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L.A Sparks General Manager Penny Toler Fired For Using N-Word…And She’s Black

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Source: Leon Bennett / Getty When black people use the N-Word, it can be interpreted in different ways, but not as offensive. We’ve seen white people lose their jobs over using it because they use it in a racist manner. But recently L.A Sparks General Manager Penny Toler , who is a black woman, was fired from her position over using the N-word during a rant after a Sparks loss. “It’s unfortunate I used that word,” Toler told ESPN after the Sparks lost to the Connecticut Sun last month during a playoff game. “I shouldn’t. Nobody should but you know, like I said, I’m not here to defend word by word by word what I said. I know some of the words that I’m being accused of are embellished.” Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). Toler said the way she used the word was taken out of context. “By no means did I call my players the N-word,” Toler said when speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne after she was let go. “I’m not saying that I couldn’t have used it in a context. But it wasn’t directed at any of my players.” Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit Toler spent 20 seasons with the Sparks, seeing them through 18 playoff appearances and three championship titles. She also played from the Sparks from 1997 to 1999. Toler also made WNBA history when she made the league’s first basket. “Toler was relieved of her duties and will no longer be with the organization, effective immediately,” the Sparks said in a statement. “A national search will begin immediately to identify the next general manager of the Sparks. Managing Partner and Governor Eric Holoman will assume the duties in the interim.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said “that type of language reportedly used has no place in our league.” “The WNBA takes pride in being one of the most diverse leagues in professional sports that fosters an inclusive and respectful environment. We thank Penny for her contributions to the WNBA through her service to the Sparks organization and as a player over two decades.” Toler had been the General Manager since 1999. This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com .  ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Legendary Actress From ‘A Different World’ Passes Away Tisha Campbell Details Childhood Rape By Babysitter [VIDEO] Tatyana Ali & Her Husband Welcome Baby Number Two [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS

L.A Sparks General Manager Penny Toler Fired For Using N-Word…And She’s Black

How Sweet: Summer Walker Shows London On Da Track A Lil Appreciation After Successful “Over It” Debut

Source: Prince Williams / Rich Polk / Getty Summer Walker Reflects On Relationship While Celebrating Album Debut Summer Walker has a lot to be happy about. She has an album on target to make a #1 debut and she has a dope person to call her own. The “Over It” singer took to Instagram to shout out her homie-lover-bestie London on da Track for all of his support. Apparently, they’ve been through a lot over the last four years trying to jump-start Walker’s career, but it’s all paid off. According to chart data, Walker is already #1 on US iTunes and on track be the top album to debut last week. . @IAMSUMMERWALKER 's 'Over It' has reached #1 on US Apple Music (albums). — chart data (@chartdata) October 4, 2019 US chart update (via @HITSDD ): @IAMSUMMERWALKER 's 'Over It’ now aiming for #1 album debut with 115-125k — chart data (@chartdata) October 6, 2019 About London, Summer writes: Life’s really crazy lol, you know where you met me @ 4 years ago, dead broke. broken mentally, emotionally, financially, you watched me hustle, watched me go through a lot of fu**ed up sh*t. never would’ve thought we’d end up here, you make life a fairytale. I deada** appreciate you. Life’s really different when you in the presence of a real man, s/o to your moms for raising you right lol London seemingly showered his bae with roses and a celebration complete with a cake in Las Vegas.   View this post on Instagram Life’s really crazy lol, you know where you met me @ 4 years ago, dead broke. broken mentally, emotionally, financially, you watched me hustle, watched me go through a lot of fucked up shit. never would’ve thought we’d end up here, you make life a fairytale. I deadasss appreciate you. Life’s really different when you in the presence of a real man, s/o to your moms for raising you right lol @londonondatrack A post shared by Summer Walker (@summerwalker) on Oct 6, 2019 at 2:16pm PDT Super sweet. View this post on Instagram I had my life all planned out, guess I just gotta go w the flow now. A post shared by Summer Walker (@summerwalker) on Oct 6, 2019 at 5:48pm PDT

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How Sweet: Summer Walker Shows London On Da Track A Lil Appreciation After Successful “Over It” Debut

#ThinkFromYourHeart Bresha Webb Offers HILARIOUS Hot Girl Advice Produced By Jamie Foxx [Video]

