Jamal Speaks just wanted to play football and show off his skills to college recruiters but he ended up being punished for being homeless. On Saturday, the 18-year-old star player was just about to take the field for Ballou-STAY Opportunity Academy when he was told he'd be prohibited from playing.ABC 7 reports principal Willie Jackson threatened to fire the head football coach if Speaks stepped on the field. "I'm being told I can't play by the principal,” the Washington D.C. resident said. “I don't know why he telling me I can't play."The recent game would have been a big one for the high school senior. His fellow classmates delayed the game 45 minutes demanding that Speaks join them on the field. He remained bench. A college recruiter from Temple University was waiting in the stands to see what Speaks could do on the field. Temple offered him a scholarship if he maintained a strong academic record. According to WUSA 9 News, the reason Speaks was benched and ultimately kicked off the team was due to “lingering residency concerns.”Speaks has been sleeping on friends' couches for most of the school year as he looks to find a more permanent home. A D.C. public schools spokesperson told WUSA 9 the principal was informed of the residency concerns but was not instructed to pull Speaks from the team. “Someone is discriminating against him,” said family member Nia Young. “It can’t be residency because he’s been enrolled since last school year.”Additionally, he and his godmother appealed to the State Athletic Association back in August when issues arose and he was eventually cleared to play. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White has now stepped in to help find Speaks permanent housing and convince the State Athletic Association he has indeed proven his residency for a year.“This young man has been through enough,” White said. “We need to make sure he graduates and assist him in securing a college scholarship.”Now, check these out: Here’s What You Should Know In Order To Avoid Or Escape Police MisconductStore Clerk Calls Police On 22-Year-Old Med Student For Being 'Arrogant' And 'Black'Four FAMU Students Believed They Were About To Become The 'Next Trayvon Martin' When A White Man Pulled A Gun On Them Near...

In today’s “they all look alike” news, The New York Times mistook Angela Bassett for Omarosa Manigualt-Newman.The paper displayed a few pictures from the ceremony in their print edition and made the grave error in a caption.oh my god the New York Times mixed up Angela Bassett with Omarosa pic.twitter.com/jLoePOqADy— julia reinstein 🚡 (@juliareinstein) September 18, 2018The picture shows Bassett and Tiffany Haddish presenting an award to Rachel Brosnahan. They credited Haddish and Brosnahan correctly but somehow, they got the ageless goddess and Newman mixed up.The error was pointed out by a few eagle-eyed Twitter folks and the Times is getting dragged.How dare they!! Angela Bassett is an icon?! pic.twitter.com/KlYr5o1zNg— Khalilah Alston (@Lilah01) September 18, 2018What happens when you don’t hire enough black people https://t.co/xM3VzLZ7J9— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) September 18, 2018This is why we need to stop hiring just anybody with a fancy degree and an internship @nytimes @deanbaquet . Angela Bassett is not Omarosa. pic.twitter.com/nJKooIBf0K— Donnell Suggs (@suggswriter) September 18, 2018Angela Bassett and Omarosa don’t even sit at the same table so how the fuck.? Like these are two totally different woman. https://t.co/OL0xV6Jz7m— hippie 💨🎨 (@lowkeyy_cutee) September 18, 2018Angela Bassett is Hollywood royalty. This is disgusting.— Lady Pie de Grue (@DPetagrew) September 18, 2018"confusing" Angela Bassett with fricking Omarosa?! OH. NO. YOU. DIDN'T.— Mama's on Stage (@Paula_Galloway) September 18, 2018It's always Black celebrities who get mixed up in mainstream media, but you can't confuse Angela Bassett and Omarosa. One is Black Excellence and the other hasn't been Black since the Trump Administration.— (((Mike Brown))) (@YoMikeBrown) September 18, 2018 The paper’s PR team apologized for the mistake on Twitter.We regret running an incorrect caption from a photo wire service in some early print editions. We will issue a correction in tomorrow's paper.https://t.co/fEezxxXo0M— NYTimes Communications (@NYTimesPR) September 18, 2018“We regret running an incorrect caption from a photo wire service in some early print editions. We will issue a correction in tomorrow's paper,” the publication wrote.Mhm. Just don’t do that s**t again. Now, check these out:Jenifer Lewis Declares She's 'With Kaep' With Head-To-Toe Nike On Emmys Red CarpetAfter A Messy Interview, Katt Williams Faces The Police, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, And The Scorn Of Charlamagne Tha GodAngela Bassett’s Kids Couldn’t Be More Proud To See Their Mom As A Queen In ‘Black...

