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Future’s Freewishes Foundation Starts S.T.E.A.M Programming for Students

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Future Lands His 150th Single on the Billboard Hot 100

The foundation has started programming for marginalized students interested in S.T.E.A.M

Last year, Grammy award-winning entertainer Future and his Freewishes Foundation opened a sleek S.T.E.A.M lab in Atlanta. The lab was just the beginning of the foundation’s S.T.E.A.M initiative. At the time, Future stated, “It’s important that all students receive access to S.T.E.A.M education regardless of their background.”

The goal of the Freewishes Foundation is to eradicate the educational gap in tech and science amongst marginalized communities and extend the opportunity for all students to excel in S.T.E.A.M through quality education.

Freewishes has started programming for students in S.T.E.A.M. through a groundbreaking collaboration with Intel. The collaboration is entitled Intel Future Skills Day. It was held on February 26th and February 28th at the Freewishes S.T.E.A.M lab at Bessie Branham Recreation Center in Kirkwood, where Future grew up. It is the beginning of more programming for students interested in S.T.E.A.M education. Atlanta students interested in upcoming workshops and programming are encouraged to go to Freewishes.org.

As a company, Intel’s goal is to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person. In 2016, they made the Intel® Future Skills platform to ensure that the next generation can access the framework needed for a lifetime of problem-solving and discovery through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) learning.

Tia Wilburn, Executive Director of Freewishes, is delighted about the collaboration and how this program will impact students throughout Atlanta.

“We are excited about this opportunity to partner with Intel to further one of our main objectives of S.T.E.A.M education. Our overall objective is to encourage students to become innovators by emphasizing students’ expressions and creativity when solving technical or science-related problems. We want our students to be more than just consumers and assemblers of technology. We want them to be devisers, catalysts for change, and the driving force behind innovation” – Tia Wilburn (Co-founder/Executive Director of FreeWishes Foundation).

Uriah Horne of the Atlanta Network of Intel African Ancestry (NIA) Co-Chair stated the following.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the esteemed FreeWishes Foundation. Together, we unite our forces to inspire and empower local Atlanta youth through our innovative S.T.E.A.M. project. Intel Future Skills Day represents a pivotal moment for us as we come together to spark curiosity, creativity, and a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among the young minds in our community. We are excited to further lay the foundation for a future where every child can access the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital age. Intel is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have, not just on the participants, but on the broader community, as we aspire to light the spark of possibility in the hearts and minds of the next generation.” -Uriah Horne

Kristade Swain (Atlanta Network of Intel African Ancestry (NIA) Co-Chair said, “We launched this S.T.E.A.M workshop day with the FreeWishes Foundation specifically for students across metro Atlanta as a way to equip them with the vital digital skills needed and to guarantee equitable access to technological opportunities within our community. We strive to emphasize the importance of representation within the tech industry. Who better to spearhead this movement towards greater inclusivity in tech than those who exemplify the richness of diversity we strive to see? Through this initiative, we’re not just teaching skills but hoping to inspire a new generation to see themselves as integral parts of the technological landscape.” –

The Freewishes Foundation looks forward to creating more programming with Intel as a resource to prepare the future generation in S.T.E.A.M.

The post Future’s Freewishes Foundation Starts S.T.E.A.M Programming for Students first appeared on The Source.

The post Future’s Freewishes Foundation Starts S.T.E.A.M Programming for Students appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Laurence Maroney’s LM39 Foundation Transforms Lives Beyond the Field With The Launch Of The LM39 NFL Flag Football League

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Former NFL powerhouse Laurence Maroney, renowned for his exceptional career with
the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, is taking his commitment to excellence
beyond the football field. Through his LM39 Foundation, Maroney is set to redefine
success by creating opportunities for youth that transcend geographical boundaries.

Hailing from St. Louis, Maroney is a living testament to the values of hard work,
ambition, discipline, and faith. Now, as the founder of the LM39 Foundation, he is on a
mission to be the mentor he wished he had while growing up. The foundation, under
Maroney’s visionary leadership, is dedicated to providing a support system that fosters
the growth, development, and leadership potential of young individuals.

