United Negro College Fund, My Black is Beautiful campaign and Black Girls Rock! partner to inspire girls: From Madame Noire Business: Black Girls Rock! (BGR) in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and P&G’s My Black is Beautiful campaign has launched the Imagine a Future Project, a program that, according to BGR founder Beverly Bond, will “empower and touch the lives of one million girls over the course of three years.” Through this program, there will be a national and regional (and perhaps worldwide) push to continue BGR’s philanthropic work with and on behalf of African-American girls.
As you probably know, Black Girls Rock! is the nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and uplifting black girls while also tackling issues associated with media depictions of black women and girls. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the organization per se, you likely recognize the name from the BET awards show that airs annually. No doubt, you’ve heard of the United Negro College Fund (“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”), which has been around for more than 40 years. And perhaps you know My Black is Beautiful because you’re friends with it on Facebook. The campaign has 761,000 Facebook likes, a website and tons of exposure through P&G’s promotion. The partnership was facilitated by PR and marketing firms Egami Consulting Group and MSLGroup. If you’re unfamiliar with Egami, click here to watch our She’s The Boss video with CEO Teneshia Jackson Warner.
Bring them together and you have a program that targets and supports black women and girls in their personal lives and public portrayals. A Partnership Focused on African-American Women and Girls
P&G’s My Black is Beautiful sponsored BGR Queens’ Camp for Leadership and Excellence, a two-week program that took place this month and hosted 50 girls between the ages of 13 and 17. On August 1, those 50 girls made a trip to Egami and MSLGroup, who hosted an event offering a “day in the life” of a multicultural PR agency like Egami. Read the rest of this story on Madame Noire Business.
WTH! Gabby Douglas Allegedly Told To Get Nose Job By Gym Staffer!: Olympic gold medal winner and gymnast extraordinaire Gabby Douglas reveals in the October issue of Vanity Fair Magazine that she was once told by a staffer at an elite gym to consider having reconstructive surgery on her nose because of its “flatness.” SEE ALSO: Allen West On Critics, Liberal Racism
Douglas was only 8-years-old she enrolled at the prestigious Excalibur Gymnastics in Virginia Beach. The highly regarded program has trained many top-performing athletes and produced 11 national team members but no Olympians. According to Douglas, she told Vanity Fair that the nose comments were “very hurtful,” but the emotional pain didn’t stop there. Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!
In addition to having her nose criticized and being teased about her appearance, Douglas was also allegedly called a “slave” and claims she was subjected to racist jokes by other gymnasts. She recently chatted with talk maven Oprah Winfrey on her OWN cable show “Oprah’s Next Chapter” and revealed some scary truths.
“One of my teammates was like, ‘Can you scrape the bar? And they were like, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it, she’s our slave?’” “I felt like I was bullied and isolated from the group, Gabby said, “and they treated me not how they would treat the other teammates.” “I was just, you know, kind of getting racist jokes, kind of being isolated from the group. So it was definitely hard. I would come home at night and just cry my eyes out.”
After the nose job comment at Excalibur, the experience soured and disillusioned Douglas to the point where she began to lose confidence in her abilities and could never get back to being in sync with her coaches. Douglas had sunken to her lowest point and almost thought about calling it quits on her life-long ambition after her unsavory treatment at the gym.
But, thankfully, she didn’t. SEE ALSO:Excalibur Responds to Gabby Douglas’ ‘Slave’ Remarks
When Douglas did part company with Excalibur six years later, it was sour grapes on both sides. According to Dena Walker, the Girls Team Director at Excalibur, Douglas’ claims are “a joke,” and she also contends that the 16-year-old never complained about any of her alleged racial bias incidences. Walker told Vanity Fair that “coaches at the gym, which has been home to many African-American athletes, are on the lookout for racial animus and tale action should something happen.” Hmmm…now where have we heard that party line before?
5 LAPD Cops Investigated Woman Dies In Police Custody: At least five Los Angeles Police officers are being investigated after 35-year-old Alesia Thomas (pictured) died in police custody, the Los Angeles Times reports.
On July 22, Thomas reportedly left her two children, a 3-year-old and 12-year-old, at the LAPD’s southeast station after allegedly telling officers that she could no longer care for them because of her drug addition. Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!
