Reform Alliance Names Kim Spitaleri as Its First Chief Marketing Officer

Reform Alliance Names Kim Spitaleri as Its First Chief Marketing Officer

Kim Spitaleri has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer by REFORM Alliance, which will oversee the group’s recently established marketing division. Kim will create the long-term marketing plan, activations, and brand innovation for REFORM. Kim will play a crucial part as the organization continues to advance its goal to revolutionize supervision by altering laws, procedures, and culture to offer genuine routes to employment and well-being.

America’s probation and parole system have to be replaced with a restorative strategy that is fair, responsible, and committed to recovery. The organization’s mission is to help people successfully reintegrate into society while enhancing the safety and well-being of families and communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to our team,” said REFORM CEO Robert Rooks. “As we continue to raise awareness about the need to transform our probation and parole system, innovation will be fundamental to taking our movement to new heights. As Chief Marketing Officer, Kim will lead the strategic direction for our marketing presence, spearheading efforts to bring REFORM’s mission to new audiences by implementing creative campaigns and designing dynamic and impactful events. Her leadership will be key to advancing our growth and impact.” 

Kim has over 20 years of experience in a variety of marketing fields. Kim joins us most recently from Estée Lauder Companies, where she served as Vice President, Global Consumer Marketing, eCommerce & Omnichannel at Tom Ford Beauty, shaping the brand strategy, creating disruptive marketing activations, and driving record-breaking growth. She is uniquely qualified to lead marketing transformation in that role. She led the global opening of the Tom Ford Beauty retail locations during her time there, diversified social media, and opened up e-commerce in China, tripling revenues.

“I couldn’t be happier to join REFORM given the current state of affairs and the inequities regularly occurring in our criminal justice system,” said Kim Spitaleri. “We want to change the narrative by sharing the facts and creating emotional connections to amplify REFORM’s reach.”

Kim worked for MAC Cosmetics for five years as the company’s vice president of global and North American consumer marketing and artist relations. Before joining the Tom Ford cosmetics line, she helped the renowned VIVA GLAM lipstick become the best-selling item, with all profits going to regional groups that serve those afflicted by or living with HIV/AIDS. Before joining the Tom Ford cosmetics line, she oversaw and coordinated marketing efforts across many divisions.

She worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts for seven years before Marriott acquired it, spending more than ten years there. She held executive positions inside several organizations in North America, including W Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, and the portfolio of brands. Most notably, she encouraged the growth into international markets and helped establish the W Hotels brand in its early years.

One of the essential aspects in determining reentry success, reducing recidivism, and establishing long-term stability for people, families, and communities is employment possibilities. Since the company’s founding in 2019, REFORM has helped more than 650,000 people find options to leave the criminal justice system by passing 16 pieces of bipartisan legislation in 10 states. In addition to working on legislation, REFORM is committed to fostering employment possibilities for long-term success in the labor market.

REFORM launched a series of job fair events in late 2021, and since then, it has staged two sizable gatherings that offered complete one-stop services and community involvement. Nearly 10,000 people had access to career prospects thanks to the two events in New York and Philadelphia, and 25% of registrants received job offers. In 2023, more job fair occasions are anticipated to be declared nationwide.

The post Reform Alliance Names Kim Spitaleri as Its First Chief Marketing Officer appeared first on The Source.

Two Children Shot At School Bus Stop In Miami By Teen Robbing Them For Their Phones

Screen Shot 2022 09 09 at 5.08.09 AM

According to several reports, two 12-year-old boys were shot by a teenager who was trying to rob the young school children of their cell phones.

As the two 12-year-old boys waited for the school bus in Miami-Dade County, Florida shortly before 8am, a 16-year-old boy with a gun approached the tw oboys and demanded their cell phones. When the boys refused to give up their phones, the teen gunman immediately opened fire, striking both of the boys with bullets before fleeing the scene.

The preteens were treated by the members of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and were transported to a local hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

The shooter was eventually apprehended and found with two handguns in his possession.

The post Two Children Shot At School Bus Stop In Miami By Teen Robbing Them For Their Phones appeared first on The Source.

Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, Meth & Red Announced As ‘High Hopes’ Headliners

ICE CUBE EDITED GettyImages 1237327150 1068x712 1

West Coast hip hop legends Ice Cube and Cypress Hill announced as the headliners among a roster of classic rap acts for the upcoming annualHigh Hopes concert series in Ontario, California on November 19, in association with BobbyDee Presents and Dr. Greenthumb. The concert lineup includes Method Man and Redman, Xzibit, and The Doggpound.

