Is Fat Joe An Opp For Copping Trump Sneakers? The Internet Weighs In
Fat Joe speaks on social media defending his choice to collect Trump's new sneakers despite claims he's a sell out.
The internet has mixed feelings on Fat Joe’s latest shoe purchase. The rapper defended himself for copping Trump’s controversial new sneaker amid a sea of naysayers thinking he’s an Opp.
The rapper posted on social media to speak his truth about why he bought the shoe, suggesting that his avid shoe collection may trump his politics. The Neighborhood Talk shared the footage on its Instagram.
“I had to get my hand on the Trumps,” explained the entertainer. “Get me the Trumps please…They think I’m fronting. But listen, I have thousands and thousands and thousands of pairs of sneakers. When everyone flipped on Kanye, I bought the two most exclusive Kanyes ever. I had to get my hands on them.”
An unknown member of Fat Joe’s entourage showed the shoe box with the detail “Family and Friends” on it while noting that only 50 of the coveted items were made.
“Once again, I’m not a Trumper. I dislike Trump. I’m not voting for him, not now, not ever,” shared the 53-year-old. But I’m a sneaker collector into the art so I had to find these….I collect sneakers; the rarer, the better. No I didn’t pay for these sneakers, sorry…they knew I had to have them, because I’m the biggest in the game.”
Instagram users were shocked at Fat Joe’s stance on keeping the gold metallic shoes despite being from Trump. One commenter noted when Trump threw paper towels toward a crowd in Puerto Rico, where Fat Joe is ethnically from, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
“Chile, he threw your people paper towels when they were in dire need, and you do this,” questioned the naysayer.
Another user noted how Fat Joe’s claims that he does not support him, yet promoting his shoes still endorses his character.
“So you just endorsed him and his wack a** shoes that he made specifically for the black community…,” wrote a commenter while also typing the clown emoji.
I wake up and see that Fat Joe has been stripped of his Hip Hop legend status due to him having a pair of Trump sneakers (January 6’s)
However, some are calling it a lucrative purchase, claiming that the shoe’s value will be worth hundreds of thousands in a few years.
“Y’all do realize in [a]bout 5-10 years they [are] going [to be] worth 200k [plus],” explained another.
Many are considering Fat Joe a sell-out for receiving the shoes, even if he did not pay for them, because of Trump’s politics, which he claims don’t align with his own. Despite the notion that keeping the sneakers means he does not stand on business, it’s evident that Fat Joe won’t make a return anytime soon.
André LeRoy Davis Hosts Art Exhibit With City Winery NYC
City Winery NYC is celebrating Black History Month with "The Last Word," an art exhibit by André LeRoy Davis, known for his satirical illustrations on the "The Source" magazine's end page.
Fans of the famed satirical illustrator André LeRoy Davis now have a chance to view his works in a new gallery. The acclaimed artist will have his pieces on display at City Winery NYC throughout Black History Month.
Source: Photo by City Winery
The exhibit is called “The Last Word” to pay tribute to the thought-provoking, often political, and always satirical illustrations at the end of The Source that made Davis, who worked for the magazine from 1990 to 2007, a household name. The exhibit will showcase some of his famed works for the publication.
On City Winery’s website, Davis spoke about his unorthodox visual humor and what the viewer should gain from the experience.
“If you’ve never been introduced to my artistry before, my humor may be outside of the box, but I tell a story within a box,” explained the visionary. “Jocularity, politics, captivating likeness, well thought out ideas, detail, hidden jokes, in-your-face statements and a parody that works in totality to elevate the complete package that seemingly draws you in.”
Over 30 prints of Davis’ famed works will be on display, all available for purchase. His themes of hip-hop, politics, and Black America have captivated audiences for decades, making him a critical voice in visual and written media for his provocative pieces that often call out injustice via his imagery of Black public figures.
Davis offered details about his mission to remain true to his artistry by sparking conversation.
“My mission with my art is to inform, ‘make ‘em laugh, make ‘em think, enlighten ‘em, make ‘em double think about what they first thought and most importantly… I strive to say something with my art.”
Davis spoke to BET.com in 2021 about why he believed his work had gained in popularity.
“In the beginning, I illustrated whatever was happening in the news that was poignant,” he shared with the site. “After that, my illustrations would sum up the whole issue with one drawing. It evolved into whoever was on the cover. I really didn’t think anything of it. I was just trying to make sure my drawings were on point.”
City Winery is also unveiling a bottle of cabernet sauvignon to further celebrate the exhibit, with the keepsake featuring one of Davis’ signature pieces on the label. Tickets are free throughout February, with Davis to attend the venue for a meet-and-greet on Feb. 23 to speak more about the artwork that has aided in Black political consciousness.