A Cincinnati magistrate judge chased down a black woman, forced her into a jury box and sentenced her to over a week in jail for yelling, leading to his resignation. Hamilton County Common Pleas Magistrate Michael Bachman was caught on tape leaving his courtroom on Sept. 4 to confront a woman whose upset over not being granted a protective order inconvenienced him as he held another hearing reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. Twenty-eight-year-old Kassandra Jackson went to the courthouse to file a civil protection order, often sought by domestic violence victims, but was told she missed the 8 a.m. deadline. Distressed, the mother of two began crying in the hallways. Jackson was believed to have confronted the court officials about missing the deadline when Bachman came out of his courtroom. Security footage shows Bachman motioning to his courtroom and when it appeared Jackson was going down the wrong hallway, he grabbed her by the shoulder and neck and guides her back to his courtroom. The victim reportedly moved from where he instructed her to sit and deputies tackled her while a third person came to assist in restraining her. Deputies proceeded to strap her to a restraining chair in the holding area.According to WLWT News 5, Bachman charged the woman with contempt of court and sentenced her to three days in jail. Bachman decided to add seven more days to the sentence following the struggle with deputies.She would serve two days of the sentence until Common Pleas Court's presiding judge Kim Burke demanded her release. All other charges were also dismissed. Attorney Jay Clark, who witnessed the incident, said he never saw anything like that in his 30 years of practice. "I think also it should be a reminder of, I'll say restraint," Clark said. "You have to kind of set your temper and emotion aside and have that judicial temperament."At the time of the outburst, reports state a hearing had been underway in a trial in which Bachman was presiding over. Clark told the outlet he doesn't understand why the Bachman would further interrupt the hearing by confronting Jackson."Most of the time, the judge wants the disturbance gone so they can proceed with their docket," Clark said. "They don't want to interrupt the docket more by chasing somebody down the hall."Bachman resigned on September 10."I resigned in order to save the court further consternation," Bachman said. "But had I known it was going to become public, I would have defended myself in the investigation."Cincinatti.com reports this was not Bachman's first encounter with Jackson. He reportedly denied her request for an order of civil protection last year, which also yielded in a decision to sentence the woman to jail after she hit a wall. When reminded of their first interaction, of which Bachman claims he has no recollection according to Cincinnati.com, he showed little remorse for his attitude toward the mother. "I suppose it shows ... she is a person who has now shown on at least two occasions has no sense of decorum or respect for the courts," he told the outlet via text. Now, check these out: Report Of An 'Agitated Black Male' On Campus Led To A Long-Time University Employee Being Stopped By PoliceLucy McBath Says She's 'Walking In The Path' She 'Thought She Laid' For Late Son Jordan Davis With Congressional RunMassachusetts State Police Slipped Up And Revealed They're Monitoring Black...

While Amber Guyger is getting paid to sit at home, a group of activists have been jailed for protesting at a Dallas Cowboys game.Nine people were arrested after they blocked an entrance at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, according to Mic. The group was protesting to demand justice for Botham Jean, the man who was killed by Guyger, an off-duty Dallas Police officer. Guyger claims she mistook Jean's apartment for her own and shot him because she thought he was an intruder. She was charged with manslaughter and released two hours later after she posted bond. Guyger is currently on administrative leave.Meanwhile, the activists were charged with obstructing a pathway, a class B misdemeanor. Non-violent protest is usually classified as a class C misdemeanor and people under that category are released as soon as they post bond. Under a class B, the protesters must remain in jail until they can appear in front of a judge.Here are the names of the #Dallas9. They need to be released RIGHT NOW. 1. Lelani Russell2. Miracle Freeman3. Michael Lowe4. Dion Williams 5. Stepanie Briant6. Devote Peters7. Daryl Burnham8. Melissa Perry9. Arminta Jeffers https://t.co/IiTkefESK8— Shaun King (@shaunking) September 17, 2018 “At this point, the protesters’ ordeal has lasted 15 hours,” civil rights attorney Lee Merritt said. “These activists were arrested for blocking an entrance. Amber Guyger was arrested for killing a man and she was released within two hours.”An email from Christopher Cook, an Arlington Police officer, claims the group was arrested because they refused to follow orders, according to The Star-Telegram. “They were given orders to disperse and not block the roadway and failed to comply,” Cook said.Minister Dominique Alexander, president of the Next Generation Action Network, disputes that account. “They were walking away when officers approached them,” he said.“It was pretty much already over with, yet they detained them.”There was another protest happening at the time of the arrests, according to KGNS.#BothamJean protesters marching outside AT&T Stadium ahead of the Cowboys home opener. pic.twitter.com/kb8v5RlyjC— Tommy Noel (@TommyNoel) September 16, 2018About 75 people marched to the stadium with two coffins and a hearse to represent Jean and Oshae Terry, another Texas man who was shot and killed by police.Protesters carried two coffins around AT&T Stadium before the Cowboys vs. Giants game. The coffins represent #BothamJean and #OshaeTerry. Two unarmed black men killed by law enforcement. Read more: https://t.co/5OEonv72Rw pic.twitter.com/qYiHIirkm8— Tommy Noel (@TommyNoel) September 16, 2018Now, check these out:Dallas Protesters Shut Down Major Highway, Demanding Justice For Botham JeanTwitter Slams Fox News Station For Attempted Criminalization Of Botham Shem Jean On The Day Of His FuneralSame Intent, Different Victim: How The Death Of Botham Jean Made Me Rethink My Past Frightening Encounters With The...