MORE: Twitter Declares Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” Best Diss Track Of All Time

“This is a legendary and iconic lineup,” said B-Real of Cypress Hill, aka Dr. Greenthumb in announcement press release. “High Hopes has curated the smoker’s ultimate playlist, and it’s a platform that I’ve supported since day one. This is the beginning of a new movement that Chang and I started with our Smoke Out. We’re excited to roll out even more surprises this year and in the future.”

High Hopes Concert Series features world-class artists, iconic headliners, and some of the most influential trailblazers in the music industry, coming together to support cannabis culture and celebrate the legalization of weed.

“We’re still in prohibition,” said Chang Weisberg, High Hopes Co-Promoter. “We have to keep up the fight for decriminalization, common sense tax reform, and safe access. High Hopes is a platform for music and medicine.”

MORE: Ice Cube Praises Lil Wayne, Says His “Metaphors Are Otherworldly”

High Hopes will begin at 7pm PT and end at 12am PT. General tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets here.

In other news, it was announced this week that Ice Cube has taken over as CEO of his co-founded 3-on-3 basketball league, Big 3. Cube will be replacing recently appointed CEO, Chris Hannan, who was given the position February 2021. The BIG3’s Monster Energy Celebrity Game will be broadcast on CBS this Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. 

The post Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, Meth & Red Announced As ‘High Hopes’ Headliners appeared first on The Source.

John Legend Addresses Issues With Kanye West, Says West was Upset because Legend didn’t Support his Presidential Run

Kanye West John Legend

Politics has a way of dividing even the closest of friends and while it appeared that famous artists John Legend and Kanye West had a traditional Democrat vs. Republican fallout, that was not apparently the case.

In an interview with the New Yorker, Legend clarifies that while he is a vocal supporter of many Democrats, including Joe Biden, his and West’s issues have nothing to do with West’s one-time support of Donald Trump, but rather because Legend didn’t endorse West in his 2020 presidential run.

In the interview, Legend stated the following: “What it got described as was, we stopped being friends because he supported Trump, which was a mischaracterization of what I said. That was kind of the Rupert Murdoch version of the story—it was all over the New York Post and Fox News. What I was saying was that he was very upset with me that I didn’t support him running for President, and that was the real impetus for us having a strain in our friendship. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but he was very upset with me that I didn’t support him and I supported Joe Biden. It’s up to him whether he can get past that.” [According to the New Yorker, West could not be reached for comment.]

In 2018, Ye posted screenshots of a tweet in which Legend asked him to “reconsider aligning [himself] with Trump,” to which West followed up with a series of bizarre tweets in which he seemed to emphasize independent thought while still maintaining his support for then-president Trump.

However, when West made his own run for president, Legend did not support him and rather supported Biden.

Legend was not the only hip-hop artist to draw West’s ire. On a 2020 episode of “Drink Champs,” West called both Legend and Big Sean sellouts for not supporting him, stating, ““​I know this man mama, bro. … I changed this man’s family. Both John Legend and Big Sean, when I ran for office, got used quick by the Democrats to come at they boy that actually changed they life. And that’s some sellout sh-t. And I don’t rock with neither of them and I need my apologies. I ain’t saying they gon’ change, but n-ggas is scared.”

West received about 60,000 votes out of an estimated total of 160 million in the 2020.

The post John Legend Addresses Issues With Kanye West, Says West was Upset because Legend didn’t Support his Presidential Run appeared first on The Source.

CJ Wallace, Son of The Notorious B.I.G., Receives Custom Diamond Pendant of His Father

CJ Wallace, Son of The Notorious B.I.G., Receives Custom Diamond Pendant of His Father

Hip-Hop loves chains, and CJ Wallace, the son of The Notorious B.I.G., may have just revealed one of the best neck pieces of all time.

CJ got the new necklace from Mazza New York Jewelers by request of his mother Faith Evans. The result is a Biggie pendant covered in diamonds, showing his father in one of his trademark Coogi sweaters with a stack of bills in his hand.

“It was an honor to get the opportunity to create such an iconic figure such as B.I.G., it was a greater honor to present it to my guy @cjordanwallace,” Mazza wrote on Instagram. “Thank you @therealfaithevans for trusting our brand to create such an important piece for your son.”