Tony Snell’s Urgency: Signing With NBA Team Crucial For Benefits Supporting Sons With Autism
Tony Snell must sign to an NBA team by Feb. 2 to mark 10 years in the league to secure the NBA's retiree benefits program.
According to Yahoo Sports, NBA veteran Tony Snell opened up about his journey with autism, shedding light on his eponymously named foundation’s mission and the importance of mentorship. However, Snell’s commitment to making a positive impact faces a pressing deadline, highlighting the financial challenges of advocating for autism awareness. Snell has until Feb. 2 to sign with an NBA team to be eligible for a 10th year of service in the NBA for the retiree benefits program.
Snell’s connection to autism unfolded through his son, Karter, whose diagnosis became a catalyst for the basketball player’s self-discovery. Reflecting on this process, Snell expressed relief, acknowledging that he always sensed his uniqueness compared to others.
“I honestly felt relief. I always knew I was different from everybody else. Just observing other kids, just observing everyone around me. How they were interested in each other, and they just clicked. I couldn’t find a way to click or relate. Basketball was honestly the only reason I had friends,” he shared with Yahoo Sports.
Driven by his personal experiences, the basketball player established his foundation to facilitate interaction between children on the autism spectrum and those who are not. The foundation aims to create an inclusive environment where all kids can play and interact seamlessly.
Discussing Karter’s progress, Snell proudly mentioned improvements in his son’s development. Karter can now count up to 20 and demonstrates a solid understanding of shapes and colors, a testament to the positive impact of early intervention and support.
Beyond his advocacy for autism awareness, Snell has been using his time in Portland, Maine, to mentor young players, including Boston’s second-round pick, Jordan Walsh. Sharing his knowledge and experience, Snell expressed joy in helping the next generation of basketball players.
“I want to share my knowledge with the young guys. I have enjoyment from helping them out and showing them what I see. I’m at the stage where I want to inspire people and help as many people as I possibly can,” he affirmed.
However, a looming deadline adds a layer of urgency to Snell’s commitment to making a difference. The NBA veteran needs to secure a contract with an NBA team to ensure he can afford essential treatments for his autistic children.
The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association Celebrates 50 Years Of Black Franchise Owners During National Black Business Month
The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) celebrates 50 years of Black franchise owners during National Black Business Month.
Created in 1972, the NBMOA helps Black McDonald’s franchise owners navigate McDonald’s franchise system and create a support network to assist each other, 2 Urban Girls reports.
McDonald’s, one of the biggest fast food chains in America and abroad, had more than 300 Black franchise owners as recently as 2008. According to its site, the NBMOA’s goal is to integrate its members, Black Mcdonald’s employees, and vendors into the fast food giant’s system.
Corwin Johnson, who owns several McDonald’s franchises in Southern California and is on the board of Ronald McDonald Charities, said becoming a McDonald’s franchise owner allowed him to earn a living doing something he loves while paying it forward by providing jobs and opportunities to others.
“Several of the managers I worked for set a great learning environment, something I try to emulate daily and also did throughout my college and professional career,” Johnson told 2 Urban Girls.
“Prior to becoming a franchisee, I worked as a certified public accountant and had the opportunity to see many businesses in many industries. I compared the processes, internal controls, and overall operations to my jobs dating back to my McDonald’s days. At the end of the day, I truly loved learning, people, processes, and business.”
The number of Black McDonald’s franchise owners has decreased in recent years. CNBC reported in 2008 that there were 304 Black franchise owners; however, in 2017, there were less than 250 Black franchise owners.
Despite the dwindling numbers, many McDonald’s franchise owners still speak positively about their experience. That includes the father-son duo of Larry and Dale Thornton, who both own a McDonald’s franchise in Alabama.
Larry Thornton, who purchased his first franchise in 1992, told BLACK ENTERPRISE in June how proud he was to see his son Dale become a franchise owner.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am that he chose this and I hope that he would because it gets back to this statement. I never wanted anyone to ask whatever happened to that Black man who used to own the McDonald’s?” Larry Thornton said.
The Sneaker Industry Raked in $70 Billion in Sales, But Black Retailers Did Not Gain Much
Fixated with gym shoes, Black Americans contributed heavily to making buying sneakers a $70 billion business. Yet, not many Black merchants are profiting from the windfall profits, raising big-time questions as to why not.
The circumstance is perhaps more perplexing with the global sneaker market revenue expected to hit $102 billion by 2025, up from $70 billion last year, based on data from market researcher Statista.
Nike, along with Adidas, and Puma were the most popular choices. Nike alone pulled in $24 billion in U.S. footwear sales in 2020—which is more than Adidas and Puma combined.