Jenifer Lewis used her Emmy outfit to spread a message.Lewis stepped onto the red carpet wearing Nike from head to toe to support their partnership with Colin Kaepernick. She wore a black and red top with Nike written across it in white and a bedazzled swoosh logo. She finished the look with black pants and a pair of Air Max tennis shoes. The Black-ish star’s afro complimented her daring outfit.Jenifer Lewis: "I am wearing Nike to applaud them for supporting Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice and police brutality" #Emmys https://t.co/DApUrVDBlu pic.twitter.com/xuq0y1vJ5L— Variety (@Variety) September 17, 2018“I am wearing Nike to applaud them for supporting Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice and police brutality,” she told Variety.Lewis said she came up with the idea to wear Nike while pondering what she could do to openly support Kaepernick. She also urged other companies to take a similar stand.“What can I do? What can I do that’s meaningful? I’ll wear Nike. I’ll wear Nike to say thank you. Thank you for leading the resistance! We need more corporate America to stand up also,” she explained.When asked what she would say to the former 49ers quarterback, Lewis decided on unwavering gratitude.“Thank you, Colin. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being brave. Thank you for being courageous. Thank you for taking a knee. Thank you,” Lewis said.Liking this content? Check these out:Why I Have Mixed Feelings On Nike's Campaign With Colin KaepernickRacist Trolls Created Fake Kaepernick Nike Coupons Giving Discounts To 'People Of Color'Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp Fundraiser Proved Everybody And Their Mama Is 'With...

Rainy season in Nigeria has taken a turn for the worst. Nigerian officials are declaring a national disaster as flooding has reportedly displaced thousands killed nearly 100 residents. As of Monday, the national disaster has been declared in four states and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) predicts eight more to follow. The New York Times says president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari has allocated $8.2 million in government funds for relief efforts. Severe flooding is said to occur annually in Nigeria during "rainy season," which usually lasts from March to September, according to Al Jazeera. Last year around this time, flooding killed nearly 350 people and displaced close to 100,000.This year's flooding is a result of extremely heavy rain and overflow from two rivers, the Niger and Benue. The majority of the flooding has been taking place in rural areas of the country.While the Nigerian government is encouraging folks to evacuate, others are begging the government to consider the high number of deaths and to place more money into disaster prevention in the future. Now, check these out:Some Prisoners Are Being Forced To Stay Put As Residents In Virginia And The Carolinas Flee Hurricane FlorenceBlack Alabama Residents Are 'Literally Being Poisoned' By Raw SewageThe Brutally Honest 'This Is Nigeria' Shows How A 'This Is America' Remake Should Be...

