companies themselves, President Joe Biden has also been adamant on stopping excessive charges when fans go to purchase tickets, tweeting on Sept. 23 his ongoing plan to stop “junk fees.”

 

RELATED CONTENT: It Feels Good! Raphael Saadiq Announces Tony! Toni! Toné! Tour Dates

Kanye west, bianca censori, Venice, Venetian water taxi
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Ye And His Wifey Are Offending Italians And Possibly Breaking Law With Bold Fashion Choices

After ruffling feathers in the United States, Ye, formerly Kanye West, is over in Italy keeping that same energy.

The disgraced rap/fashion mogul has been the center of attention in Italy through his bold fashion choices and inappropriate behavior on private boats. Ye’s latest controversy stems from the black face mask he’s been wearing, an apparel item that may go against Italian law.

According to Article 533, introduced in Italy in 1977, anti-terror and public order laws prohibit people from wearing any item that “hampers an individual’s identification.” Doing so could result in a fine of up to 2000 euros, the Daily Mail reports.

The law was designed to combat domestic terrorism by restricting face coverings in public, unless they are for religious reasons with prior authorization. But Kanye, a proud Christian, has never identified with any religious practice that warrants a full face covering.

Recent videos show Kanye donning all black along with a black cloth covering most of his face. The “Stronger” rapper reportedly did not receive approval from local authorities to wear the full face covering.

@dating_vips Kanye West a Milano😍🇮🇹 #kanyewest #milano #rapper #kimkardashian #kanyeomariwest #viral #perte #italia #rap #neiperte #kaynewest #famous #fyp #kanye #italy #milan ♬ Praise God – Kanye West

To add to the controversy, while Kanye is busy breaking laws with his face coverings, his wife, Bianca Censori, is upsetting locals with her revealing outfits. The Yeezy founder was out with his architect wife in Via dei Calzaiuoli, Italy, on Thursday, September 21, when Censori stopped to pose with fans, wearing a tight shiny leotard and high-sheen pantyhose.

The bold fashion choices come weeks after Kanye and Censori upset locals with a boating incident where the rapper was photographed with his bare buttocks out while his wife sat near his lap. The boat company has reportedly banned the couple from riding their vessels; they also might be under investigation.

With Kim Kardashian out of the picture, Kanye has seemingly found himself a new muse to join him in his antics.

RELATED CONTENT: The Artist Formerly Known As Kanye West Banned From Venetian Water Taxi Company For Naughty Acts With Wife

Deion Sanders, Colorado
by Derek Major

September 25, 2023

Deion Sanders Warns Teams ‘You Better Get Me Right Now’ After Blowout Loss

After a 3-0 start that elevated Colorado football to new heights, the Buffaloes came crashing back to earth Saturday in a 42-6 loss to No. 10 Oregon. Still, head coach Deion Sanders is warning opponents they will only get stronger.

The Buffaloes struggled in its game against Oregon as the Ducks took advantage of the Buffaloes’ inexperience. Additionally, Colorado was missing two-way star Travis Hunter. The Ducks led 13-0 after the first quarter and went into halftime with a 35-0 lead. When Colorado scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter to avoid a shutout, the Ducks blocked the extra point, leaving them at six.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders went 22-for-39 for 159 yards and one touchdown, and wide receiver Xavier Weaver caught nine passes for 75 yards, but the Buffaloes struggled to move the ball and stop Oregon’s offense from scoring.

After a pregame speech by Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning in which he took several shots at Colorado and Sanders’ marketing bravado, Prime Time admitted his team was outplayed in his postgame press conference.

“It was a good old-fashioned butt-kicking, no excuses, no nothing,” Sanders said, sporting his trademark sunglasses. “Their coach staff did a heck of a job preparing their team; obviously we didn’t. That was good, that was a really good old-fashioned butt-kicking.”

However, at the end of his presser, Sanders, who is in his first year at Colorado, also let his future opponents know that now is the time to get him and his team, because this is the weakest they will be.

“One thing that I can say honestly and candidly, you better get me right now, this is the worst we’re going to be, you better get me right now, ’cause I like what I see,” Sanders said. “I know I have on shades, but I can see the future, and it looks really good.”