“Our brand would not be what it is today without the powerful contributions of Black athletes and Black culture,” Nike President and CEO John Donahue said, according to NBC News. But many industry participants are bothered that roughly only 5% of sneaker retailers in America are Black.
James Whitner (Image: NBC News)
“It’s a white boys’ club, like most things,” said James Whitner, a successful Black entrepreneur with boutique apparel and sneakers stores in several cities. “There are people aware of it, but their privilege doesn’t force them to have to change it.”
Whitner’s business has risen from an apparel and sneaker shop in Charlotte, NC, to several boutiques throughout the East Coast for his company, The Whitney Group, NBC News reported.
“My saving grace was I had a good ecosystem of a few Black people who taught me the ropes,” he said. “But on the other side are white gatekeepers who are keeping us out.”
While there are no official records for the number of Black-owned independent sneaker retail stores, Whitner said he knew them all and counted 18—including three in Europe. “That’s it.”
But lack of capital could be among the barriers for the shortage of Black sneakers retailers, observers say,
“Resources are required to be successful,” Whitner said. “And not many of us have the resources or the business savvy, or the understanding of what it takes to actually win in this industry. Starting when you’re disadvantaged is hard.”
Black entrepreneur Isom Lowman, who reportedly once owned 22 Athlete’s Foot stores, has since bought and sold several of them, bringing his total to nine. Lowman said acquiring a retail space now, however, is more difficult for Black people than it was two decades ago. Nike plays a huge role because of its universal popularity, he said. It alone can determine a store’s profitability and existence.
“Back in the day, if you had a Nike account, you could open up a store pretty much anywhere,” Lowman said. “But now, it’s hard to get a Nike account. So that makes it a whole lot harder for people in the business to expand, and it definitely has made it a whole lot harder for people to get into the business.”
(Nike did not respond to requests from NBC News for comment.)
Darius Billings, a senior director of product and marketing for the Athletes’ Foot, said he was inspired by a talk with family and friends during the Black Lives Matter-led social justice movement last year to consider how his company could be a factor in bridging racial inequities.
This past spring, he launched the Strategic African American Retail Track or StAART. The program is geared to address Lowman’s and Whitner’s points about helping create pathways for Black entrepreneurs to become retail store owners. Among its efforts, StAART recruits and supports Black entrepreneurs in the sneaker business by helping them clear the traditional barriers Black potential business owners face.
Meet The Speakers Of The Inaugural Black Enterprise DEI Corporate Boards/C-Suite Summit
Black Enterprise — the No. 1 Black digital media brand, with more than 8 million monthly unique visitors — will present its inaugural Corporate Boards/C-Suite Summit, as a groundbreaking virtual event on July 14.
Attendees of this unique, first-ever virtual event will receive exclusive information and insights on how the expansion of Black corporate leadership will transform corporations, increase shareholder value, and advance opportunities for all corporations.
Corey Anthony, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, AT&T
Anthony started his career at AT&T in 1995, working as a manager in the Special Services Center in Wichita, Kan. Anthony has worked for AT&T for more than 25 years, holding several leadership roles across AT&T in its Wireless, Marketing, Finance, Network Operations, Human Resources, and Global Customer Service organizations. A Texas A&M graduate, Anthony also co-founded a chapter of AT&T’s African American employee resource group. He will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Racial Equity Imperative discussion.
Michele Meyer-Shipp, Chief People and Culture Officer, Major League Baseball
Meyer-Shipp joined Major League Baseball in October 2020 as its first Chief People & Culture Officer. She reports directly to Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. and sits on both MLB’s Executive Committee and the League-wide Owner’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In her role, Michele leads human resources; diversity, inclusion and culture; and off-field office operations globally for the League supporting the Central League Office, all 30 Major League Clubs, and 120 Minor League Clubs. Meyer-Shipp will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Racial Equity Imperative discussion.
Byron Loflin, Global Head of Board Engagement, Nasdaq
Loflin leads board assessments and boardroom training for Nasdaq Governance Solutions and is the founder and former CEO of the Center for Board Excellence (CBE) – acquired by Nasdaq in 2019. Loflin’s experience and expertise are in the design and administration of assessments and advising board chairs, boards, committees, directors, and executive management in a full range of corporate governance matters, including strategic alignment, best practices, board refreshment, diversity, structures, and corporate planning. He will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Shellye Archambeau, Fortune 500 Board Member, Former CEO Of MetricStream
Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and Board Director with a track record of accomplishments building brands, high-performance teams, and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta. Archambeau has over 30 years of experience in technology including as the former CEO of MetricStream, a Silicon Valley-based, governance, risk, and compliance software company. She is also a Forbes contributor and a published author. Archambeau will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Smashing The Concrete Ceiling discussion.