Katt Williams’ feud with radio personality Wanda Smith has gotten ugly.Williams was an impromptu guest on Smith’s Atlanta-based radio show, and things quickly went left. Williams insulted other comics and traded insults with Smith. The feud escalated after the interview at a local club. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, police were called to the club after Williams and Smith got into a heated argument. Williams told officers the host's husband, Lamorris Sellers, pointed a gun at him. Sellers told police the Friday After Next star tried to physically fight his wife, and he stepped in to protect her. During his verbal altercation with the comedian, Sellers claims his gun fell out of his waistband. He told police the gun was in his hand only long enough for him to to pick it up and place in back in his pants. The event is under investigation. Williams has refused to press charges, and as no security footage of the altercation exists, police believe the investigation will eventually be shelved. Williams' troubles didn't end there, however. Before he got into it with Smith, the Pimp Chronicles comic threw some serious shade at Kevin Hart and several other comedians.“Because, they gon’ let you do your special, Jerrod Carmichael, but nobody’s going to watch it. They gon’ let you be a star, Lil Rel, but you ugly, and white people don’t believe in ugly stars,” Williams said. “They think you have to be somebody that women want to sleep with and men want to be. But because we black, they say we don’t even deserve that, so you get Kevin Hart, Lil Rel, Jerrod Carmichael all in a row, Hannibal Buress, just dudes that no woman would talk to in Lenox Mall, let alone, you making them movie stars?”He also came for Tiffany Haddish.“[Tiffany Haddish] been doing comedy since she was 16. You can’t tell me your favorite Tiffany Haddish joke. Why? Because she ain’t done a tour yet. She ain’t done a special. She has not proven the ability to tell jokes, back to back for an hour to nobody,” Williams said.Haddish took the high road.It’s official I made it!@KattPackAllDay talked about me and didn’t have his facts right! #Iwin #sheready I look forward to seeing you on Monday Katt, when we pick up our Emmys. I just want to shower you with REAL Love cause you need it, and I Love you 😘 https://t.co/WVOgZvwLZn— Tiffany Haddish (@TiffanyHaddish) September 14, 2018“It’s official I made it! @KattPackAllDay talked about me and didn’t have his facts right! #Iwin #sheready I look forward to seeing you on Monday Katt, when we pick up our Emmys. I just want to shower you with REAL Love cause you need it, and I Love you,” she tweeted.Hart wasn’t pressed either, and defended his friend. View this post on Instagram #KevinHart defends #TiffanyHaddish ***SWIPE*** (#KattWilliams)A post shared by the Jasmine BRAND (@thejasminebrand_) on Sep 16, 2018 at 12:36pm PDT “Let me break it down to you because I love to support. I go back with Tiff. I remember the days when Tiffany Haddish was sleeping out her car,” the Night School star said. “I remember the days when Tiffany Haddish was homeless. I remember the days when Tiffany Haddish didn’t have a dime in her goddamn pocket. Worked hard, grinded and got to where she is today and at the height of her career when most should applaud, most should celebrate some choose to down. So what I see is a woman who is well deserving of the position that she’s in.”Breakfast Club radio host Charlamagne Tha God dubbed Williams “Donkey Of The Day” and criticized him for being a hater. “So kids, what is the lesson to be learned from all of this? Someone who hates you normally hates you for one of three reasons: they either see you as a threat, they hate themselves or they want to be you. Katt Williams look in the mirror and ask yourselves which one are you?” said the Black Privilege author.Now, check these out:Issa Rae Took The Black People She’s Rooting For, Put Them On A Boat And Did ‘Yacht S**t’The Only Thing That May Be Funnier Than Kevin Hart's Comedy Is The Way He Threw A Baseball For The Chicago CubsKevin Hart Refuses To Accept Tiffany Haddish’s Attempts To Repay An Old Loan — So He Put It In Her Wig...

We've all seen footage of news reporters bravely battling an extreme weather, broadcasting live as they are attacked by the elements on air. Reporting under such conditions always wins the journalist praise from viewers. However, one reporter was caught faking the funk when video surfaced on social media that had folks side-eyeing his antics. Hurricane Florence's fury rushed through the Carolinas, resulting in many evacuations. Reporter Mike Seidel of The Weather Channel was there, flailing about as he filed his story.Viewers at home noticed something peculiar: as Seidel seemed about to be swept away, two men behind him walked calmly past. The dichotomy between the journalist and the two locals had folks wondering if the reporter was putting on an act for the camera. So dramatic! Dude from the weather channel bracing for his life, as 2 dudes just stroll past. #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/8FRyM4NLbL— Tony scar. (@gourdnibler) September 14, 2018The Weather Channel claims its man on the scene wasn't putting on an act, and that everything can all be explained by the surfaces the three men were on. The two men were walking on the street, while Seidel was on wet grass. “It’s important to note that the two individuals in the background are walking on concrete, and Mike Seidel is trying to maintain his footing on wet grass, after reporting on-air until 1:00 a.m. ET this morning and is undoubtedly exhausted,” the channel said in a statement, according to FOX 29.Seidel has yet to comment on the controversy himself. Liking this content? Check these out: Here's The Story Behind That Viral Photo Of A Hurricane Florence Evacuee And His Adorable KittenSome Prisoners Are Being Forced To Stay Put As Residents In Virginia And The Carolinas Flee Hurricane FlorenceU.S. Coast Guard Member Flashes What Appears To Be White Power Sign During Video...