Officers were assigned to look for Thomas and found her at her home in the 9000 block of South Broadway in Los Angeles. After being questioned, the officers arrested her “on suspicion of child endangerment.” But, Thomas “began actively resisting arrest.” One of the officers took her down by sweeping her legs from underneath her.
One of the officers reportedly went as far as kicking her in the genitals during the arrest.
Here is more from the LA Times:
Two others handcuffed Thomas’ hands behind her back and attempted to lead her to a patrol car while a supervising sergeant observed, according to the department’s version.
Two more officers were summoned as Thomas continued to struggle. Green confirmed that Thomas was a large woman. A “hobble restraint device” — an adjustable strap — was tightened around Thomas’ ankles to give the officers more control and she was eventually placed in the back of the patrol car, the LAPD account said.
The official account, however, made no mention of what Green confirmed was a female officer’s questionable treatment of Thomas.
The department’s account said officers immediately notified paramedics. It is unclear whether the officers attempted to resuscitate her and how much time passed before paramedics arrived. Thomas died shortly after being transported to a hospital.
Thomas’ case is not the only one that has put the LAPD in the national spotlight over allegations of police brutality.
On Aug. 21, Michelle Jordan was slammed to the ground by LAPD cops after being pulled over for talking on her cell phone. Back in May, Brian Mulligan, managing director and vice chairman of media and telecommunications for Deutsche Bank, became another victim of the LAPD.
And Ronald Weekleywas punched while being pinned to the ground by LAPD cops in August.
Hit Television Show ‘Martin’ Made Its Debut 20 Years Ago Today: After appearing in small parts in film and television in the late ’80s to early ’90s, comedian, actor, and producer Martin Lawrence (pictured bottom, second from left) would make a big splash on network television with the Fox network series “Martin.” SEE ALSO: Artist Creates Powerful Exhibit From Freedom Riders’ Mugshots, Documents
The show made its debut today as part of a block of programming that included the hit programs “Livin’ Single” (starring Queen Latifah and Kim Fields) and “New York Undercover.” Battling for ratings supremacy against NBC’s “Must See TV” Thursday night format, Martin had the weighty task of luring viewers away from “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” and “Seinfeld.”
“Martin” was set in the city of Detroit with Lawrence as main character disc jockey “Martin Payne.” Lawrence was paired in the show with Tisha Campbell-Martin, who played “Gina Waters.” Much like his stand-up act, Martin’s character was brash and extreme, leading to comical confrontations and zany situations with best friends “Tommy Strawn” (Thomas Mikal Ford) and “Cole Brown” (Carl Anthony Payne II).
Gina’s best friend, “Pamela James” (played by Tichina Arnold), verbally sparred with Martin often on the show and resulted in big belly laughs in their war of insults. “Saturday Night Live” alum Garrett Morris also played the role of “Stan Winters,” Martin’s boss at the radio station.
One of the hallmarks of the show was Lawrence playing several characters, including female ones. Lawrence’s portrayal of the stereotypically urban “Sheneneh Jenkins” (pictured above), the loud and confrontational neighbor from across the hall that had questionable taste in friends and fashion. Lawrence also took on the role of ‘Edna ‘Mama’ Payne,” taking no care in covering up his thick mustache when in character as well as other characters such as tired pimp “Jerome,” security guard “Otis,” and marital arts expert “Dragonfly Jones.” Watch “Otis” whooping tail here:
The show would suffer in ratings toward the end of its five-year run, with some speculating that tension on the set led to the demise of the show. In 1996, Tisha Campbell filed a lawsuit against Lawrence and the other show producers for sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. HBO Studios settled out of court with Campbell, and for the show’s final season in 1997, she would not appear in any scenes with Lawrence on the set.
“Martin” lives on in nationwide syndication on stations such as *TVOne and MTV2 and its comic legacy remains wholly intact. Several sitcoms with African-American casts would never follow the show’s formula of slapstick comedy quite to the level it was performed there, but the program certainly helped lead the way for following shows to feature comics-turned-actors such as Bernie Mac and Cedric The Entertainer.
NewsOne salutes Martin Lawrence and the entire “Martin” cast. Thanks for the laughs.