Source: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com / WENN Bresha Webb “Think From Your Heart” Music Video Bresha Webb wants you to “think with your heart—-and not from your p***y.” The actor/comedienne has released a music video produced by Jamie Foxx with an 80s rock theme for her comedy track “Think From Your Heart.” In it, she channels Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Diana Ross, Prince, Donna Summer, and more while advising women to listen to the organ in their chest rather than their sexual desires. Why? Well, because your “p***y don’t know which way to go.” SOUND ADVICE. Bresha is planning on releasing a comedy album and this track will reportedly be included on it. “Think From Your Heart” with Bresha Webb below.   Produced By: Jamie Foxx Directed By: Dominique Dawson Special Thanks to: Shontel Greene DP: Dominic Jones Make-Up Artist: Sabrina Porche Wardrobe: La Donna Whittingham Production Design: Destiny Grant Playback: Lloren Zeigler Slash Band Member: King Bach Dancers: Liz Lisa Dinora Monica Haniffa Franceli Nicolette Dominique Shamyl Choreographer: Jessica Women Marching: Kay Ewing

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#ThinkFromYourHeart Bresha Webb Offers HILARIOUS Hot Girl Advice Produced By Jamie Foxx [Video]

Hi Hater: Samuel L. Jackson Responds To Martin Scorsese’s Comments About Marvel Movies Not Being Cinema

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Samuel L. Jackson Gives His Two Cents On Martin Scorsese’s Marvel Comments Martin Scorsese’s comments about Marvel films rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way, but MCU star Samuel L. Jackson’s unbotheredness is something we should all aspire to when responding to haters. Jackson–who has been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since day one in his role as Nick Fury—spoke to Variety about Scorsese’s comments, saying, “I mean that’s like saying Bugs Bunny ain’t funny. Films are films. Everybody doesn’t like his stuff either. Everybody’s got an opinion, so I mean it’s okay. Ain’t going to stop nobody from making movies.” Of course, Samuel L. wasn’t the only Marvel alum to share their feelings on Scorsese’s belittling comments. Guardians of the Galaxy  director James Gunn really wasn’t happy with Scorsese’s criticisms. He tweeted on Friday, “Martin Scorsese is one of my 5 favorite living filmmakers. I was outraged when people picketed The Last Temptation of Christ without having seen the film. I’m saddened that he’s now judging my films in the same way.” Martin Scorsese is one of my 5 favorite living filmmakers. I was outraged when people picketed The Last Temptation of Christ without having seen the film. I’m saddened that he’s now judging my films in the same way. https://t.co/hzHp8x4Aj8 — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2019 The filmmaker then went on to clarify his comments in another tweet, making sure he wasn’t blowing the comparison out of proportion. He wrote,  “And I’m not saying religious zealotry is the same as not liking my movies, or in the same category. What I’m saying is I’m not fond of people judging things without actually seeing them, whether it’s a movie about Jesus or a genre.” And I’m not saying religious zealotry is the same as not liking my movies, or in the same category. What I’m saying is I’m not fond of people judging things without actually seeing them, whether it’s a movie about Jesus or a genre. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2019 These responses from MCU stars and fans alike come after a recent interview with Empire , where Scorsese was specifically asked about Marvel. The director went on to argue that the 20+ MCU films should be considered something other than cinema. “I don’t see them,” he proclaimed. “I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema. Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”

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Hi Hater: Samuel L. Jackson Responds To Martin Scorsese’s Comments About Marvel Movies Not Being Cinema