The racism-flavored white tears have reached both a new flow and a new low in the circulation of fake Nike coupons. Following online temper tantrums and the viral destruction of Nike goods in the wake of the company's naming of Colin Kaepernick as its new face, fake Nike coupons have surfaced advertising special discounts for "people of color," USA Today reports.Originally found on 4Chan, a message board notorious for being a safe space for racist trolls, the ersatz coupon promises to give 75 percent off of Nike merchandise to people of color. Nike: Coupons featuring Colin Kaepernick's face, for 'people of color,' are fakehttps://t.co/BDOOzHd3KV pic.twitter.com/nTSoJKidbK— 10News (@10News) September 17, 2018 Text on the fake coupon states Nike issued them "to show solidarity with the things we believe in." Of course, the word "solidarity" was misspelled on several versions of the coupon. Another, similar coupon promised to give 80 percent off of products aimed at "urban youth" in celebration of the Kaep news, according to VICE. They. Tried. It. The coupon even had a barcode, which came up as "invalid" when a USA TODAY reporter had it scanned it at a Washington, D.C. area Nike store. Wow. Nike has sent an alert to all of its U.S. retail locations, warning them to be aware of the sketchy coupons. Jack Gillis, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America, believes this attempt goes far beyond just a scam. "I wouldn’t characterize this as a scam, but a full on racial epithet," Gillis said. "This is nothing more than a dog whistle to a small, and unfortunate, segment of America. Another way to put it is that this is a racial statement masquerading as a scam."Fact-checker site Snopes reports at least one version of the coupons includes a QR code which reveals a highly disturbing message once scanned: “This is a ROBBERY, Move slowly and put all the LARGE bills in the shoe box OR everyone DIES.”Major eyeroll. Now, check these out: Twitter’s Most Savage Users Are Remaking The Nike Campaign Ad And We Don’t Mean To Cackle Like ThisColin Kaepernick Haters Are Destroying Nike Items They Already Own After He Becomes Face Of New CampaignWhy I Have Mixed Feelings On Nike's Campaign With Colin...

Black culture is taking over the digital world with its rising popularity. From fashion, sports and music, its influence is pouring over into every facet of American lifestyle consumption.With the rapid increase of Black influence in social media, such as subgroups like Black Twitter and other cultural platforms, Black Americans are filling in the gap that brands have long neglected.  We are steadily bypassing barriers by utilizing online platforms to share and control our own content through podcasts, music, film, entertainment and education.Due to the strong presence online of Black influencers and professionals, brands are taking notice of the needs, interests and concerns of this demographic due to the large buying power. African-American buying power was $1.3 trillion in 2017 and the Selig Center estimates that the nation’s African-American buying power will rise to $1.54 trillion by 2022.Nielsen’s latest report, titled “Consumers to Creators: The Digital Lives of Black Consumers,” takes a deeper dive into how building our new platforms and business models are creating entirely new Black financial ecosystems for transitioning from consumers to creators. Here are some key highlights to know from the report:1. Black consumers are breaking down barriers by making their expectations clear to the brands they support.Black consumers express loyalty to a specific brand if it is perceived as culturally relevant, authentic, socially conscious and responsible, Nielsen reports.Forty-three percent of African-Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 and 41 percent of those aged 35 or older say they expect the brands they buy to support social causes.Fifty-four percent of all African-Americans have lived their entire lives in the digital age, making the digital universe and its conveniences central to the lives of a majority of African-Americans. Since the digital world has no physical barriers, African-Americans can have influence over the latest trends and ideas no matter where they are.2. Black buying power will soon outpace the total population.Since there’s been an increase in the attainment of education, entrepreneurship ventures and younger people entering the workforce in the African-American population, the Selig Center estimates the nation’s Black buying power will increase to $1.54 trillion in 2022 from $1.3 trillion in 2017.The estimate for 2022 reflects a 5.4 percent increase over 2017’s estimate of reaching $1.46 trillion in 2021.The Black buying power increased 108 percent between 2000 and 2017, which outperformed the 87 percent increase of white buying power and the 97 percent increase of total buying power of all races combined during the same time period.According to the graph above, Texas topped the list as being the state with the largest African-American buying power with $117 billion in 2017. New York came at a close second with $116 billion.3. Black Americans are voracious media consumers and creators.African-Americans are considered to be more than just voracious media consumers and there’s evidence to support that they are in control of the conversations that happen online as they are now in the position of content creators instead of just consumers.African-Americans spend 42 hours watching TV and at least 19 hours on smartphone apps. Also, an average of over 13 hours per week is spent listening to the radio. The time spent on smartphone apps and the Internet is around three hours more than the total population.  