Kristi Martin Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, Nationwide Retirement Institute
Kristi Martin Rodriguez currently serves as Senior Vice President of the Nationwide Retirement Institute® for Nationwide Financial. Kristi oversees an extensive network of knowledgeable professionals who provide hands-on consultation to develop client strategies and address the major concerns America’s workers face when planning for retirement. Rodriguez has over 20 years of extensive experience in business-to-business and direct-to-consumer strategies and building high-performing teams. She joined Nationwide in 2015 as the Vice President of Marketing for Nationwide’s retirement plans business. Rodriguez will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Changing The Face Of Corporate Leadership discussion.
Ronald A. Williams Board of Directors, American Express
Ronald A. Williams is Chairman and CEO of RW2 Enterprises, LLC and the former CEO of health insurance giant Aetna Inc. Williams also serves as the Lead Director of American Express and Director of The Boeing Co. and Johnson & Johnson. Under Williams’ leadership, Aetna was named FORTUNE’s most admired company in the Health Care: Insurance and Managed Care category for three consecutive years. In 2011, the year he retired, Aetna had full-year operating earnings of $5.17 per share. The Market capitalization grew from $4.7 billion in 2001 to $15.3 billion in 2011 and the company ranked 77th on the Fortune 100 list. Williams will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Changing The Face Of Corporate Leadership discussion.
Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries. Jr., Founder dfree® Financial Freedom Movement
The Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey since November 1990. His pastoral ministry focuses on spiritual growth, educational excellence, and economic empowerment. In 2005, Dr. Soaries launched the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement. The dfree® strategy teaches people how to break free from debt as a first step toward financial freedom. Soaries served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, making him the first African-American male to do so. Soaries will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Guy Primus, CEO and Board Member, Valence Enterprises
Guy Primus is a technology executive with over 20 years of experience operating at the intersection of media and innovation. Throughout his career, Primus has demonstrated the ability to combine technology and popular culture to create aggressive organic growth for companies ranging from growth-stage startups to the Fortune 100. Primus currently serves as CEO and board member at Valence Enterprises, a venture-backed company whose mission is to create new paths to success for Black professionals. His vision for Valence helped secure investors including GGV Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, and Softbank. Primus will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Kahina Van Dyke, Global Head, Digital Channels & Data Analytics, Standard Chartered Bank
Kahina Van Dyke has more than 20 years of experience in banking and technology with an impressive track record in leading, innovating, and delivering. Her past roles include senior management at Facebook, MasterCard, and Citibank. Van Dyke’s most recent role was SVP of Business and Corporate Development at blockchain company Ripple, where she focused on driving new strategic partnerships across the global financial services industry. Van Dyke will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Smashing The Concrete Ceiling discussion.
The DEI Summit will also include Black Enterprise’s President and CEO Earl ‘Butch’ Graves Jr. Senior V.P. and Editor-at-Large Alfred Edmond Jr.; EVP/Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle and Executive Managing Editor Alisa Gumbs.
Chicago Police Tied To Hate Groups Proud Boys And Oath Keepers Won’t Face Discipline, Officials Say
The investigation is the third such investigation to conclude with no discipline for the officers investigated.
The Chicago Police Department’s probe into officers who have documented ties to far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who have been tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection, has concluded with no disciplinary action taken. The investigation is the third such investigation to conclude with no discipline for the officers investigated.
As WTTW reports, although Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made holding officers of the CPD accountable one of his primary campaign promises, he also stated at a May 3 press conference that there remain “very few courses of action that can be taken” without evidence collected from investigators. Even an admission of being members of the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers doesn’t merit discipline from the CPD, which Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling defended at the press conference by saying, “I can tell you that we have reached out to everyone, our internal affairs division has reached out to everyone, to gather information to determine if these officers were actually proven to be members of hate groups.”
Snelling added, “So that information will be there for everyone to read.”
In October 2022, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg recommended that the CPD fire an officer who lied about his ties to the Proud Boys, but instead of acting on her recommendation, CPD officials suspended the officer for 120 days. CPD officials subsequently rejected another recommendation from Witzburg in January 2024 to fire another officer who admitted to being a member of the Oath Keepers. According to Witzburg’s report, the officer “admitted to being a former member of the Oath Keepers, having joined in 2010 or 2011 and having been a member for three to four years.” Department officials ruled that the allegations against the officer were “not sustained” despite his own admission of membership in the far-right group.
WBEZ reports that the probe indicates that the officers were recruited to the far-right organization and paid to be members of the group, which they allege lends credence to claims that the department is lenient on officers who are investigated for ties to extremist groups. Most of the officers who were investigated told the CPD investigators of their ties to the organizations in February, who wrote in the closing report, “at some point each of them provided their information in order to gain more information or join a group called the Oath Keepers.”