‘Power’ Recap: Tasha’s Questionable Parenting Decision Might Actually Work

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Source: Starz / Starz Tasha made a controversial parenting decision at the end of tonight’s episode of Power. It’s questionable, but it actually makes sense. But let’s bring it back to how the episodes begins. We start with Ghost waking Tariq up by putting a gun in his face. Basically, Ghost figured out that Tariq helped Tommy murder Joe Proctor and is generally tired of his bull. Tariq was shook but pretended that he wasn’t scared even thought it was obvious that he was. When Ghost applied more pressure and even told Tariq that he would make it look like Tariq killed himself due to depression in the wake of Raina’s death. Tariq really got scared and flinched when Ghost pulled the trigger only to reveal that there were no bullets in the gun. Ghost just wanted Tariq to know that he will always be smarter than him and that he is no son of his.  The best line she ever had on this show. #PowerTV pic.twitter.com/LTN6wsMSqs — B E A N Z| New York Comic Con Flow (@PhotosByBeanz) October 7, 2019  Tommy also realized that Tariq ain’t ish. He found out that Tariq stole drugs from his stash and lied about it. Tommy was obviously pissed because that could have cost him his life since Jason don’t play that, and proceeds to hang Tariq off a balcony. Tariq as shook, as he should have been. He was also shocked that his uncle would do that to him. But, that’s the game, as Tommy stated before cutting Tariq off. The thing is, he sees more of Ghost in Tariq than he wanted to, and he doesn’t like that at all. You would think that this would be a lesson to Tariq but nope, he still wants to deal.  When your fathers aren't really speaking to each other but they're both sick of your sh*t #PowerTV pic.twitter.com/yBHDlN52nK — Kendra Ann (@KendraAnn4) October 7, 2019 And then there’s Keisha. Keisha’s ride or die schtick got taken up a notch. She caught her first body last night. It was self defense, but as we know, she ain’t really about this life and needs to quit. We know this, but Keisha doesn’t, and she’s most likely going to learn the hard way. So, what had happened was, 2-Bit and Spanky are tired of Keisha tying to boss them around and putting bad ideas in Tommy’s head. They see her as a liability so they sent a goon to her shop to try to scare her and hopefully get her to skip town. The rule was not to kill her or hurt her but the goon took it too far. Keisha was strapped and shot him to death. In other words, he caught her first body.  In related news, Ghost also paid Keisha a handsome amount of money to leave town with her son. Keisha did not do what she should have. Instead, she told Tommy that she couldn’t be in the game forever and that she wants them to get out and eventually be a family. Tommy told her what she wanted to hear and even bought her a nice house somewhere in the suburbs. We’ll see how long that lasts. Keisha obviously doesn’t really know her man.  Now, back to Tasha, she figured out that Tariq plotted his kidnapping with Vincent, she knows he basically helped Tommy kill Proctor  and generally realizes that her child ain’t ish. Someone on Twitter compared him to Joffrey. And that’s not actually far off.  At this point I don't know who I hate more #PowerStarz pic.twitter.com/kmXLpcuFpf — A Good Youth (@stephenj9585) October 1, 2019 Tasha explains to him that she knows he’s going to continue dealing drugs no matter what so she strikes her own deal. Her deal with him is that she will teach him the game but he has to stay in school and complete his education (they got him in a new private school) no matter what. If she can’t change him, she might as well make him the best. #PowerTV pic.twitter.com/UiedRLP9WT — Power (@Power_STARZ) October 7, 2019 In any other world this would be lunacy but it’s Power and this is what it is. It seems like Tasha is just being a realest and in this case Tariq is a lot like Ghost when he sets his mind to something. Tasha realizes that Tariq is never going to stop selling drugs and if he continues at the rate he’s going then he’s going to get killed, like he almost did with Vincent.   Finally, we did lose another soldier. So, let’s pour some out for Buddy. Buddy was in charge of watching Dre, whom Tommy, 2-Bit and Spanky had gotten ahold of, but Dre is a dang cat. They were going to kill him—had him tied up and everything—but tricksy Dre will not be held down so he did what he had to do again. #RIPBuddy, you didn’t deserve to get taken out, but that’s how this world works.  RELATED POSTS   Power Recap: There’s Only One Episode Left, But Did You Properly Grieve [Blank] First? ‘Power’ Recap: Saxe Is The TV Poster Child For Mediocre White  Men 