Are you a fan of the new pendant? Check it out below and exclusive videos and images on Instagram here and here.

The post CJ Wallace, Son of The Notorious B.I.G., Receives Custom Diamond Pendant of His Father appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott’s Family and Cactus Jack Foundation Host School Supply Drive Serving 1,000 Teachers in Houston

DSC08237

Travis Scott’s family and neighborhood volunteers organized a school supply distribution for Houston teachers in reaction to school budget cuts that forced instructors to buy materials on their own dime. As schools reopen, there will be many needs, as evidenced by the fact that all teachers were pre-registered and that places filled up quickly—in record time.

Before the 2022–2023 school year, Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation organized a Back to School Drive at the Lakeshore Learning location for 1,000 teachers in the Houston Independent School District. Participants received a free tote filled with school essentials and a $50 Lakeshore Learning Store gift card.

Jordan Webster, who oversees education initiatives at her brother’s Cactus Jack Foundation and recently graduated from an HBCU, Josh Webster, and their parents, Jacques Webster Sr. and Wanda Webster, as well as Scott’s grandmother Mrs. Sealie, who has a long history, of taking part in community CJF events in their native Houston, were present to distribute supply packages and meet with teachers today.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

 “Cactus Jack Foundation is committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of teachers and students across Houston and around the country,” said Jordan Webster. “It breaks my heart that teachers are forced to dig into their own pockets to fund classrooms that will ensure a rich learning environment for every student. Hopefully, this effort, the first of many squarely focused on teachers, will provide some relief.”

The Cactus Jack Foundation announced a million-dollar series of $10,000 scholarships to 100 HBCU seniors facing financial hardship after their senior year. Each senior graduated on schedule this past May, fulfilling the foundation’s goal.

Scott launched Project HEAL in March, a multi-tiered project aimed at tackling problems faced by today’s kids, particularly those from disadvantaged and at-risk areas in Texas.

Project HEAL unifies efforts such as HBCU scholarships, free mental health support, a creative design center and career incubator, and a first-ever, tech-driven solution for event safety in collaboration with the Cactus Jack Foundation. These initiatives seek to address problems and overcome obstacles affecting young people, individually and collectively.

The post Travis Scott’s Family and Cactus Jack Foundation Host School Supply Drive Serving 1,000 Teachers in Houston appeared first on The Source.

Fat Joe Stirs Debate, Claiming Blacks and Latinos Equally Responsible for Evolution of Hip-Hop

Fat Joe

Fat Joe has been a prominent fixture in the hip-hop community for over two decades now, but recently he stirred up debate online when he claimed that hip-hop was created “half and half” by blacks and Latinos.

On Friday, he took to Instagram with a 45-second clip meant to celebrate the contributions of Latino artists, DJs, and groups who contributed to the hip-hop genre over the years including the Mean Machine, DJ Junebug, DJ Disco Wiz, and more. He captioned the clip “Thank you for your contribution to HIP HOP.”

The post, which appeared to be positive in nature and celebrated the contributions of the artists, was largely met with praise and positive feedback. However, some criticized Fat Joe in the comments.

On Saturday, Fat Joe went live on Instagram live to promote DJ Khaled‘s upcoming album, God Did. About 50 minutes into the session, Fat Joe addresses some of the backlash that he appeared to be receiving in the comments section. 

The Bronx native noted that people had been questioning Latinos’ place in rap and the hip-hop culture.

He said that he recently had gone on Twitter where people had been talking about how “Latinos wasn’t in rap….this and that….these guys are f***ing delusional.”

He continued: “We from the Bronx, New York, sh** happens, it’s where hip-hop started. It’s Latino and black, half and half. But they’re going at me because I’m the only Spanish dude like really with a big voice.”

He imitated someone typing on a keyboard, saying “Latinos wasn’t there, you wasn’t invited, you are a specimen, I don’t know what is up with these people? They don’t know their facts.”

Twitter and Instagram users appeared to be divided, with some saying that the Latino culture did indeed have a presence in hip-hop while others called Fat Joe and DJ Khaled “culture vultures.”

The post Fat Joe Stirs Debate, Claiming Blacks and Latinos Equally Responsible for Evolution of Hip-Hop appeared first on The Source.

