Pride Flags Banned In 2 California School Districts

by Mary Spiller

September 16, 2023

Pride Flags Banned In 2 California School Districts

Two different California school districts have passed a ban on displaying pride flags to support LGBTQ individuals on September 12. The Southern California city, Temecula, and the Bay Area’s Sunol schools do not allow pride flags to be shown anywhere on the premises.

Although both bans have different details, their impacts have similarly inspired protests. Temecula’s ban includes all flags that aren’t state or national flags, while Sunol specifically banned only the rainbow pride flag. Notably, Sunol residents’ protests have escalated to recalling school board members who passed the ban. Many are drawing comparisons to the recent wave of conservatives pushing to ban books with pro-LGBTQ content, restricting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ-identifying youth, and banning public drag performances.

The creator of the pride flag, The Gilbert Baker Foundation, has identified a shocking increase in bans pertaining to its display. As of February, dozens of municipalities across the U.S. have placed restrictions.

Foundation President Charley Beal expressed, “Make no mistake; right-wing groups want to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, and they’re starting with banning the Rainbow Flag. It’s part of a huge conservative trend to censor minority rights across America.”

She continued, “Already, bans have been reversed, but every month brings a new threat to LGBTQ+ rights and equality. We must remain vigilant. Dangerous wording can be added to any unrelated bills and go to a vote tomorrow.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has chimed in on the concerning uptick in bans of the pride flag. The group has identified the bans as unconstitutional and violating the First Amendment, calling them “viewpoint discrimination.”

The ACLU wrote in a letter, “Such action, absent any evidence of substantial disruption is contrary to the First Amendment protections afforded to students within public schools…the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that First Amendment protections extend to “teachers and students,” neither of whom “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.’’

by Stacy Jackson

September 15, 2023

Candace Parker Gives Props To Angel Reese In ‘TIME100 Next’ Blurb

The “Bayou Barbie” is part of Time Magazine’s 100 Next list for 2023, and WNBA star Candace Parker had great things to say.

Angel Reese was praised by Parker, who wrote the LSU forward’s blurb.

“She’s ripping the sport open and tearing back the layers. Basketball is about work, effort, and energy, and Angel always brings all three,” Parker wrote. “Her tenacity and confidence on the court make her such an exciting player to watch—it’s incredible to see her stand in her power and make such a big impact on women’s basketball, especially this early in her career.”

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A post shared by LSU Women’s Basketball (@lsuwbkb)

Parker, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, noted Reese’s contribution to Louisiana State University’s national title, a major accomplishment that marked the team’s “first-ever” women’s basketball national title. During the road to the title, Reese’s 34 double-doubles set the record for “the most in a single season” in women’s college basketball history.

“There’s really only one time you won’t see me cheering for Angel, and it’s when she plays against my alma mater, the University of Tennessee. It’s all well and good … but I still bleed orange.” Parker said.

Reese has also been named a Harper’s Bazaar Icon of 2023. The LSU star spoke to the outlet about her goals and aspirations, which include playing in the WNBA and modeling.

“I stay firm on what I believe in, and, being a Black woman, I can do whatever I put my mind to. When I was younger, I knew basketball was going to be my avenue of getting through life and getting to college,” Reese said.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Reese is securing herself financially ahead of the WNBA through NIL deals. The college basketball star is well aware of her impact on the community. “…I think a lot of people look at me as a celebrity now because of the impact I’ve had on not just women’s basketball, but sports in general, and Black women,” Reese said.

by Sharelle Burt

September 15, 2023

Tyler Perry Sparks Social Media Debate About Black Women Being Breadwinners

Tyler Perry has some Black women upset, once again.

The media billionaire made an appearance on the Season 2 premiere of the Keep It Positive podcast, hosted by Tyler Perry’s Sistas star, Crystal Renee Hayslett. In a clip that has now gone viral, Perry spoke about Black women being the breadwinner in some instances and how they should be OK with a man making less

. “In our society right now, Black women are making a lot more money than Black men,” Perry stated.

“So if you can find love and that man works at whatever job and is a good man and is good to you…that’s OK. That’s not someone who’s beneath you, that’s someone who came to love you at your worth.”

Tyler Perry with a message for the women out there 👀 how do y’all feel about this ?? pic.twitter.com/xCnaSZeoHH

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) September 14, 2023

The 1:37 minute clip sparked major debate amongst the sexes on whether or not there was some truth in his statement.

“The part he’s leaving out is how much that man will secretly hate that you earn more, how that hate will weigh on their ego, and how it seeps out and affects your relationship in wild ways,” user @ImanEurope said. “The message should be encouraging bm to do more, not encouraging bw to settle for less.”

As Hayslett was agreeing with her boss’ sentiments, he decided to point out the fact that some people can’t necessarily handle that narrative. “That’s so hard for people to take in because they need someone that makes 5x more than me,” Perry laughed. “But when you talk about just someone that loves you and supports you….it’s a beautiful thing.”