‘Power’ Recap: Tasha’s Questionable Parenting Decision Might Actually Work

Morgan State University Receives $500K Grant From National Science Foundation

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M organ State University has been dedicated to expanding its STEM program and they will be able to move their plans forward with the help of a newly awarded grant. According to HBCU Buzz , the Maryland-based historically Black university recently received a $499,999 grant from the National Science Foundation. National Science Foundation Continues Its Support Of Morgan State University STEM Research With Nearly $500K Grant Award https://t.co/hGMdFoozOY pic.twitter.com/vgAKCp8IwK — HBCU Buzz (@HBCUBuzz) October 3, 2019 The grant will support the growth of the institution’s chemistry, biology and engineering programs with a particular emphasis on research surrounding biofuel production. The funds will go towards a research project called Excellence in Research: Oxidative Stress Induced Impact of Cell-Penetrating Nanoparticles on Cellular Constituents in a Cyanobacterial Model . The university plans on using the grant to work towards closing the racial and gender gaps in STEM by providing mentorship and training for students at all collegiate levels from underrepresented groups. Project participants will receive training on-campus and at the National MagLab which is the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world. The project is being led by Viji Sitther , Ph.D. who serves as a biology professor at Morgan State University and National High Magnetic Field Laboratory staff member Huan Chen , Ph.D. “This project enhances our research and scholarly activities as an R2 high research institution while providing our students with internship and graduate school opportunities,” said Hongtao Yu , Ph.D. who serves as the dean of the university’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “At a time when sustainable, carbon-neutral energy sources are needed more urgently than ever, Dr. Sitther’s research is a valuable contribution not only to our university but to the world at large.” There has been a major effort to advance STEM programs at HBCUs. In September, Spelman College received funding for the creation of a science, technology, engineering and math center. It was awarded by the Department of Defense. SEE ALSO: Spelman College Receives Grant For New STEM Center Morgan State University Becomes The First-Ever HBCU To Collaborate With Wharton [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3888342″ overlay=”true”]

Morgan State University Receives $500K Grant From National Science Foundation

Cardi B Goes Off On ‘Access Hollywood’: “I Hope Your F*ckin’ Mom Catches AIDS”

Source: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis / Getty Cardi B has become known for her fiery personality along with her hit songs, and that passion was on display recently. After an interview with Access Hollywood aired, the Invasion Of Privacy superstar was angry at the outlet over twisting words she said about her baby daughter Kulture and it got pretty intense. As reported by THR , Cardi took umbrage with Access Hollywood ‘s titling of the interview where the headline apparently read to suggest that baby Kulture has been calling someone else mommy because Cardi is pulled in so many different directions. However, Cardi explained in her explosive response via IG Live on Thursday that she is serious about her momma duties. From THR : The rapper, mother to daughter Kulture with rapper beau Offset, hopped on Instagram Thursday to share her frustration with 51 million followers in what turned out to be an explosive, expletive-filled rant aimed at Access Hollywood and the editorial decision to allegedly “chop up” her words for “clickbait.” Cardi also threatened to spit at Access — while also mimicking the insult — and, in the rant’s most shocking moment, said this: “Access Hollywood, suck my whole d*ck. Suck a d*ck, I hope your f*cking mom catch AIDS, b*tch.” Cardi shared that she gave a much longer answer about her busy life and how she forgoes a lot of her responsibilities to make sure she has quality time with 1-year-old Kulture. In so many words, Cardi was saying that she works diligently to avoid having a babysitter spend time watching over her daughter that she should be doing. Cardi was on the set of Access Hollywood as part of a press run for the Netflix series, Rhythm + Flow . She also mentioned via her Twitter account that she’ll be taking another break from social media as this latest dustup saw Cardi taking some flack from Internet strangers. Check out the video in question below courtesy of Baller Alert . View this post on Instagram #CardiB calls out #AccessHollywood for clickbait title about her parenting (swipe) A post shared by Baller Alert (@balleralert) on Oct 3, 2019 at 8:50pm PDT — Photo: Getty

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Cardi B Goes Off On ‘Access Hollywood’: “I Hope Your F*ckin’ Mom Catches AIDS”

Producer Claims Lil Nas X Lifted “Rodeo” Beat In Lawsuit

Source: Michael Tran / Getty Lil Nas X has a lawsuit on his hands after a track from his debut EP 7 , “Rodeo” has been targeted as an almost identical rip of a producer’s original composition. Brandon Lee says his production was lifted for the track without his permission, and he’s named both X and Cardi B in a lawsuit. TMZ breaks it down : Record producer Brandon Lee says he wrote a song called “gwenXdonlee4-142” and it was incorporated into a song called “Broad Day.” After the release of “Broad Day,” Lee says Cardi B and Lil Nas X released “Rodeo” this past June. … Lee says in his lawsuit, they’re both built on a 4-measure phrase outlining the cord progression E, F, G, F, E. He also says the tempo is the same, both songs utilize guitar and wind instruments, the drumbeats are the same, the chord progression is similar … among other things. Lee is also suing X’s label, Sony, as well. — Photo: Getty

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Producer Claims Lil Nas X Lifted “Rodeo” Beat In Lawsuit

Entrepreneurs Join Forces To Create The Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Financial Firm