What were some of your favorite episodes or characters from the “Martin” show?
*TVOne is owned by Radio One, the parent company of NewsOne.
WTH! Married Pastor Spreads HIV Among Congregation?: Pastor Craig Lamar Davis (pictured) of Atlanta’s Full Gospel Baptist Church was arrested on July 22 for reckless conduct, when police investigators discovered that he has HIV and had allegedly been indulging in unprotected sex with several of his congregation members, reports WVIG. Now one of his congregation victims have come forward with her story. SEE ALSO: Mike Epps Has Hilarious Advice For The Jackson Family
Thus far, two women have pressed charges against the married preacher. One of the victims, Ronita McAfee, told police officials that she met the pastor on Facebook and began communicating with him. The online relationship soon progressed into sexual romps at the pastor’s home. McAfee says a few months in to the affair, Davis revealed that one of his former girlfriends had tested positive for HIV. The seemingly concerned preacher allegedly advised McAfee that the virus would not kill her if she tested positive and even went as far as to suggest some drugs that she could take to avoid infection. Say what? Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!
McAfee knew something was fishy about her relationship with Davis when the house where they would meet for their trysts was foreclosed. He also kept refusing to get tested for HIV at her urging, which was a red flag to her that he knew of his status. SEE ALSO: Maryland Man Killed 70,000 Chickens While Drunk, Police Say
While McAfee luckily tested negative for the HIV virus, she decided to report Davis to the police and a warrant was put out for his arrest — McAfee actually made history as the first person to file charges against someone for HIV reckless behavior in Georgia’s Clayton County. SEE ALSO: Are Athletes Who Date Kim Kardashian Cursed [VIDEO]
When McAfee tried to file charges against Davis in Fulton County, she stumbled upon a complaint from another congregation member who had also fallen prey to Davis’ charismatic ways. The woman, who has not been identified, held a leadership role at Davis’ church. The woman shared with McAfee that she was HIV-positive after being celibate for 15 years. SEE ALSO: Where Are Politics’ Interracial Couples?
The unnamed woman was reportedly removed from the church when she confided in Bishop Steven Hall, who heads Full Gospel Baptist Church, about her situation. Pastor Davis was also removed from the ministry as well.
Following a church service, Davis was arrested in a Wendy’s parking lot. Bail was denied at first but then it was granted and ironically posted by Davis’ wife, Jan. SEE ALSO: Does LeBron’s Hairline Deserve A Medal? [VIDEO]
Meanwhile, McAfee went on a church blog site to warn anyone who has come in sexual contact with Pastor Davis of his alleged HIV status.
Investigators suspect that there are more of Davis’ victims who are HIV-posiive but who have not come forward. SEE ALSO:
10 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Michael Jackson: Beloved singer, entertainer, and songwriter Michael Jackson and his unfortunate passing in June of 2009 shocked the globe, with fans across various nations still mourning the loss of the “King Of Pop.” With his brand still strong and his legacy largely intact, Jackson was as enigmatic as he was talented. While today (August 29) would have marked his 54th birthday, NewsOne fondly remembers Michael Jackson as a peerless superstar that has influenced some of music’s biggest current stars. Below, we list 10 facts that casual fans may not have known about the notoriously private Michael Jackson. SEE ALSO: Hit Television Show ‘Martin’ Made Its Debut 20 Years Ago Today 1. Michael Jackson Is The Highest-Earning Deceased Artist: Besting the vaunted Rock and Roll artist Elvis Presley and former Beatles member singer-songwriter John Lennon, Michael Jackson has been recognized by the Guinness Book Of World Records in a new category for Highest-Earning Deceased Artist, gaining the top honor. In the first year after his passing in 2009, Jackson’s estate raked in a reported $1 billion. 