Some of the men decided to chime in, claiming that all Perry does is talk a good game and that women won’t listen to what he’s saying.

“Yea ok cool story my guy…they ain’t tryna hear that s***h lol money is power,” @chadwickgod wrote.

“He’s right, 100% right,” @itsmine49 said. “Unfortunately most women can’t handle being the breadwinner and still respect their man as head of the household and submit to him.”

Things got interesting when one woman, who happens to be a breadwinner, chimed in.

“So true. I make more than my husband does and at the beginning it bothered him a lot,” @yeseniaRNLatina said. “I make it my business to make sure he always knows regardless he is still the head of our household and the father figure and a man in mine and our kids lives. He’s awesome in every way.”

What do you think about this now viral topic?

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 15, 2023

Tinashe Claims Label Forced Her To Work With R. Kelly And Chris Brown, Now She Pretends ‘It Doesn’t Exist’

Singer Tinashe is opening up about her evolution to a career as an independent artist, and coming clean about the role her label played in some of her eyebrow-raising collaborations.

According to NBC News, the 30-year-old singer was forced by her former music label, RCA, to record a song with disgraced musician R. Kelly. During an interview on The Zach Sang Show, Tinashe was asked whether she regretted her decision to work with the Kelly, as well as controversial R&B singer Chris Brown.

“You think I wanted [to do those songs]? I literally block out that R. Kelly song from my mind — I forget that it even exists,” she said. “That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly.” She later went on to address the “lack of control” many up-and-coming artists have over not only their music but also the plans for their career trajectory.

“I was so young, too, which is crazy because I feel like I did that song when I just signed to that label… I was probably, like, 20,” Tinashe said. “Like, for example, that song with Chris, that was a song that… we all wanted it to be this big moment — this big single. So I feel like in [the label’s] mind, they were like, ‘You need the support.’ And [Chris] was like their biggest artist that they had on rhythmic radio at the time.”

In 2019, the California-born artist split with her label and embarked on a successful independent career under Roc Nation management; releasing three critically acclaimed projects. Since she departed from RCA, Tinashe has been vocal about her experience in the music industry, as well as her disapproval of major labels. The singer’s latest release, BB/ANG3L, features seven tracks and leans heavily into her R&B side, a departure from her previous offerings that often blended multiple genres.

by Lauren Nutall

September 15, 2023

Trailblazing Black Scientist Lewis Latimer To Be Honored This Saturday

In a long-overdue decision, the city of Fall River will honor Lewis H. Latimer, the Black scientist who assisted Thomas Edison in inventing the lightbulb, The Herald News reported.

Latimer passed away in 1928 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. However, he has never had a headstone. That is, until now.

The change was made after two men launched a campaign to honor Latimer. Frank Bonafilia and Jon Cropper, alongside Carmichael Roberts, co-founded the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program. The fellowship is an extension of the Edison Awards, which aim to foster innovation and positive scientific impact across the nation. Through this fellowship program, Black innovators are awarded opportunities and mentorship. Bonafilia and Cropper led the project to install a headstone.

“The invention of light, the invention of the phone — we’re still using these innovations today,” Bonafilia told The Herald News. “And Latimer was such a big part of that. What would’ve happened if there was a fellowship that removed all the barriers of entry for him back in the day? Where would he be today?”

Latimer’s contributions to the scientific community are extensive and were no simple feat. Both of his parents were enslaved but fled through the Underground Railroad and, eventually, settled in Chelsea, MA. After a stint in the Navy, Latimer found himself working at a patent clerk’s office. There, he taught himself draftsmanship and his skills helped him rise through the ranks. Soon, he became head draftsman.

In 1876, he caught the eye of Alexander Graham Bell, who hired the young man to help create blueprints for the telephone. Latimer also became a member of Edison’s private Pioneers Club of innovators. His work is highlighted on the Latimer Fellowship Program’s site. Latimer invented the very first “water closet” for railroad cars in 1874 and his work laid the foundation for the creation of the air conditioner in 1886.

The Edison Awards will be hosting the commemorative event on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. Over 60 guests are expected to attend, many of whom are former participants of the Latimer Fellowship Program. Award-nominated actor Shameik Moore, best known for his voice-acting role as Miles Morales in the Spider-Verse films, is may make an appearance during the ceremony.

“The memorial itself is really exciting,” Cropper said. “We’re working with the artist who created the Martin Luther King memorial in Atlanta. … It’s a very beautiful stone with a bronze bust of his face, and a list of all his living descendants with a couple of elegant quotes. And I think that it is a memorial worthy of the man.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 15, 2023

Rival Coach Takes Shots At Deion Sanders; Coach Prime Fires Back, Calls It ‘Personal’

The rivalry between Colorado State and University of Colorado Boulder has intensified. Colorado State Rams coach Jay Norvell seemingly took a shot at Deion Sanders, who coaches the CU Buffaloes, in the lead-up to their showdown game on Sept. 16.

