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  • Candis Grace & UBS Honor Black Cultural Leaders

    Creatives, tastemakers, and industry leaders recently gathered in downtown Manhattan for an exclusive dinner experience called ‘The Toast, New York.’ Presented by entrepreneur Candis Grace and in partnership with UBS, the intimate event celebrated culture, excellence, and the lasting legacy of Black trailblazers.

    Honoring Trailblazers in Culture and Business

    Held at The Chica & Don on November 6th, the evening featured modern Latin American cuisine and drinks from notable Black-owned spirit brands, including D’usse, Gran Coramino, and Ja Rule’s Amber & Opal. The event specifically honored three individuals making significant impacts in their fields: Carlos King, CEO of Kingdom Reign Entertainment and a renowned reality TV producer; Cari Champion, a respected sports broadcast journalist; and Santi Miller, Head of Diverse Wealth Initiatives at UBS.

    Champion, accepting the ‘Champion of Women in Sports Award,’ spoke passionately about her commitment to advocating for Black and brown people and women. “I was at ESPN for 10 years, and now I’m at CNN, and I am unapologetic in the fact that my agenda is for Black and brown people [and] for women,” she stated. “It’s costly and sometimes scary, but I know that when it is all said and done, if you look in the history books, I’m doing it for the right reasons.”

    Stories of Legacy and Empowerment

    Carlos King, receiving the ‘Cultural Storyteller Award,’ reflected on his behind-the-scenes work, noting, “It is not every day that I get celebrated because, being behind the scenes, it’s our job to celebrate others.” The award was presented by former NFL player Wale Ogunleye, who now serves as Executive Director and Head of Sports and Entertainment at UBS.

    Santi Miller was honored with ‘The Legacy Builder Award.’ She shared how her upbringing as someone who often felt like an outsider, being born in Vietnam, fueled her passion for empowering diverse communities. “I was born in Vietnam, and I was always the other,” Miller explained. “The higher you climb, the lonelier it gets. And, guess what? The dots get smaller and the target gets bigger.” Her work at UBS focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in diverse markets, ensuring authenticity and relevance within the communities it serves.

    A Vibe of Community and Collaboration

    Beyond the honorees, ‘The Toast, New York’ brought together a notable group of activists, authors, and reality stars, fostering an atmosphere of community, collaboration, and Black excellence. Attendees included music executive Lenny S. Santiago, Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira, media personality Bevy Smith, former VIBE Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, and social justice advocate Tamika D. Mallory.

    Candis Grace, founder and CEO of The Brand Group, described the event’s vibe as intentionally “unorthodox, beautiful, sexy, and vibey,” moving away from anything “stuffy.” She aimed to create a space where guests could genuinely have fun and celebrate their peers. Jeffrey Morneau, founder of Jeffrey Morneau Atelier, who partnered with Grace on the event’s production, praised the collaboration, stating, “Candis’ vision and commitment to uplifting our community made this collaboration especially meaningful.”

    Grace also acknowledged UBS as an invaluable partner, highlighting their continued support for her annual events. BLACK ENTERPRISE was also recognized as a media partner, having previously honored Grace with the 2024 Business Disruptor Award. “Black Enterprise has been an integral part of my journey from the very beginning,” Grace said, expressing deep gratitude for their support in uplifting the community.

    What are your thoughts on events that celebrate Black excellence and cultural impact? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Stephen A. Smith Fires Back at Michelle Beadle’s ‘Downfall’ Prayers

    The sports media world is buzzing again as Stephen A. Smith has fired back at commentator Michelle Beadle’s recent remarks. Beadle, during an episode of her show ‘Beadle & Decker,’ admitted to praying for Smith’s ‘downfall,’ calling his partnership with a gaming company ‘gross’ and lacking principles.

    Smith’s Scathing Response

    Smith addressed Beadle’s comments indirectly on his SiriusXM show, ‘Mad Dog Sports Radio.’ Without naming her, he launched into a critique of individuals he believes are ‘talking smack’ because they can no longer secure jobs in the industry. He suggested that their current platform on podcasts is a way to gain clicks and make money since they ‘didn’t do a good enough job’ during their prime.

    The ESPN star implied that these critics lacked the work ethic and continuous productivity needed to maintain a career in major media. “They just didn’t know how to act, and they didn’t know how to be productive enough to keep a job,” Smith stated, adding that such individuals are now ‘on the outside looking in’ and ‘desperate.’

    A History of Discord

    This isn’t the first time Smith and Beadle have clashed. Their public disagreements date back to 2014 when Beadle publicly criticized Smith’s controversial comments regarding Ray Rice’s domestic assault case. Smith’s advice to women about not provoking men led to widespread backlash and a temporary suspension from ESPN, a reprimand many believed was amplified by Beadle’s strong reaction.

    The tension resurfaced earlier this year when Smith took over Beadle’s former time slot on SiriusXM. Beadle’s recent outburst also referenced Smith’s partnership with Papaya Gaming and his infamous moment of playing solitaire during the NBA Finals, questioning his commitment to the topics he covers for ESPN.

    Smith Calls Out Critics by Name

    In a segment titled ‘Straight Shooter,’ Smith later addressed both Beadle and former ESPN host Cari Champion by name. While the full details of that specific response are extensive, his SiriusXM comments clearly set the stage for a direct confrontation.

    The ongoing feud highlights the intense rivalries and differing perspectives within the sports media landscape. While Beadle prays for Smith’s downfall, Smith seems unfazed, focusing on his continued success and dismissing his critics as former colleagues who couldn’t sustain their careers.

    What are your thoughts on the ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and Michelle Beadle? Who do you think has the stronger argument? Share your opinions in the comments below!