The investigators also added, “Most of the accused officers had very limited to no interaction with the Oath Keepers after the initial signup.” None of the officers being investigated admitted to attending any Oath Keepers events. During an earlier investigation of another officer that had signed up for the Oath Keepers, the CPD investigation of that officer concluded that being in an extremist organization is in “itself is not a rule violation.” Witzburg, however, according to WBEZ, has previously argued that involvement in these groups violates the department’s policy against discrediting the department and undermining its goals. Witzburg has been extremely critical of how the CPD has conducted its investigations regarding extremist influence in the department in the past.
The Southern Poverty Law Center voiced its displeasure with the CPD investigation and declared it a violation of the citizens of Chicago’s social contract with their police force. “Every time Chicagoans demand police accountability, nothing happens,” Jeff Tischauser, a Chicago-based senior researcher with the SPLC, said. “It is utterly disappointing that Supt. Snelling and the Chicago Police Department Bureau of Internal Affairs closed these cases and did not sustain any allegations.”
Tischauser continued, “These officers with these ties to hate and extremist groups tarnish the reputation of CPD. How can we trust any Chicago police officer when their leaders allow officers with ties to hate and extremist groups to go unpunished?”
Trump Pledges To Combat ‘Anti-White’ Racism If Elected In 2024
In an interview with Time Magazine, Donald Trump said he believes that white people are being treated with bias on a wide scale.
In an interview with Time Magazine, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said that he wants to crank up deportations using the United States military to do so, deploy the National Guard to deal with protests, gut the U.S. civil service, and that he believes that white people face anti-white bias, which Project 2025 also argues through describing affirmative action as affirmative discrimination.
In the sprawling interview, which was published by Time on April 30, Trump outlines his vision for America, which some have described as The Handmaid’s Tale melded dictator dreams. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley described a second Trump presidency to the magazine as a harbinger of the “the end of our democracy” and “the birth of a new kind of authoritarian presidential order.”
As Deadline reported, at an event on May 1, President Joe Biden called the long-form interview in Time a must-read. He told the crowd gathered at an Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander fundraiser at Washington D.C.’s Mayflower Hotel, “Trump did a long interview with TIME magazine. It’s coming out, you gotta read it. It’s a mandatory read. This election is about competing values and competing visions for America,” Biden added. “Trump’s values and visions are ones of anger, hate, revenge, retribution.”
If Donald Trump becomes president again, it wouldn't be as bad as it was last time.
"There are so many things in this interview that are dystopian… What I thought was so shocking is he was admitting things — the monitoring periods, the monitoring women's cycles is right out of 'Handmaid's Tale.'
In addition to his tacit support for the aims of Project 2025, a codenamed Republican Party project to reshape the whole of American government in the image of Trump, the GOP’s Republican nominee is firmly opposed to what he described as an anti-white bias.
“If you look at the Biden Administration, they’re sort of against anybody depending on certain views. They’re against Catholics. They’re against a lot of different people… I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that can’t be allowed either,” Trump said. “I don’t think it would be a very tough thing to address, frankly. But I think the laws are very unfair right now. And education is being very unfair, and it’s being stifled. But I don’t think it’s going to be a big problem at all. But if you look right now, there’s absolutely a bias against white [people] and that’s a problem.”
The Republican Party at large, have been engaging in a protracted push against DEI, the most emblematic of which is the controversy the party has stirred up around critical race theory. Critical race theory is basically a way of looking at American society through laws and other aspects of the American social structure that perpetuates systemic racism. Although the theory does not appear in any K-12 textbooks, it is mentioned in several proposals governing grade school education from Republican governors, like Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The Republican Party has also been targeting DEI policies and departments at institutions of higher education, claiming that they should not receive state funding because they are discriminatory in nature.
However, Civil rights leaders like Alvin B. Tillery, the director of the Center for the Study of Democracy and Diversity at Northwestern University and Marc Morial, the president of the National Urban League see the activism of the Republican Party as part of a framework from the days of segregation. Morial told USA Today that the conservatives are “advocating for the return of white privilege” and that “They’re advocating for the policies that were used during a segregated America.”
Music Producer Clinton ‘D-Billz’ Dorsey Shot And Killed In Familial Argument
Clinton, a known Atlanta music producer, was allegedly killed by his son in a dispute over their family business.
Edward Dorsey, the son of a prominent Atlanta music producer, has been arrested for fatally shooting his father during a family dispute. The shooting took place on the morning of May 2 inside an Arium Lenox Apartment in Brookhaven, police confirmed.