At the heart of the LM39 Foundation’s transformative initiatives is the newly launched
LM39 NFL Flag Football League. More than just a sports league, LM39 is a movement
that aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes in communities.

Maroney’s league goes beyond the typical sports endeavor. It’s a platform focused on
empowering youth, addressing crucial issues such as mental health awareness,
financial literacy, and youth advocacy. The LM39 NFL Flag Football League is not just
about scoring touchdowns; it’s about actively contributing to the development of future
leaders.

Participants in the LM39 NFL Flag Football League, whether as players, coaches, or
referees, become integral contributors to a larger cause. It’s not merely about engaging
in a game; it’s about becoming a part of a community that values teamwork, dedication,
and overall personal development.

LM39 offers financial, educational, and athletic programs, coupled with essential athlete
mental health support. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of the unique mental
health challenges athletes face and provide them with the necessary resources and
support.
Ready to be a part of the game-changing world of LM39 NFL Flag Football? Join us at
LM39 NFL Flag Football League and become an active participant in this incredible
journey towards youth empowerment.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Laurence Maroney’s LM39 Foundation Transforms Lives Beyond the Field With The Launch Of The LM39 NFL Flag Football League first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Laurence Maroney’s LM39 Foundation Transforms Lives Beyond the Field With The Launch Of The LM39 NFL Flag Football League appeared first on The Source.

Candace Owens and Joe Budden Link Up, Tease Podcast Crossover

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Political commentator Candace Owens and podcast host Joe Budden met in Nashville in a surprising turn of events.

Just days after Budden expressed admiration for Owens’ work but questioned her willingness to engage with his show, the pair’s unexpected encounter has sparked widespread speculation online. While details of their meeting remain undisclosed, anticipation is mounting as fans eagerly await further updates on the collaboration between Owens and Budden, which is expected to make waves across social media platforms.

Earlier this week, Candance Owens showed support for Beyoncé’s Country music. In the latest episode of The Candace Owens Podcast, Ownes details Queen Bey’s country history.

“Some people are saying that this is not very country,” Candace says. “I’m going to defend Beyoncé on that point because Beyoncé’s kind of always been country. She’s more country than Taylor Swift ever was for sure. Beyoncé is from Houston, Texas. She’s always had a twang… [Taylor Swift] put on a fake twang. Everyone was okay with it. You can’t say that Taylor Swift can do it, and Beyonce can’t.”

All hail Queen Bey as she once again presides over the Billboard Hot 100. Beyoncé has taken over the top spot on the single’s chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

The single is the ninth chart-topper for Beyoncé, her most recent being “Break My Soul” in 2022.

According to Luminate, “Texas Hold ‘Em” saw significant growth in various metrics during the tracking week of Feb. 16-22. The song garnered 29 million streams, marking a 51% increase, and received 16.1 million radio airplay audience impressions, experiencing a remarkable surge of 233%. Additionally, the track sold 29,000 downloads, albeit experiencing a decrease of 25%. With these impressive statistics, “Texas Hold ‘Em” earned the distinction of being the top Streaming and Airplay Gainer on the Hot 100 chart.

Over the weekend, Dolly Parton saluted Beyoncé’s musical foray into country. “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Parton wrote on Instagram. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single.”

She added, “Can’t wait to hear the full album!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

The post Candace Owens and Joe Budden Link Up, Tease Podcast Crossover first appeared on The Source.

The post Candace Owens and Joe Budden Link Up, Tease Podcast Crossover appeared first on The Source.

Late CFO for Sherri Shepherd Show Accused of Embezzling $5 Million

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Sherri Shepherd show has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Last week, reports emerged revealing a deeply troubling financial scandal involving the show’s chief financial officer, Matt Uzzle, who tragically took his own life in the midst of an investigation into missing funds.