2. Michael Jackson Was A Shrewd Businessman: While many viewed Jackson as a boyish and playful figure, underneath that exterior was the mind of a man who made investments that continue to pay off to this day. In 1985, he wisely purchased the rights to 250 Beatles backlogged songs penned by Lennon and Paul McCartney for $47 million. In 1995, Jackson sold a portion of the catalog to Sony for $95 million, resulting in the powerful joint venture music publishing company Sony/ATV, with annual revenues hovering around $1 billion. This doesn’t include his many endorsement deals, licensing, and other streams of revenue Jackson has generated from his name. 3. Michael Jackson Owns The Distinction Of Having The Biggest Recording Contract Ever: Nine months after his passing, the estate of Michael Jackson signed a deal with Sony Records that gives the company access to a vast vault of unreleased recordings for a whopping $250 million. Ten albums are expected to be released by 2017, including the recent soundtrack to the tour documentary “This Is It.” 4. Hackers Broke In To Online Servers And Got Access To 50,000 Michael Jackson Tracks: Michael Jackson’s music was a victim of an online hacker attack, with the thieves downloading 50,000 songs not intended for the public. Sony quickly plugged the hole in their security and vowed to move ahead with the release of new music. 5. DJs And Clubs Nationwide Have Sparked Off Annual Parties In Michael Jackson’s Name: From Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; New York City; and all points in between, big name DJs have crafted themed parties in honor of Michael Jackson. Celebrated producer and hip-hop artist DJ Spinna has also taken his well-attended (and friendly) “MJ vs. Prince” dance parties all across the nation. 6. “Billie Jean” Was First Video From A Black Artist To Air On MTV: “Billie Jean” was the second single from Michael Jackson’s sixth solo album, “Thriller.” Produced by Jackson and the legendary Quincy Jones, the track got the video treatment and sparked off a revolution of sorts. Fans nationwide would seek to imitate Jackson’s hairstyle and dance moves and the clip is considered largely responsible for putting MTV in to the mainstream conversation. Watch “Billie Jean” here:
7. Thriller Wasn’t The Only Hit Album In Jackson’s Catalog: Five of Michael Jackson’s solo studio albums count among the highest-selling records of all time. Thriller’s predecessor, “Off The Wall,” which was released in 1979, has sold a worldwide 20 million, which pales considerably next to “Thriller,” sitting at 110 million sold. The albums “Bad,” “Dangerous,” and “HIStory” have also sold well into millions as well. 8. Michael Jackson Is The Most-Awarded Artist Of All Time: With 23 Guinness World Records, 40 Billboard Awards, 13 Grammys, and 26 American Music Awards, Michael Jackson has won more awards than any other musical artist. Jackson has also received congressional honors for his humanitarian outreach efforts. Watch Jackson’s “We Are the World” video here:
10. Michael Jackson’s Death Shifted MTV’s Programming In Tribute: In the hours after his death, media giant MTV – which had largely moved from its original music video-only programming – went back to its roots and aired hours upon hours of Michael Jackson videos and footage. The in-house news team even took time away from talking usual celeb fare and focused solely on the career of Jackson. Few other stars have commanded such a response. SEE ALSO: Happy Birthday To Jazz Legend Benny Carter!
‘Motown: The Musical’ Set To Open On Broadway: The story will finally be told of the iconic Detroit record company that aspired to make music production as much of an assembly line as possible, and it will take place on a glorious Broadway stage. “Motown: The Musical” is set to open on April 14, 2013, at New York City’s famed Lunt-Fontane Theatre, and actor Brandon Victor Dixon (pictured) has been cast as Berry GordyJr.(pictured below), the genius behind the style of music and the label that became a metaphor for success, according to The Hollywood Reporter. SEE ALSO:NFL Star Should Not Be Treated Like A Baby
During the ’60s heyday, Motown became a recording hit-making machine by shaping a culture that produced a revolutionary genre of music, incorporating bits of jazz, R&B, funk, rock & roll, and soul in to its format.
It had a stable of talent that was unmatched and launched the careers of such stellar performers, such as Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and Marvin Gaye.
Not only did Motown produce acts that were riveting, but it also maintained a pool of writers, producers, and musicians that were the cream of the crop. Watch Motown’s story here:
Motown also served as a successful business model for aspiring black business owners. The biomusical of the company that produced the soundtrack of people’s lives and generated more than 180 No. 1 hits worldwide, could not be told without one of its most central characters Diana Ross (pictured right), who is being played by Valisia LaKae.
Gordy, 82, one of the show’s producers and its book writer, said on the musical’s website:
“I’m extremely proud to be bringing this story to the big stage.”