The 2100 block of Gables Drive was swarmed with police after reports of a shooting were called in. The authorities identified the victim as Clinton Dorsey, a 48-year-old most well-known in the Atlanta music industry under the name “D-Billz.”
Clinton’s business partner Kal Austin reported that D-Billz was with his son Edward — who was visiting him at his apartment. Austin recalled stepping out of the apartment for just a moment when father and son got into a heated argument.
Brookhaven police said Edward Dorsey had a gun at this time.
Brookhaven Police Sgt. John Clifford said, “That argument turned to being physical, and that turned to Mr. Dorsey, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Clinton Dorsey.”
As reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, Clinton and Edward were arguing over the family business of dog breeding, and the argument escalated into a physical altercation.
When the argument turned physical, “the son went and retrieved a semi-automatic pistol and shot and killed Mr. Dorsey,” Sgt. John Clifford told the outlet. Police placed Edward under arrest and charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Austin expressed, “It was a situation that went too far, but that was probably something that was deeply rooted in their relationship as father and son.”
Clinton Dorsey has worked with many artists, both established and emerging, in his producer career. Notably, he’s collaborated with artists like “BRS Kash, Lil Baby, Da Baby, City Girls, YFN Lucci, Fatt Sosa, VL Deck, Peewee Longway, Jose Guapo, Rich Da Khid, Khaotic, and more.”
President Joe Biden Awards 19 Americans With Presidential Medal Of Freedom
The awardees included several cultural civil rights figures such as Opal Lee and Medgar Wiley Evers.
President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 3, to a host of 19 groundbreaking Americans who made moving contributions to this country. The awardees included several of his notable political allies from over the years like former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State John F. Kerry, and Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, but also several cultural civil rights figures such as Opal Lee and Medgar Wiley Evers.
With the presidential election half a year away, Biden’s list of 19 is notably heavy with big-name Democratic Party figures who were honored. Former Vice President Al Gore and former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York were both listed, while only one well-known Republican made the list: former Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina.
Biden presented the medals at a publicized White House Ceremony on Friday. According to the White House, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was created by President John F. Kennedy “is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
Any person who has taken to their field and made essential contributions “to national security, world peace or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors” was considered for the award.
The list of 19 was rounded out with well-known figures from civil rights, sports, entertainment, and space exploration.
The White House said in a statement announcing the awardees, “President Biden often says there is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together. These nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their fields. They consistently demonstrated over their careers the power of community, hard work, and service.”
President Biden Reaffirms Support For Israel Amidst Pro-Palestine Protests
According to a recent Gallup poll, young adult support for Israel has drastically decreased.
President Joe Biden virtue signaled the nation with his emphatic and continued support of Israel’s unjust occupation of Gaza and its brutality against Palestinians.
On May 2, the commander-in-chief addressed the press and constituents regarding the violence that ensued during protests at Columbia University and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) on May 1. The 81-year-old president expressed that he believed people had the right to protest and gather peacefully, but violence would not be tolerated. He also stated that the United States wasn’t a “lawless country” and that in a “civil society, order must prevail.”
“The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld. We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent. The American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues. But — but neither are we a lawless country. We are a civil society, and order must prevail,” Biden said.
“Throughout our history, we’ve often faced moments like this because we are a big, diverse, free-thinking, and freedom-loving nation. In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points. But this isn’t a moment for politics. It’s a moment for clarity.”
Biden continued, “So, let me be clear. Peaceful protest in America — violent protest is not protected; peaceful protest is. It’s against the law when violence occurs.”
He maintained his support for Israel even though he did express that Palestinians, Arabs, and their supporters did not deserve to be persecuted.
“But let’s be clear about this as well. There should be no place on any campus, no place in America, for antisemitism or threats of violence against Jewish students. There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind, whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia, or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans.”
When a reporter asked Biden if the Pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses changed his support for Israel, he responded, “No.”
Although Biden alluded to protesters inciting violence and chaos against Jewish students, pro-Palestine supporters didn’t appear to be the group causing the violence on various college campuses.
On May 1, roughly 150-200 pro-Israel supporters seemingly stormed a pro-Palestine encampment at UCLA, attacking students and others who were standing with Palestinians in Gaza. The violent supporters of colonizers were armed with sticks and attempted to remove the barricade from the protester’s setup.
Jewish Columbia University student Cameron Jones revealed that there were large numbers of Jewish students (on campus) who renounced Zionist beliefs and Israel’s egregious actions.
The Guardian pointed out the incredulous bias universities, including Columbia, Harvard, and Penn State, have displayed against students who support Palestinians in Gaza. When educators and administrators could have empowered their students to fight for what they believed in– they called the police. Specifically, at Columbia in April, students were detained and bound with zip ties even though there were no violent outbursts. In a recent Gallup poll, young adult support for Israel has drastically decreased.