According to Sports Illustrated, on his weekly radio show, Norvell explained a comment he made about Sanders.

“I sat down with ESPN today,” Norvell stated. “I don’t care if they hear it in Boulder. I told them, I took my hat off and I took my glasses off. I said when I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat off and my glasses off. That’s what my mother taught me.”

That comment was about Sanders, who is known to wear his sunglasses and baseball cap during the games.

MORE SHOTS AT COACH PRIME: Colorado State Head Coach Jay Norvell Takes SHOTS at Deion Sanders and Colorado “When I talk to grownups, I take my hat and glasses off, that’s what my mother taught me” #CUBuffs pic.twitter.com/IWFWkVKqsS

— Ice Cold Sports w/ Tommy Gahan (@IceColdSprts) September 14, 2023

This is coming from a man whose team is a 23.5-point underdo,g and they will be playing in Colorado’s home stadium at Folsom Field. The Buffs were 1-11 last season, yet are already undefeated after two games, beating two ranked teams in the process. Colorado State has yet to win a game in this young season.

As anticipated, Sanders responded to what his opposing coach said.

Sanders, or Coach Prime as he is widely known, had much to say.

“I’m minding my own business watching some film, trying to get ready, trying to get out here and be the best coach I can be and I look up and I read some bulljunk that they said about us,” Sanders expressed to his team during practice. “Why would you want to talk about us when we don’t talk about nobody? All we do is go out here, work our butts off, and do our jobs on Saturday, but when they give us ammunition, they done messed around and made it what?”

Sanders said Norvell “made it personal.”

“It was just gonna be a good game, but they done messed around and made it PERSONAL” 😳

“Why would you talk about us, when we don’t talk about nobody”

Deion Sanders responds to comments made from Coach Norvell and things are getting heated 👀 pic.twitter.com/U9Em4bPiJ5

— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) September 14, 2023

Now that the spark has been started, the Buffs, currently ranked No.18 in the country, may look to make another example of their cross-state rivals when they meet the Rams on Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. The game can be seen on ESPN.

by Sharelle Burt

September 15, 2023

BLM Advocate Zyanha Bryant Scores Dove Partnership To Address ‘Fat Liberation’

A Black Lives Matter activist is shining a light on plus-size women. After being accused of getting a white student expelled from her school, Black Lives Matter activist Zyahna Bryant has scored a partnership with Dove for a “fat liberation” campaign, the NY Post reports.

The University of Virginia student announced on her Instagram profile that she was a “Dove ambassador” while she spoke out about the stigma of being overweight.

“My belief is that we should be centering the voices and the experiences of the most marginalized people and communities at all times,” Bryant said in the video.

“So when I think about what fat liberation looks like to me, I think about centering the voices of those who live in and who maneuver through spaces and institutions in a fat body.”

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A post shared by zyahna bryant. (@zysaidso)

The community leader was instrumental in getting the Robert E. Lee statue taken down in Charlottesville and has been praised for her activism work. But her new partnership has drawn some backlash.

Bryant worked with the school to get a white student, Morgan Bettinger, expelled over alleged remarks referring to a BLM activist. Bryant claimed she heard Bettinger refer to protesters as “good speed bumps” but later admitted to having “misheard” her.

According to Daily Mail, Dove is being hit with threats of a boycott from angry washers. Charlottesville native Carol Thorpe posted a picture on X, formerly known as Twitter, of several bars of Dove soap in the garbage. “After hearing that Dove Beauty chose Zyahna Bryant—who ruined Morgan Bettinger’s life—for their ‘fat acceptance ambassador,’” Thorpe wrote.

“THIS lifelong large lady & now former Dove customer tossed out the last three bars of Dove product she will EVER buy. I have written to Unilever too.”

Another X user chimed in on the issue, saying, “Shame on Dove for hiring her. Worse than Dylan Mulvaney. #BoycottDove,” referring to Bud Light’s partnership with the transgender influencer and activist. The platform’s owner, Elon Musk, even had something to say, calling the partnership “messed up.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 15, 2023

Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila Signs Multi-Year Deal With Philadelphia Eagles

The football season has gotten off to a great start for comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart as his Gran Coramino Tequila has been named the official luxury tequila of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The brand, owned by Hart and 11th-generation tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann, announced that they have a multi-year partnership with last season’s NFC Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

“As a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan, this partnership marries two of my biggest passions: football and tequila. Last year, I surprised fans with an eagle to bring luck to my team, but this year, I had to kick it up a notch,” said Hart in a written statement. “To build anticipation for this football season, my tequila brand signed a multi-year partnership that brings the Eagles and Gran Coramino together. The Eagles are stuck with me now!”