The show, which will feature songs from Motown’s legendary catalogue, is being directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. Tickets will go on sale beginning October 1. SEE ALSO:
Sherman Hemsley Funeral Delayed Due To Will: EL PASO, Texas — The embalmed body of actor Sherman Hemsley (pictured), who became famous for his role as television’s “George Jefferson,” will be kept in refrigeration at an El Paso funeral home until a local court rules on the validity of his will. RELATED:Sherman Hemsley Died From Lung Cancer
In the will Hemsley signed six weeks before dying of lung cancer July 24, he named Flora Enchinton, 56, whom he called a “beloved partner,” as sole beneficiary of his estate, which is estimated in court documents to be more than $50,000.
The will is being contested by Richard Thornton of Philadelphia who claims to be Hemsley’s brother and says the will might not have been made by the actor.
Enchinton told the Associated Press on Wednesday that she had been friends with Hemsley and had been his manager for more than 20 years. Over the time she, Hemsley, and Hemsley’s friend Kenny Johnston, 76, lived together, she said he never mentioned any relatives.
“Some people come out of the woodwork – they think Sherman, they think money,” Enchinton said. “But the fact is that I did not know Sherman when he was in the limelight. I met them when they (Hemsley and Johnston) came running from Los Angeles with not one penny, when there was nothing but struggle.” Mark Davis, listed in court documents as Thornton’s lawyer in El Paso, did not immediately respond to messages left at his office.
There is no date set for the case to be heard, court officials said. Enchinton said she hopes it will all be cleared in court.
The Philadelphia-born Hemsley played “Jefferson” in the CBS sitcom “All in the Family,” then starred in the spinoff “The Jeffersons” from 1975 to 1985. It was one of TV’s longest-running and most-successful sitcoms, particularly noteworthy for its predominantly Black cast.
Hemsley made “George Jefferson” – the bigoted, blustering Harlem businessman – one of TV’s most memorable characters and a symbol for urban upward mobility. RELATED:8 Facts You Didn’t Know About Sherman Hemsley
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How to Become the CEO of You, Inc.:
Climbing the corporate ladder might not be for everyone, but everyone can use secrets to business success in order to improve their lives and reach their goals. The key to success is to set achievable goals, develop a plan to reach those goals, surround yourself with people who can help you, and – most importantly – take charge to run your life the way you want it to be ran.
Here are ten steps to Become the CEO of You, Inc.: 1. Make things happen for you, don’t just let them happen to you
Each of us only has one life to live. We can either: 1. Take responsibility and create the lives we want to live or 2. Let others shape our lives into something they want us to live. If you let others shape your life, you’ll never attain the degree of success you’re striving for. 2. Set your goals
Every CEO has an “end in mind” for their company. So should you. Write a journal entry or type an e-mail to yourself describing what you see yourself doing in three years. Be specific, but don’t over-complicate it. For example: 1.) “I’m a manager in the financial services sector of a Fortune 500 company,” 2.) “I’m on a team, solving global issues and I’ve traveled to eight different countries in the past year,” or 3.) “I’ll work out at least five days per week.” The more specific you are about what you want to be doing, the easier it will be to develop a plan to make it happen. 3. Create your board of directors
Now that you know where you want to be in three years, you’ll need a team to help you get there. This “board of directors” should consist of people who can help you confirm your aspirations, and then help you achieve them. These people should include mentors, sponsors, industry experts, peers, etc. They will help open doors for you, get you the right assignments, give you advice, or simply be there to listen. 4. Develop an annual plan with quarterly goals
Set short-term goals and hold yourself accountable. Meet your goals for every quarter and you’ll have a successful year. Have three successful years and you’ll meet your “end in mind.” Continually revisit and reevaluate your plan to make adjustments as needed. Do this to make sure you stay on target. 5. Execute your plan… everyday
If you don’t work toward your goals each and every day, you’ll miss your goals for the quarter, for the year… and for your entire life. Take time to think about what you’re doing (and not doing). If you don’t have the skills and capabilities to reach your goals, find a way to obtain them (this might be an instance where you refer to your board of directors). 6. Focus on your product
In this case, the product is you. Always be on the lookout for ways to improve your product. Search for ways to make yourself better, whether it’s through education, experience, networking, exercise, etc. Stay up-to-date in your field and skills. If your product is outdated, nobody will want it. 7. Pay attention to the packaging of your product
Develop the presence, poise, and voice to meet your goals and effectively perform in order to be in the position you want to be in. How are you presenting yourself at meetings? How do you associate with superiors, co-workers, and employees? 8. Market yourself
Be visible in your company, your industry, and your community. Prepare for every meeting. Learn how to use your voice with passion. People need to know who you are, what you’re capable of doing, and what you really want to do. 9. Demonstrate your skills
Make people want your product. Look for ways to utilize your entrepreneurial skills and deliver value to the company and shareholders. Recalibrate as changes occur, but don’t forget to deal with the cards you have in your hand today… not the ones you’re hoping to have in the future. Remember: You can do anything you set your mind to do. 10. Take time for yourself
Regularly assess where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. Make sure you’re heading in the right direction and moving at the right speed to get you where you want to be. If you’re not, adjust and keep moving. Don’t forget to have fun along the way!