Biden’s virtue signaling is more fodder in the ongoing saga between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza.
Larry Demeritte Is The First Black Trainer At The Kentucky Derby In 35 Years
The 74-year-old Demeritte, who has been diagnosed with cancer and a rare heart disease, is not a man who gives up easily and is a man possessed of boundless hope and optimism
Larry Demeritte has trained horses for most of his life, but on May 4, he will make history as the first Caribbean American to participate in the Kentucky Derby and the third Black trainer in the modern era. The Kentucky Derby used to be permeated with Black riders, groomers and trainers, Black jockeys won 15 of the first 28 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but since 1951, there have only been three Black horse trainers.
As NPR reports, Demeritte is hopeful that though the Derby has effectively been shuttered to Black folks through Jim Crow segregation, that the sport can create more inclusion. As he told NPR, he believes part of the problem is financial: “We need to sell our sport better than we do… We need to form more syndicates because it’s getting pretty costly now to own a racehorse. It’s like any other sport… car racing and all of them, they all have syndicates…so [many] sponsors. I feel like that’s what we have to do to let the middle class know in America that it’s not a sport of kings. Anyone can play it, and the reward is so great when you have success in it.”
"If God is not through with you yet, you will still be here."
I have someone you can cheer for in the Kentucky Derby. Horse trainer Larry Demeritte is battling cancer, but he’s set to make history in this year’s race.
The 74-year-old Demeritte, who has been diagnosed with cancer and a rare heart disease, is not a man who gives up easily and as Dana O’Neil’s profile of him for The Athletic establishes, is a man possessed of boundless hope and optimism, even if his cancer treatments are painful. He is also aware that being a Black trainer at the Derby carries a tremendous opportunity, as he told The Athletic, “I always say, if I could be linked with the negative side of my race, why don’t I want to link somebody with the positive side? It’s not about me. It’s about bringing everyone of my race with me, so they could feel proud.”
Demeritte also has taken on a Black assistant trainer, Donte Lowery, whom he met at Lexington’s Thoroughbred Training Center and hired in 2015. Lowery, Demeritte indicated to the outlet, is a big reason why he wants the doors of horse racing to open up to everyone who wants to come in. “That’s why I do what I do,” Demeritte said. “I don’t want Donte or my other (assistants) at the barn to have to wait this long to go to the Derby as a trainer.” Demeritte has also been blessed with the gift to evaluate horses, with a penchant for turning horses bought for affordable sums into hundredfold returns on investment.
“I always say, ‘I have Champagne tastes on a beer budget,’ so I buy good horses cheap, but that doesn’t mean I buy cheap horses,” Demeritte told The Athletic. “I can’t afford the horses that have the papers, so I try to buy the horse that can make the paper.”
Lowery told WKLY that his boss’s positive disposition makes it easier to work with him, even as Demeritte is fighting his body, “For myself, to watch him go through the things, it’s kind of hard, but at the same time his spirits are up,” Demeritte’s assistant trainer, Donte Lowery, said. “He’s always in a happy mood or tries to be all the time, which makes everyone else in the barn smile and it keeps him up.”
Demeritte, for his part, remains appreciative of the journey, telling the outlet, “Some days my boys have to give me a ride back home, I’m so sick,” he said. “But I come, because what’s the use staying at home feeling sorry for yourself when the horse is going to bring a smile to your face?” Demeritte continued, “I believe in my faith, and I believe in destiny. I always tell my friends — I lose a lot of friends to cancer — and I said, ‘If God is not through with you yet, you will still be here.’”
Unemployed TikToker Who Applied To 150 Jobs Addresses Labor Shortage Crisis
A TikToker vents her frustration as the labor shortage crisis looms on.
A TikToker user who applied to 150 jobs but remains unemployed is bringing attention to the ongoing labor shortage crisis.
The young woman who goes by Meolah on the popular social networking platform shared an “authentic” testimonial about her dismal job search journey. Since October, Meolah has been on a rigorous search for employment where she applied to “about 150 jobs.” However, after four months of sending out her resume, going on interviews, and even second interviews, Meolah remains jobless.
“Not having a job right now knowing that I put so much time and effort into it, I can’t even explain how demoralizing it is without bursting into tears,” she shared.
Noting all the “time and effort” she and others like her put into cover letters, interviews, and applications, Meolah addresses how “frustrating” it can be “to not hear a single response back or get so far into the interview process and all of a sudden you’re ghosted.”
“It is an emotional roller coaster,” she quips. “You are going through so much chaotic emotions.”
The letdown of going through a full interview process only to not get the job can take a toll on one’s motivation and confidence.