During the season, Eagles fans can purchase their drinks at the Gran Coramino bar, which is located at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles. There will be Gran Coramino in-stadium signage at all home games as well as on a variety of digital platforms. Fans of the team and tequila can also look forward to Gran Coramino hosting a sweepstakes later in the season. People can win season tickets and an exclusive tequila-tasting event with Eagles Legends.

“We congratulate Kevin Hart on the successful launch of his Gran Coramino brand and look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership,” said Brian Napoli, senior vice president of corporate partnerships, Philadelphia Eagles. “The opening of the Gran Coramino bar at Lincoln Financial Field will add value and another layer to the premium experience for Eagles fans and guests in attendance.”

Earlier this summer, Hart’s tequila partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Global Brand Equities, to launch The Coramino Fund. The fund is an initiative to help uplift and support small, Black- and Latinx-owned businesses. Specifically, those who have been marginalized and prevented from gaining access to necessary capital and resources to help with their business growth.

The Coramino Fund gave Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and businesses a $10,000 grant to facilitate in providing the tools to help bolster their businesses. This year, the Coramino Fund has already awarded half a million dollars to 50 entrepreneurs across the country.

Louisiana Mother Convicted Of Murder After Pushing Her Children Into Lake

by Mary Spiller

September 15, 2023

Louisiana Mother Convicted Of Murder After Pushing Her Children Into Lake

Louisiana mother Ureka Rochelle Black has been convicted of killing her 10-month-old son and causing injury to his five-year-old brother after pushing them into a lake in 2021.

According to PEOPLE, Black, 34, is facing life in prison at her upcoming sentencing on Sept. 28. The Shreveport woman was convicted of attempted second-degree murder and second-degree murder on Wednesday, Sept. 13, by a jury who deliberated for less than an hour.

A press release from the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office noted that Black turned away the offer of legal counsel and represented herself instead.

The crime occurred in 2021. Black reportedly threw both of her children into Cross Lake; unfortunately, her youngest drowned before first responders could arrive. Five-year-old Elijah was saved before drowning, and he told responding officers that his mother pushed him into Cross Lake.

Elijah described the incident as taking place on his birthday.

“My mother rolled me into the water. I was at the top of the bridge,” the young boy explained. “Mom said it was good water and then rolled me into the water. My mom says I have germs.”

Elijah told first responders that his younger brother was still in the car when he was pushed into the water below.

Black tried to flee the scene in a Dodge Caravan trying to cross the Texas and Louisiana state lines and was arrested by the Waskom Police.

Black’s sisters shared that she had persistent and untreated mental health issues.

“People painting a picture of her being just this terrible, terrible person like she’s just a monster, like she just intentionally tried to do these things. That’s not the case. The most important thing I want to point out is mental illness,” Pycolyia and Felicia Black told KSLA.

“She needed mental help. We didn’t have the sources. She grew up feeling alone, not wanted, not loved.”

Mel Tucker, Michigan State University, MSU

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 15, 2023

Coach Mark Dantonio Returns To Michigan State University Amid Mel Tucker Sexual Harassment Investigation

Mark Dantonio has agreed to come out of retirement to help Michigan State University (MSU) weather the storm of a sexual harassment investigation involving football head coach Mel Tucker.

Michigan State interim president Teresa Woodruff announced the former coach’s return during a press conference on September 10, ESPN reported. Dantonio’s tenure at the university began in 2007 and was marred by many allegations of sexual misconduct aimed at his players. At least 16 MSU athletes on the famed coach’s roster were accused of sexual assault or violence against women throughout his time at the helm of the football program.

Tucker—who replaced Dantonio in a historic decision that made him only the second Black man to hold the position in the university’s history—is facing allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances towards prominent rape survivor, Brenda Tracy.

According to USA Today, Tracy and Tucker joined forces to educate players about the various definitions of sexual assault in 2021; including, ironically, non-physical interactions. However, Tracy claims that Tucker made inappropriate comments about her during a phone call in 2022 while masturbating.

Tucker has denied all allegations, maintaining that their interaction was “completely consensual”, USA Today reported.

Dantonio’s presence on campus raises concerns about how the university plans to face yet another sexual harassment claim; as Michigan State’s athletic department was at the center of the highly publicized Larry Nassar case. Nassar is currently serving a 175-year sentence for his abuse of over 300 student athletes during his time as MSU’s athletic physician, ESPN reported.

A 2020 investigation into the university’s athletic department found that Dantonio had participated in coverups for players accused of sexual misconduct during his 13-year career. He was also accused of committing NCAA recruitment violations as well as ignoring warnings about a player he recruited who was eventually convicted of sexually assaulting a fellow MSU student. Dantonio was cleared of all wrongdoing; however, he made the decision to retire in early 2020.