—— Susan Bulkeley Butler is the CEO of the Susan Bulkeley Butler Institute for the Development of Women Leaders and author of two books, Become the CEO of You, Inc.: A Pioneering Executive Shares Her Secrets for Career Success and Women Count: A Guide to Changing the World. In 1965, Susan joined Arthur Andersen & Co. as the company’s first professional female employee and – 14 years later – was named the first female partner of the company’s consulting organization, Andersen Consulting, now known as Accenture. Before her retirement in 2002, Susan was Managing Partner for Accenture’s Office of the CEO. She also served as President of the Accenture Foundation and had a place in Accenture’s Executive Committee, the company’s principal advisory and strategy-setting committee.
Photo credit: ‘Arms Crossed‘ by Big Stock
Ex-Supporter Artur Davis Calls Obama ‘Disappointment,’ But Falters On If GOP Will Help Blacks: Ahead of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa this coming Monday, White House correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for American Urban Radio Networks April Ryan filled in for Roland Martin on the Tom Joyner Morning Show this week and snagged an interview with Ex-Obama supporter and former Democratic Congressman Artur Davis, now a Republican and highly anticipated keynote speaker for the RNC’s opening night. Davis famously supported Barack Obama during the president’s historic ascent to the White House in a speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention but has since switched his support to Republican hopeful Mitt Romney. RELATED:Stop It! No One Is Ready To Dub Artur Davis An Uncle Tom For Party Switch
Ryan wasted no time in addressing Davis’ party defection and speech with the former Congressman who naturally responded with GOP talking points of broken promises to describe Obama’s presidency, “I’m delighted to be there [the Republican National Convention] next week. It’s not a role that I sought,” said Davis. “But it’s something I agreed to do because I do think it’s important for me to talk about what I think has happened in the country in the last four years. It’s hard to make a case that the promise of four years ago has been born out.”
After shifting her focus to the Romney-Ryan ticket, Ryan mentioned that former RNC Chairman Michael Steele has been critical of the pair’s focus on issues important to minorities, such as health care, education, voter suppression, and other socio-economic factors.
In response, Davis ducked the race issue and instead focused on the idea that funding for many programs geared toward the needy are currently ineffective and that the GOP ticket has the best chance in correcting those wrongs, “All programs ought to be assessed by their performance, they ought to be assessed by their efficiency,” said Davis. “But the notion that if you cut a federal program that you’re automatically hurting the interest of the people in that program, I disagree with that.”
Host Tom Joyner didn’t mince words and flatly asked Davis if African Americans would fare well under the leadership of Romney and Ryan should they prove to be victorious this fall. Once again, Davis was evasive in his reply, saying that he doesn’t judge policy based on how they affect one community but said that it was his belief that under GOP rule, the economy would bounce back and benefit Black people. Listen to the interview here:
Teens Allegedly Cut Through Roof Of Houston Mall To Steal Air Jordans: There’s dumb, and then there’s dumber. The three teens who decided to break into a Houston, Texas mall to steal Air Jordan sneakers arguably fall under the latter category.
According to police, three teens cut a hole — yes, a hole — through the roof of Greenspoint Mall to steal 16 pairs of the over-priced, $175 shoes from Foot Action, reports FoxNews.com. Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!