Sanders and his team, who fell out of the AP Top 25 with the loss, will get no breaks as they face No. 8 ranked USC on Saturday, Sept. 30, at noon EST.

RELATED CONTENT: Colorado Sells Out of Season Tickets For First Time As Deion Sanders Brings Swag To Boulder

 

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Jonathan Majors Seems To Hint At Marriage After Calling Meagan Good ‘The Missus’

Jonathan Majors might be ready to put a ring on Meagan Good, if he hasn’t already, after referring to his actress girlfriend as “the missus.”

On Sept. 23, 2023, the Creed III star joined Good, 42, at the Congressional Black Caucus’ eighth annual Black and White Gala, which she co-hosted with Larenz Tate, People reports. In a video shared online, Majors, 36, is seen supporting his leading lady after she greeted the crowd.

“We’re just so happy to be here with y’all tonight, celebrating us, celebrating the moves we’re making, celebrating the way we love and support each other, the way that we shift the world. Let’s enjoy ourselves!” Good says in the clip.

“So many beautiful Black faces. I love us, y’all! We are so beautiful! That’s all I got. I’m just happy to be here and I love y’all!” she said before turning it over to Majors and asking, “Babe, you want to say anything?”

“Y’all heard the missus, so that’s what it is,” he said.

https://twitter.com/agojie_/status/1705950948865057177?s=46&t=3D7wlb4z2ZfClL-c3LXqpA

It was a bold statement from Majors since confirming their relationship in May amid his high-profile assault case with an ex-girlfriend. Good has remained by Majors’ side as he battles it out in court with Grace Jabbari, an ex who accused him of physically assaulting her while riding in a New York taxi in March.

Majors was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault, and harassment after he allegedly “[struck the victim] about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear.”

However, according to Majors’ attorney Priya Chaudhry, her client “completely denies assaulting the woman” and in fact claims to be the actual victim. The trial has yet to begin, after it was rescheduled on September 15.

Meanwhile, Good finalized her divorce from DeVon Franklin in June 2022 after nine years of marriage.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors And Meagan Good Hold Hands At Court Appearance For His Domestic Violence Case

Chad Ochocinco,
by Derek Major

September 25, 2023

Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson Joins Cxmmunity Media As HBCU Esports League Ambassador

Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is getting into esports and gaming with Cxmmunity Media, a Black-owned media technology company. The former NFL receiver is an ambassador for the fourth season of its HBCU Esports League, which began earlier this month.

According to a PR Newswire release, Johnson is the league ambassador for HBCU Esports League, which brings together gamers from 15 HBCUs to go head-to-head in a series of tournaments for a chance at $170,000 in prize money toward scholarships.

“I’m excited to be working with the HBCU Esports League and help them grow to new heights in their fourth season,” Johnson said in a statement. “Gaming has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to support Cxmmunity Media’s mission to diversify the gaming industry.”

Students participating in the HBCU Esports League represent Howard University, North Carolina A&T, Wilberforce University, Morehouse College, Florida Memorial University, Alabama A&M, Benedict College, Claflin University, Delaware State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Southern University, and Texas Southern University.

Season four of the HBCU Esports League will be streamed on Twitch’s gaming platform and lead up to the Discover Bowl on December 17, 2023.

More than 80% of Black teens identify as gamers. However, they are significantly underrepresented, making up less than 5% of the industry. Cxmmunity Media, launched in 2021, is working to change that by providing Black gamers with a platform to showcase their skills, gain exposure and access to resources, and monetize their talent. Cxmmunity has already donated more than $1.3 million toward scholarships for HBCU students through tournament prize pools, and has engaged more than 600 Black gamers and 40 HBCUs.

Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro wide receiver who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, has been involved in the industry for years as both a gamer and a fan. He is a big fan of the FIFA soccer video game franchise and the sport itself.

 

Uber Eats To Accept Food Stamps For Grocery Delivery Payment
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 25, 2023

Uber Eats To Accept Food Stamps For Grocery Delivery Payment

Uber Eats is becoming more inclusive to its users who are on government assistance. The food delivery service has announced that it will allow payment options for grocery delivery, including food stamps.

Users of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can utilize Uber Eats’ services as the company seeks to break the barriers impeding access to quality food for diverse groups.

The company shared the announcement of its incoming development on its website on Sept. 20.