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T wo Black entrepreneurs are displaying the power of collaboration. According to Black Enterprise , Black-owned investment firms The Williams Capital Group LP and Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC recently merged to become the largest minority and women-owned financial firm in the U.S. TWO BLACK INVESTMENT BANKS MERGE TO BECOME LARGEST MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED FINANCIAL FIRM https://t.co/BaTXh6Gt03 — Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) October 3, 2019 The Williams Capital Group LP is led by Connecticut native Christopher J. Williams . The Howard University graduate launched the investment bank in 1994. Since its inception, the full-service investment firm has held high rankings in tax-exempt securities and taxable securities and has received several awards for their work in the financial space. The company has served over 65 businesses that are Fortune 100 companies. Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC was founded in 1996 and is led by Georgia native Suzanne Shank . She’s the only Black woman to run a Wall Street firm. Her company has served as the lead manager for over 200 financings equating to $30 billion. The new firm—dubbed Siebert Williams Shank & Co.—will be overseen by Shank and Williams will take on the position of chairman. Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros will serve as vice president. Both Williams and Shank believe that the partnership will strengthen their position amongst other Wall Street firms. “By bringing together two first-class firms, we will accelerate our collective success and greatly enhance our ability to serve our clients using a strong capital base that is now significantly larger,” Shank said in a statement . “We are creating the #1 ranked MWBE investment banking firm in the country that will continue to compete with the best firms on Wall Street. Williams was the only firm with the capabilities, talent, and integrity in the corporate underwriting space that we felt expanded our franchise and matched our work-ethic and high-standards of performance, and now, we have created a truly historic firm.” Williams says he’s excited about “playing a key role in leading and driving the growth of this dynamic organization” and is ready to “execute a shared vision of growth with laser focus on risk management, operations, and regulatory compliance.” The official merge is slated to be completed by January 2020 and there will be offices located in New York, Oakland, and other cities. SEE ALSO: Black Entrepreneurs Raise $8 Million For Barbershop-Focused App Black Entrepreneur Receives $1 Million Investment From Jay-Z’s Venture Capital Fund [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3888948″ overlay=”true”]

Entrepreneurs Join Forces To Create The Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Financial Firm

Entrepreneur Creates ‘Raising Black Millionaires’ Flashcards To Teach Youth About Building Wealth

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R epresentation is everything. In an effort to teach children about the importance of entrepreneurship and building wealth, a Black-owned media company based in New Orleans created a flashcard game that highlights the journeys of Black millionaires and billionaires, the Chicago Defender reported. Entrepreneur Creates Flashcards That Teach Children About Black Millionaires And Billionaires https://t.co/nP8OzskFSL Afro-American Newspapers @afronews pic.twitter.com/1SZio44OhX — AFRO News (@afronews) September 29, 2019 The cards—which are a part of a collection dubbed Raising Black Millionaires Flashcards—features the stories of 52 entrepreneurs and business moguls who have garnered wealth across different industries. Each card includes the individual’s backstory and the awards and accomplishments that they’ve made throughout their careers. Entrepreneur Thiah Veona Muhammad , who created the cards, believed it was important for children to see examples of Black wealth outside of the entertainment and sports industries. “I think it’s imperative that we, as Black people, know who our millionaires and billionaires are, more specifically those who are in business and are non-entertainers/athletes,” Muhammad said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “Showing them real examples of people who look like them, making millions in various industries will not only help them to identify themselves as people of greatness, but it will introduce them to industries that they likely have never been exposed to before, giving them more career choices.” Amongst the business moguls featured in the deck are Janice Bryant Howroyd and Pamela J. Booker . She hopes that parents and educators will use the cards as a tool to educate and empower Black youth. This isn’t the first educational tool that Muhammad has created for African American parents and children. In 2015 she released a book titled How to Raise Your Black Child to Be a Millionaire: Child-rearing Secrets of the Black Elite and she also launched a blog that features lessons about financial literacy and wealth creation that can be implemented in the household and the classroom. The company also has a Raising Black Millionaires podcast where Muhammad leads candid conversations with African American millionaires on how their parents helped guide them towards success. Many Black entrepreneurs have created educational products to empower the youth. African American inventor Elliott Eddie created The Entrepreneur Game to teach children what goes into running a business. SEE ALSO: Black Entrepreneur Teaches Youth About Business Ownership Through Board Game Detroit Youth Choir Receives $1 Million Donation [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3888948″ overlay=”true”]

Entrepreneur Creates ‘Raising Black Millionaires’ Flashcards To Teach Youth About Building Wealth