Ne-Yo’s Soon-To-Be Ex Wife Speaks Out, Says no Chance of Reconciliation

Ne Yo

Ne-Yo’s marriage appears to be close to officially over. After accusing the “So Sick” singer of cheating last month and filing for divorce, his soon-to-be ex wife, Crystal Renay, briefly addressed the situation, saying that the two will not be getting back together.

Video footage shows a TMZ reporter approaching Renay as she exits LAX and asking her “what are the chances that you and Ne-Yo can work it out?”

She quickly responds, “there are no chances. God is good.”

The reporter continues to press, asking her if she is sure and she responds that “we’re moving on to better lives” and adding that “certain things can’t be forgiven, but God will forgive and so will I.”

When asked if she was going to start dating again, Renay shrugs and says “only God knows.”

Renay filed for divorce after claiming that Ne-Yo fathered a child with another woman. Paperwork filed in Atlanta cites that the couple’s marriage is “irretrievably broken with no hope for reconciliation.” Renay and Ne-Yo have three children of their own: Isabella Rose, 14-months, Roman-Alexander Raj, 4 years, and Shaffer Chimere Jr., 6 years.

While some might find the reporter’s questions odd, it would not be the first time the couple has filed for divorce only to reconcile later. After getting married in 2016, Renay filed for divorce in 2020, but withdrew the filing. They then had a “second wedding” celebration in 2022.

So far there has been no word on the mystery woman or baby that Ne-Yo allegedly fathered.

The post Ne-Yo’s Soon-To-Be Ex Wife Speaks Out, Says no Chance of Reconciliation appeared first on The Source.

Cormega Brings Adidas To Queensbridge For Back To School Book Bag GiveAway

Screen Shot 2022 08 24 at 8.52.12 PM

t’s been a quite week for hip-hop emcee and author Cormega, who dropped a new single, “Essential,” produced by Havoc. In addition to formally announcing the release of his long-anticipated next album, The Realness IIhe unveiled a billboard in Times Square! New music isn’t the only thing he’s preparing for. The proud parent of two is also getting Queensbridge kids and their families ready to return to school!

On Sunday, August 21st from 1pm-3pm, Cormega partnered with Adidas to distribute FREE Adidas book bags to hundreds of kids in front of The Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement aka Queensbridge Community Center at 10-25 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11101. For the past four years, Cormega has discretely given backpacks and school supplies to kids in the community. This year he welcomed families publicly sharing, “I came to Queensbridge as Cory, and Queensbridge made me Cormega!”GB NY Sneaker Boutique and Riis Settlement Center, joined as sponsors of the FREE family friendly event which featured free vegan pizza from Krave It NY Pizza, ice cream, and of course music!

Screen Shot 2022 08 24 at 8.59.35 PM

Cormega has been giving back to Queensbridge Projects long before he recorded his first record. Hiphopdx.com wrote an exclusive story in 2002 about an all-expense trip which took several busloads of people to Six Flags Great Adventures Amusement Park in New Jersey.

Screen Shot 2022 08 24 at 8.55.26 PM

I usually sponsor basketball tournaments, but I wanted to do something more to impact families, especially during inflation. For three years, I have purchased whatever was available, book bags, school supplies, clothes and and gave them to kids in Queensbridge. Some kids got book bags with flowers and stars. This year we upgraded to Adidas bookbags! It was cool to partner with a brand the kids and their parents respect,” shares Cormega. “I’m grateful to everyone – Adidas, GBNY, Riis, Krave It, the ice cream man – who joined in to help get the kids ready as they return back to school!”

The post Cormega Brings Adidas To Queensbridge For Back To School Book Bag GiveAway appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Atlanta Murder Suspect Captured During Traffic Stop After 28 Years On The Run

Screen Shot 2022 08 23 at 7.40.13 AM

Last week, an Atlanta man was pulled over by deputies with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office doing random registration checks and found out that the man driving had no insurance and his driver’s license was suspended.

The deputies told the man, who said his name was Rais Sekhem, that his South Carolina-issued license was suspended before he was arrested and charged with driving on suspended license, no insurance, and suspended registration.

After being fingerprinted, the man’s prints came up under the name Muhammed Bilal El-Amin, who is wanted for the 1994 murder of 18-year-old Jafferd Tucker at Atlanta’s Oakland City Train Station, who El-Amin allegedly shot in the face.

Screen Shot 2022 08 23 at 7.41.58 AM

The post [WATCH] Atlanta Murder Suspect Captured During Traffic Stop After 28 Years On The Run appeared first on The Source.