Uzzle, also overseeing financial matters for The Wendy Williams Show, has been implicated in the disappearance of a staggering sum, with estimates surpassing $5 million. The unraveling of this scandal has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and cast a shadow over both shows’ operations.

According to reports from The Sun, Uzzle, who served as the executive producer for Sherri Shepherd’s show, was found deceased on February 13 at his residence in Piermont, New York, in what appears to be a suicide. His untimely death has only deepened the mystery surrounding the missing funds and raised questions about the extent of his involvement.

Sources close to the investigation have shed light on the circumstances leading up to Uzzle’s demise. Following a serious accident, allegedly involving his motorcycle, Uzzle’s absence from work prompted colleagues to uncover alarming discrepancies in financial records. Bills remained unpaid, contracts with essential service providers were neglected, and suspicions arose regarding the mismanagement of funds.

Reports suggest that an internal investigation was launched into the financial irregularities, casting a cloud of suspicion over Uzzle’s actions during his tenure. It is believed that he was instrumental in overseeing the budget for both the Sherri Shepherd and Wendy Williams shows, making the magnitude of the missing funds all the more alarming.

The scale of the financial misconduct is staggering, with allegations pointing to Uzzle’s involvement in the disappearance of millions of dollars over an extended period. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the industry, tarnishing the reputation of the Sherri Shepherd show and raising concerns about financial oversight within the organization.

Amidst the turmoil, questions have emerged regarding the knowledge and complicity of higher-ups within the organization. With Uzzle’s longstanding tenure and close ties to senior management, speculation abounds about who knew what and when. The involvement of Debmar Mercury, the production company behind the Sherri Shepherd show, further complicates the matter, as parent company Lionsgate demands accountability for the missing funds.

As investigations continue and the fallout from this scandal unfolds, the Sherri Shepherd show finds itself embroiled in a crisis that threatens its integrity and future. The tragic loss of Matt Uzzle has left behind a trail of unanswered questions and a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the once-prominent daytime talk show.

In the wake of this turmoil, the entertainment industry grapples with the sobering reality of financial impropriety and the devastating toll it can exact, leaving behind shattered reputations and irreparable damage in its wake. As the investigation progresses, the full extent of the scandal’s impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fallout from this financial scandal will reverberate for years to come.

Thoughts?

The post Late CFO for Sherri Shepherd Show Accused of Embezzling $5 Million first appeared on The Source.

The post Late CFO for Sherri Shepherd Show Accused of Embezzling $5 Million appeared first on The Source.

Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign Sued by Donna Summer Estate for Copyright Infringement

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Another day, another lawsuit for Kanye West. Ye and his Vultures partner, Ty Dolla $ign, are being sued by the Donna Summer estate for using the icon’s “I Feel Love” in the creation of “Good (Don’t Die).”

The suit is led by Summer’s husband, Bruce Sandano, stating the interpolation was not approved due to Ye’s “controversial history.”

Ye submitted a request for clearance, but it was denied on Feb. 3, 2024, in both written and phone communications. The song was submitted for clearance at Universal Music Enterprises as an alternative but was once again denied.

The estate is now seeking damages of $150,000 for each infringement.

Earlier this week, after Adidas announced a new stock drop of Yeezy sneakers at the end of the month, Kanye hit the net with a message stating he was sued.

“Not only are they putting out fake colorways that are not approved, they are suing me for $250 million,” Ye said. “And they also not paying me for these shoes they are putting out that has my name on it.

“They are using contract clauses and 50 years of business experience to rape an artist – one of y’all favorite artists – right in front of y’all in broad daylight.”

Kanye says Adidas is suing him for 250M while selling Yeezy’s with his name on it without paying him. Other celebrities need to speak out and bring attention to this because it could be them too one day pic.twitter.com/wxBBbiSHHA

— Ye Streams (@kanyestreams1) February 26, 2024

The post Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign Sued by Donna Summer Estate for Copyright Infringement first appeared on The Source.