Photo Credit: Houston Police Department
John Grant, 19, and a minor male, 16, were both arrested at the mall. Police spokesman, John Cannon, said that another suspect ran away but they believe he has been positively identified.
Grant faces a felony charge of burglary of a building and will appear in court on Aug 29. The 16-year-old faces that charge, as well as evading the police on foot, reports the NY Daily News.
The National Urban League has labeled Nike’s marketing strategies and prices as insensitive and outrageous, reports FOX News, and the Houston chapter is standing behind that statement. See news report below:
As previously reported by NewsOne, the “Nike Plus” version of the LeBron X will have sensors in the shoe that relay information to a Nike smart phone app using Bluetooth technology and will reportedly retail for approximately $315.
To try to circumvent the often violent melee that comes with newly released Nike shoes, the corporation has released some safety guidelines. ABC News reports:
Retailers such as Foot Locker who sell the shoes will have to open their doors at 8 a.m. instead of the usual time of midnight, according to a company memo, the Wall Street Journal reported. It was prior to previous midnight releases when brawls took place in California, Florida and other states for the release of retro Air Jordan and Foamposite Galaxy shoes.
“If a retailer offers Nike products for sale under circumstances where the retailer knows or should know that consumer response is likely to be exceptionally high, it must do so in a prudent and responsible way,” the company memo stated, according to the Journal.
The Beaverton, Ore.-based company is also banning stores from displaying photos or descriptions of new products before their launch dates, the WSJ reported.
Brian Strong, a spokesman for Nike, provided a statement to ABC News, saying, “Consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We always encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner, and constantly evaluate our distribution policies with a view to ensuring a positive consumer experience.”
Nike endorser Spike Lee, who recently gifted President Barack Obama with a special pair of Air Jordans that came in a box carrying the presidential seal and Michael Jordan’s signature, had this to say at the height of the Nike controversy:
“The Nike commercials Michael Jordan and I do have never gotten anyone killed,” Lee argued. “The deal is this: Let’s try to effectively deal with the conditions that make a kid put so much importance on a pair of sneakers, a jacket and gold. These kids feel they have no options, no opportunities.”
Lee’s point is extremely valid, but when the shoes are marketed to a predominately, low-income, urban audience, and priced higher than most families can afford for weekly groceries, there is plenty of shared responsibility to go around. SEE ALSO:
Report: Tameka Foster Raymond To Appeal Custody Decision: Though no one expected Tameka Foster Raymond to go gently into that goodnight, Usher‘s ex-wife has wasted no time in striking back at the custody ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane, which handed primary custody of her two youngest children, Usher V, 4, and Naviyd Ely, 3, to her famous ex-spouse. RELATED: Raymond Vs. Raymond: Usher Wins Primary Custody Of Children
According to TMZ, the wheels are already in motion for Foster Raymond to file an appeal:
“Sources close to Tameka tell TMZ, she feels the ruling was unfair. We’re told Tameka recently found out that Usher’s lawyer’s law firm threw an election fundraiser back in 2008 for the judge who presided over the trial … and she feels that connection may have influenced the ruling.
According to the campaign contribution report for Judge Lane, the law firm that represented Usher raised $1,278 for Lane in March 2008.
Sources tell us … Tameka is baffled by the decision because she argued in court that Usher is constantly on the road, where as she has the more stable schedule … thus it makes no sense to give him primary custody.
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As previously reported by NewsOne, Foster Raymond’s son, Kile Glover, 11, died last month after struck in the head by a jet-ski on Atlanta’s Lake Lanier. She is also mother to Darrin, 21, and Ryan, 13. Usher reportedly asked for the trial to be postponed in the wake of the unexpected tragedy, but his ex-wife refused, writing in a statement:
LSU’s Tyrann ‘Honey Badger’ Mathieu Headed To Drug Rehab: NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu (pictured left) has entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston since being dismissed from the Tigers, according to a television report. RELATED: Tyrann Mathieu ‘Honey Badger’ Visits McNeese State After Getting Canned From LSU
Fox 8 reports that Mathieu’s adoptive father, Tryone Mathieu, says that the 20-year-old star cornerback and punt returner known as the “Honey Badger” has been at the Right Step recovery center and is being counseled by former NBA player John Lucas.