African-Americans also have a higher reach for social networking (75 percent), video (66 percent) and audio streaming (45 percent) on their smartphones.It’s also important to note that the percentage of Black-hosted and curated podcasts has grown exponentially. With topics discussed such as politics, race, relationships, entertainment and pop culture, the number of African-Americans 18 years or older who listened to podcasts from the past 30 days rose from 2.1 million to 3.6 million, which is a 70 percent growth from 2014 to 2017.As for online shopping, the dollars spent by Black Americans currently outpaces the total market.Black Americans over-index when it comes to dollars spent through online shopping and it’s growing in the majority of grocery categories.Eighty percent of African-Americans agree that the Internet is a great way to find information on products and services they are interested in buying and 75 percent agree it’s a great way to actually buy products.4. Black Americans place social networking center stage.African-Americans are frequent users of social media and have also helped build social media platforms like Twitter into larger platforms.Social networking has a big reach among the Black population with 81 percent of African Americans engaging on a smartphone, 43 percent on a tablet and 13 percent on a computer, for a total time spent on social media of 44 minutes per day.African-American adults also have a higher reach using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Facebook and Instagram have the broadest mobile reach and the highest time spent on the site amongst Black Americans, Nielsen reports.African-Americans have also used social media platforms for content creation and have received entertainment contracts and endorsement deals through the steady perfection of their content online.The rise of Black Twitter has also been a cultural revolution. Many African- American Twitter users use the platform to share thoughts and connect on topics such as black culture, identity and injustice in the black community. Ideas are spread by creating a dialogue about relatable content and using hashtags that go viral.Twitter and BET launched a comprehensive study in 2017 to learn about how Black Twitter has become such a powerful tool. Both companies shared with Nielsen how they describe Black Twitter, as well as its accomplishments and advice on how brands can enter the space.Twenty-eight percent of the 67 million Twitter users are African-American and 40 percent of African-Americans are on Twitter.Black Twitter has been described as the voice of the people and a digital family reunion where users all come together to discuss pop culture, TV, music, Black pride and culture, social change and activism.Brands have to be careful with their entry into Black Twitter, if their effort in entering into the space is not done correctly it can be at a loss for the brand and have negative repercussions in the market.5. Black music takes the lead in mainstream culture.The R&B and Hip-Hop genre surpassed Rock last year as music’s most consumed genre, representing 31 percent of total album equivalent volume (album + TEA + Audio and Video SEA).R&B and Hip-Hop have grown from 29 percent, while the next biggest genre, Rock, has dropped from 25 percent to 23 percent of total album equivalent volume.R&B and Hip-Hop is now 36 percent of total on-demand streams, 38 percent of on-demand audio streams, and 34 percent of on-demand video streams. Its domination has extended to radio too, with the average quarter-hour audience share of Urban Contemporary stations has increased by 15 percent in the past four years among people ages 18-49.6. Black youth are big-time gamers.Gaming provides marketers with an opportunity to connect with the young Black audience.Gaming revenues topped $3.6 billion in 2017 compared to the $11 billion for the Hollywood box office, over the same period according to Entertainment Software Association.African-Americans make up the second largest ethnic group to play in the United States after Asian-Americans.Compared to 66 percent of the total population, 73 percent of African-Americans 13 and older are gamers.As proven in Nielsen’s report, African-Americans consumers show that there are no limits to their influence on U.S. mainstream culture.With the help of digital devices, social media and apps African-Americans have the ability to stretch their influence to various parts of the world.Due to the community’s large presence, marketers and brands have to be aware of the importance of inclusion and diversity. African-Americans are at the leading edge of American culture and the community and deserve to be recognized, respected and understood in all facets of American...