The post Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign Sued by Donna Summer Estate for Copyright Infringement appeared first on The Source.

Cardi B Teases New Single on Instagram Featuring Missy Elliott Sample

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Cardi B Says Offset Will Address Social Media Rumors in His Forthcoming Album

Cardi B is teasing a new single. Hitting Instagram, Bardi previewed a track that samples Missy Elliott’s “She’s A Bitch.”

Cardi B’s upcoming track samples Missy Elliott’s “She’s A B*tch” pic.twitter.com/XJTowvrp1c

— The Female Rap Room (@girlsinrap) February 27, 2024

Are we finally getting close to a Cardi B album? Offset hopes so. Hitting Instagram, Offset praised the sophomore effort from his wife and delivered a sharp message.

“Stop being scary and drop the album, sh*t goes crazy,” Offset said.

Offset via his Instagram story:

“Stop being scary and drop the album sh*t goes crazy @iamcardib”
pic.twitter.com/lD24WG8EMu

— Cardi B Updates (@BardiGangUpdate) February 20, 2024

The post Cardi B Teases New Single on Instagram Featuring Missy Elliott Sample first appeared on The Source.

The post Cardi B Teases New Single on Instagram Featuring Missy Elliott Sample appeared first on The Source.

Pharrell Announces Fourth Annual Black Ambition Initiative Competition

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Williams Looks Back on 2020.jpg

As reported by Variety, Pharrell Williams just announced the fourth annual Black Ambition Prize Competition is back for the 2024 prize cycle and accepting applications.

What’s cool about Black Ambition, outside of being created by Pharrell Williams, is that it’s a non-profit initiative providing a path to success for emerging Black and Latinx entrepreneurs launching tech, design, healthcare, and consumer products services start-ups. The mission of Black Ambition is to operate as a major platform for innovation to close the racial wealth gap through the empowerment of underrepresented founders.

Williams told Variety, “Our Black Ambition entrepreneurs have raised more than $95 million and generated more than $23 million in revenue. There is a growing opportunity here and we need the investment community to continue leaning in. It’s great for people of color to have a seat at the table, but that’s not the only goal — we want to see more people of color at the head of the table.”

This is a big deal when you think about it, as there aren’t many avenues for POC entrepreneurs in these sectors to be set up for success, let alone work with a seasoned visionary such as Williams.

For 2024 prize eligibility, the verticals encompass technology (Web 3.0 inclusive), healthcare, consumer products and services, and media and entertainment. With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, that vertical has been added this year.

As Variety reports, up to 250 semi-finalists will be selected to participate in the 3-month “cohort-based mentorship program,” but “only one exceptional winner will receive the prestigious $1,000,000 prize.”

The Black Ambition Initiative has awarded nearly $10 million since 2020 to over 100 Black and Hispanic founders. However, the initiative has vigorously supported 750 entrepreneurs with mentorship to aid in their entrepreneurial ventures. The founders of the Black Ambition network have successfully raised nearly $100 million while generating revenue of over $23 million. Talk about credible big business, Variety reports they “are landing deals with big box retail and being acknowledged for their leadership, with several founders named to the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30.”

“The Black Ambition Prize is more than a competition; the year-round support we provide our entrepreneurs-it’s a movement dedicated to unlocking the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs and reshaping the landscape of innovation. As we launch our fourth annual prize competition, we reaffirm our commitment to empower diverse founders and to bridge the racial wealth and opportunity gaps. Together, we are getting these entrepreneurs the investments, resources and support they need during a time where the opposite is happening in the ecosystem,” in a statement from Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition.

Hatcher, through the organization, has also announced season 2 of their So Ambitious Podcast, which she hosts. The podcast focuses on stories concerning Black founders and entrepreneurs.

The fourth annual Black Ambition Initiative Applications can be found here.

The post Pharrell Announces Fourth Annual Black Ambition Initiative Competition first appeared on The Source.

The post Pharrell Announces Fourth Annual Black Ambition Initiative Competition appeared first on The Source.