“We know that online food delivery can have a meaningful impact in reducing barriers to fresh groceries, especially for the most vulnerable–including people living in food deserts, seniors, and those facing disabilities or transportation barriers,” detailed the statement. “Helping to improve access to quality food is incredibly important to our work at Uber, and we’re proud to use Uber’s technology and extensive local delivery networks to offer SNAP recipients the ability to use their benefits to access fresh groceries conveniently from our app in 2024.”

However, this new avenue is not the sole method Uber Eats will be rolling out to broaden its accessibility in the hopes of “simplifying how people can access healthy foods and connect with their local grocers.”

The business is also working with Managed Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans to expand waiver payments, FSA, and Flex cards that can be used for purchases on the app.

The press release also detailed the installation of an AI assistant to promote new recipe ideas and customer shopping support, such as meal planning or finding sales on particular items.

These new services ultimately aim to connect poorer neighborhoods to higher-quality food options and aid those without the transportation and feasibility to purchase food in stores. As the rise of inflation within the past year has families across the country struggling with food insecurity, these new additions to Uber Eats hope to lessen the burden of buying groceries.

RELATED CONTENT: Delivery Gone Wrong: Black Women Draws Gun On Uber Eats Driver Who Walked Up In Her House

Celebrate National Cooking Day
by Sharelle Burt

September 25, 2023

Celebrate National Cooking Day With These 5 Black Chefs Who Have Changed The Way We Eat

One thing that Black people know how to do is cook. Over the years, the look of the culinary industry has drastically changed. From the traditional eating standards to Instagram chefs, the chefs in the aprons share one thing in common: being the best at what they do. For National Cooking Day on Sept. 25, Black Enterprise highlights five chefs killing the game in their respective lanes.

According to National Today, National Cooking Day was set up to encourage and inspire food lovers to try something new and explore the true beauty of the kitchen. From finger-licking good barbecue to fine-dining sous chefs, these five culinary artists have created a lane of their own.

Rodney Scott – South Carolina 

 

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Scott is known to make your mouth water with his traditional barbecue recipes and is often referred to as one of the U.S.’s master pit masters; the chef and business owner has made his mark as one of the industry’s favorites. His popular restaurant, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, is a staple in the Charleston community, serving fried chicken, pit-cooked chicken, mac and cheese, and, oh yeah, whole pigs.

He gives his feedback to those coming up behind him as a judge on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl.

Ayo Adeyemi – London

 

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Chef Adeyemi has brought West Africa to the U.K. As head chef of London’s Michelin-star restaurant, Akoko, Adeyemi has changed how traditional African food is celebrated.

“When I was growing up in the industry as a young chef, restaurants like this weren’t around,” Adeyemi said, according to SCMP. “So I was forced to have to learn the modern British culture, the modern Asian culture, the modern French culture.”

Under the chef’s leadership, the menu now hosts an interesting take on jollof rice, served with BBQ, native blue lobster, and smoked goat with mustard seeds.

Nyesha Arrington – California

 

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Her multiracial upbringing has made her keen sense of taste a powerful force in the industry. Arrington, who grew up with a Korean and Black background, trained with top cooks to pick up a spatula and has served as the head chef at Wilshire in Santa Monica, California. Arrington prides herself on concurring many food lanes, including “that path of France and nouvelle cuisine,” she told The New York Times, but she says the main thing she loves is finding the common denominator in food.

While she has made appearances in the Los Angeles Times and GQ, she currently stars as a judge on the cooking competition show Next Level Chef.

Jerrelle Guy – Florida

 

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If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you’re following Jerrelle Guy. Her mouth-watering treats come with a unique spin, ranging from black bean brownies to brown sugar strawberry jalapeno lime pie. Her different recipes have given her a reputation to be proud of, catching the eye of fellow Black girl chefs like Carla Hall, and she was even nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award.

The cookbook author has also been featured on the Netflix series High on the Hog.

Chef Resha – YouTube

If you’re looking for simple but fulfilling recipes, tap into Chef Resha’s delicious YouTube page. So many chefs used the pandemic to uplift their craft, and Resha is one of several that wears the crown. Check out her steak and cheese stuffed peppers or bacon cheeseburger egg rolls recipe and tell her BE sent you.

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