Are you a working professional or entrepreneur looking to start a business in the Los Angeles area? AARP California and the Urban League in Los Angeles have partnered with Vector90, a shared workspace company, to offer a series of training workshops called The Business of Small Business: Entrepreneurial Workshop Training Series.Developed with the goal of growing and supporting Black millennial entrepreneurship in the Los Angeles area, the entrepreneurial workshops will provide an overview of business ownership in the city through detailed segments on funding, brand power and more, led by local working professionals who became successful entrepreneurs.“The Business of Small Business workshops are a great start for people to turn their passion into profit,” said Nancy McPherson, AARP California state director. “We are proud to support the work of the Los Angeles Urban League and help sustain small business development in Los Angeles. We believe entrepreneurship is a path to helping communities, to employment and to building wealth. We hope attendees will walk away with the knowledge that can uplift their financial empowerment.”The workshops are scheduled on Wednesdays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting September 26 through October 24 and will take place at Vector90 – 6111 S. Gramercy Place. Los Angeles, CA 90027 – a co-working space and incubator for creators and entrepreneurs in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles. Early Registration is encouraged. Free parking is available, look for a sign that says “The Bread Yard.”Participants can attend one or all of the following free workshops (We strongly encourage attending all):Business 101- Wednesday, Sept. 26 - Learn the basics of business ownership and what you need to get started.It Takes Money to Make Money: Funding Your Business for Success Wednesday, Oct. 3 - Prepare to raise the money you need to help grow your business, with a focus on business loans.Exploring Technology in Your Business - Wednesday, Oct. 10 - Get informed about operating a business in the digital age.Your Brand and Your Business - Wednesday, Oct. 17 - Explore the power of your brand and how to deliver your personal and business brand authentically.Are You Ready for the Next Level? - Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Learn how to beat the odds to stay in business for the long haul.To register and for more information about The Business of Small Business: Entrepreneur Workshop Training Series visit...

Cardi B came under fire recently after an Ed Edd n Eddy meme with transphobic undertones was posted to her Facebook account on Sunday. “I hope nobody see this t****y leave my house,” read the caption, which included a transphobic slur. According to Billboard, two prominent trans women in television decided to join the crowd enlightening Cardi B as to just why the meme isn't just unfunny, but is an extremely serious matter. “I am a huge advocate for free speech, but as long as its socially acceptable to make jokes about trans people, to make and share memes disparaging and demeaning trans folks, trans folks will continue to be murdered and denied civil rights," Cox tweeted on Sunday. I am a huge advocate for free speech but as long as its socially acceptable to make jokes about trans people, to make and share memes disparaging & demeaning trans folks, trans folks will continue to be murdered &denied civil rights. #TransIsBeautiful #transrightsarehumanrights— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) September 16, 2018 The Orange Is The New Black actress also linked to an ACLU blog post reporting the number of murders involving transgender and non-binary people have reached record highs in recent years. As Blavity recently reported, 20 trans people have been murdered so far this year.Pose actress Angelica Ross also brought up a good point, noting that these "jokes" aren't jokes, but statements that stem from a very real hatred and bigotry people have against the trans community.Black trans women are being killed because of jokes like this. These niggas are killing us to keep women like you @iamcardib from finding out. Cause you’ll make fun of their manhood. This is how you encourage toxic masculinity that only ends up hurting you too sis! Apologize. pic.twitter.com/eooxFrp85j— Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) September 16, 2018Cardi B took to Twitter and claimed the post was uploaded by a former team member. The rapper said she hasn't had personal access to the account for some time.It's come to my attention that there have been offensive posts made on what used to be my Facebook page. For the past year and a half a FORMER team member has been the only one with access to the account.— iamcardib (@iamcardib) September 16, 2018Following Cardi's statement, Ross acknowledged her effort, and reiterated the importance of following up as a true ally by taking action. I appreciate @iamcardib addressing the issue and taking responsibility like a boss. The next step is taking the opportunity to teach the entire industry why this shit is unacceptable and will not be tolerated any longer. THAT would be allyship in action. Cis solidarity sis. pic.twitter.com/Isweze6D3C— Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) September 17, 2018 Now, check these out: Why Are We More Interested In Transphobia Than We Are In Transpeople? Cardi B Speaks Out After Getting Into Fight With Nicki Minaj At Fashion Week Party London Moore Is The 20th Trans Woman In America, And The 5th In Florida, To Be Killed This...