Tyrone Mathieu says his son is committed to restoring his health and won’t play football until he is confident that his rehab is complete. That may rule out the possibility of Mathieu transferring to a school at the FCS level and playing this season, after which he would be eligible for the NFL draft.
No one from Mathieu’s family appeared on camera in the New Orleans television report. Lucas has not returned a phone message left by The Associated Press.
LSU has said that about 20 college football programs have asked for permission to speak with Mathieu about transferring. Mathieu has visited McNeese State in Lake Charles, La., where classes began Wednesday.
Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La., also has been granted permission to speak with Mathieu but has not met with him yet. Classes at Nicholls begin Aug. 22. Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!
It remains unclear what Mathieu’s future may hold if he sits out this season entirely. LSU coach Les Miles has declined to close the door entirely on the possibility, however remote, that Mathieu could play for LSU again in 2013. Miles said last Friday, when he announced Mathieu’s dismissal, it would make more sense for Mathieu to transfer. Since then, he has said he can only guarantee Mathieu won’t be playing for LSU in 2012 and declined to speculate beyond that.
Miles and LSU officials have also said that they’ve offered Mathieu whatever help he needs to transfer.
The only public statements Mathieu has made since his dismissal consist of a few posts on the social network website Twitter, where he has also changed his avatar from a photo of himself in an LSU uniform to a motto displayed in white letters on a black background, reading: “Be yourself. There is something that you can do better than any other. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that.”
One of his recent posted messages says: “Patience…. Sometimes you have to stop doing what is easy and begin to do the things that are hard.”
Mathieu emerged as one of college football’s biggest stars in 2011, his sophomore season, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
He also won the Bednarik Award as national defensive player of the year last season. He scored four touchdowns – two on punt returns and two on fumble returns – intercepted two passes, caused six fumbles and recovered four.
He was expected to play a leading role in LSU’s effort to return to a second consecutive national title game.
Last season, LSU’s only defeat was a 21-0 loss to Alabama in the BCS championship game.
Less Money, More Problems: Chad Johnson Facing Foreclosure: It was all good just a week ago.
Last friday, Chad Ochocinco Johnson, 34, was arrested for allegedly head-butting his wife, Evelyn Lozada, after an argument over a condom receipt escalated to the point of no return. RELATED: Lozada To Press Charges Against Husband: “He Said ‘F**k His Career’” [VIDEO] Chad Johnson Police Report
Since that time, Johnson has been cut from the Miami Dolphins, fired on national television, lost out on revenue from his shelved VH1 reality show, “Ev & Ocho” and a lucrative endorsement with Zico coconut water. Now, the wide-receiver — more in the media for his moves off the field, rather than on the field these days — is reportedly facing foreclosure. AlwaysAList reports:
According to the documents [discovered by GossipExtra.com’s Jose Lambiet], the 34-year-old former Miami Dolphin has failed to pay the monthly $863 maintenance fees on his $400,000 condo on the 16th floor of Two Midtown Miami since June 2009. Johnson owes $28,703 in back payments.
Additionally, the court documents also indicate that Johnson “is making ends meet” with a $150,000 mortgage he just received from two Palm Beach County investors, Michael Pomerantz and dermatologist Patrick McPoland.
His arrangement gives him until June 2015 to pay the principal back.
As collateral, Johnson used a $350,000 Miami Springs home he purchased for one of his children’s mother.
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Johnson’s 14-year-old daughter, Jicyra, voiced her continued love for Lozada and her 19-year-old daughter Shaniece on Twitter.
@Jicyraa_Carter: ”Regardless about what happen about this weekend , I will always love my daddy & Evelyn. Forgive & forget.”
Shaniece reciprocated the love with a shout-out of her own:
Always. I love her to death. RT @NeNe_Weaver: I hope@Jicyraa_Carter and @ShanieceH stay close like sisters!
While everyone is making light of the 41-day-old marriage, the relationship was a lot longer than that. We won’t say that we hope they can get back together; but we do hope that everything ends up as it should for Johnson, Lozada and their children. RELATED: When It Rains, It Pours: Chad Loses Endorsement Deal
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