Entertainment
Jaylen Brown Turns Down $50 Million Backing to Launch His Own Performance Brand, 741 – Essence

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 24: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics addresses the media during Boston Celtics Media Day on the Auerbach Center on September 24, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this image, User consents to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown, NBA MVP and Boston Celtics champion, is making waves each on and off the court.
A daring and strategic move, Brown he turned down over $50 million in endorsements launch your personal performance brand, . But this is not only one other sneaker line – Brown is constructing something revolutionary from the bottom up, fueled by his passion for ownership, creativity and creating lasting change.
Since his contract with Adidas expired in 2021, Brown has been something of a sneaker-free agent while quietly developing. The name itself has personal meaning for the basketball star and reflects his reference to spirituality. The numbers 7, 4 and 1 symbolize spiritual awakening, labor and latest beginnings – befitting a player who consistently defies expectations each on and off the pitch.
Brown’s decision to reject traditional endorsements reflects a growing movement in Black culture: constructing one’s own legacy. Rather than sign one other lucrative contract, he selected to fully own and control his brand, following within the footsteps of other athlete-entrepreneurs who’ve chosen to take control of their very own creative visions. “741 is more than just a sneaker brand – it is a statement of independence, creativity and ownership,” Brown explains in a release shared with ESSENCE.
Inspired by the late Kobe Bryant, who had similar plans to start his own independent sneaker brand, Brown follows the concept that athletes can resolve their future, each inside and outdoors of their careers. “Kobe’s journey has taught me to be fearless and to take the sport and society to new heights,” says Brown. It is this fashion of considering that drives the corporate’s ethos.
But what really sets it apart? This is greater than just performance-based technology, although that’s actually a serious area of focus. Brown designed this line with an emphasis on high-performance equipment that makes no compromise on quality or style. In fact, these products promise to bring innovation to the sneaker world, all while maintaining reasonably priced costs – especially for youngsters and disadvantaged communities. Brown has ensured that prices for teenagers’ plus sizes are 40% lower than competitors, so families can afford high-end footwear without the hefty price tag.
In addition to products, it also offers a brand new economic model for athletes. By launching his own product line, Brown is making a plan that may enable athletes to have greater ownership of their brands, offering them greater creative control and higher financial terms than traditional sponsorship deals. It’s not only a game changer for sneakers – it’s revolutionizing the way in which athletes interact with them.
Looking ahead, Brown plans to sign athletes directly with the corporate, giving them the chance to collaborate on projects and keep a bigger share of the profits. This is an extended-overdue change in the way in which athletes engage with major footwear corporations, and Brown’s goal is to empower a brand new generation of athletes to take control of their careers and the brands they represent. After all, it isn’t just in regards to the shoes – it’s about breaking down barriers, difficult the establishment and creating pathways for many who will come next.
With this premiere, Jaylen Brown makes an announcement on the longer term of sports, business and property that may resonate beyond the court.
Entertainment
Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.
And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.
Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.
“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.
Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.
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Entertainment
The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.
In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.
Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Entertainment
Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.
After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.
The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.
“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”
The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.
Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.
“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.
Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.
While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.
Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.
“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”
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