“When you’re stuck in a position like this for so long eventually you’re going to wonder is it you and is there something you could be doing better,” Meolah explains. She concluded by calling out how “soul-crushing” the current job market is for her and so many others.
One look at her comments shows how many people agree and are going through the same experience.
“Been unemployed 14 months. It’s bananas! I have 15 years of experience, multiple degrees etc. nothing,” one user wrote in response.
“I’ve been unemployed since October and I’m tired,” another user shared.
The gripes highlight the growing labor shortage crisis plaguing the job market in research. While there are 8.8 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.4 million unemployed workers, there are swarms of workers across the country who are willing but unable to find employment.
There’s a list of reasons employers aren’t hiring many potential candidates including ageism against Baby Boomers, lack of support for working parents, the evolution of artificial intelligence, a lack of company training programs, and an unpleasant work environment. If a company is looking to fill vacant positions, they can start working to address issues in those five key areas.
As for job seekers during a labor shortage, Robert Half suggests ways to stand out to employers including more focus on the industries that are hiring, expanding your network and skillset, considering contract work, or working with a recruiter.
“If someone needs to find a new job or wants to find a better job, the opportunities right now are more limited, aside from a few fairly narrow sectors,” Guy Berger, director of economic research at the Burning Glass Institute says.
Shocking Report Reveals More Non-White Pedestrians Go To The ER With Vehicle-Related Injuries
Be safe out there!
A new report shines a light on different ethnicities ending up in the emergency room for traffic-related injuries at increasing rates over white people.
The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released on May 2, shows there were more than 137,000 emergency room visits with pedestrian injuries between January 2021 and December 2023. As Asian pedestrians came in 2.23 times more than white people, Black pedestrians came in 1.93 times more, with Hispanic people falling behind at 1.7 times more.
However, multiethnic or people of another race had the highest rate in comparison to white people at 2.47, AP reports.
Researchers from the CDC pointed to unsafe walking environments attributing to cars being prioritized over pedestrians and lack of investments in targeted neighborhoods based on race and income. The agency continues to highlight how minimal resources can lead to limited investments in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights.
While some of the latest cars have been designed with more safety features, pedestrian deaths have continued to climb. In 2021, pedestrian-vehicle crashes resulted in the deaths of 7,000 people, a tragic record in almost 40 years.
Tallahassee, Florida, has seen a number of tragedies as three pedestrians have been killed in the first quarter of 2024. According to ABC 27, the Tallahassee Police Department confirmed 46 pedestrian-involved crashes including a fatal hit-and-run crash that prompted a petition for stop lights in the College Town neighborhood, receiving more than 20,000 signatures.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is making strides to decrease the rising numbers of pedestrian-involved crashes. In April 2024, the department announced new vehicles will be required to have an automatic emergency brake system. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the move could save more than 300 lives each year and prevent approximately 24,000 injuries.
CDC researchers said narrowing roads and reducing speed limits can also help with pedestrian safety.
Why NIL Deals Have More Brands Investing In College Athletes Over Pros, And Women Athletes’ Dominance In The Arena
More big brands are investing into college athletes over professional players since the introduction of NIL deals in 2021.
The popularity surrounding women’s college basketball stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has more sports fans noticing the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
A recently released report on NIL Marketing Partnership for 2023 to 2024 highlights the significant shift taking place in the sponsorship scene since the advent of NIL policies in 2021. Prior to the introduction of NIL deals, the NCAA rigorously upheld regulations prohibiting college athletes from receiving compensation for endorsements, autographs, and similar activities.
But since their inception, we’ve seen the collegiate sports industry has experienced a surge of activity, as athletes dive head-first into million-dollar endorsements, sponsorships, and initiatives while developing their personal brands. With former star college players like Angel Reese, who recently joined the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, her rank as the athlete with the highest follower growth across her social media accounts has helped to garner her around $1.8 million in NIL money.
Reese has secured over 17 NIL deals with major brands like Goldman Sachs, Beats by Dre, Reebok, Amazon, and more. Caitlin Clark, who signed with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, is one of the highest earners among women’s college basketball players earning over $3.1 million in NIL deals with the likes of Gatorade, State Farm, Buick, Nike, and more.
The growth in investment into women’s college basketball stars highlights the switch big brands are making in backing young college players rather than professional athletes. The report found that 35% of brands invest exclusively in NIL athletes versus major pro sports athletes with brands like Hey Dude Shoes holding the highest volume of NIL deals with 78 deals across all sports.
Apparel & Accessories is the most active category in NIL with 591 deals across athletes in various sports. While Reese and Clark captured the nation’s attention for the 2023 to 2024 basketball season, college football players and held the majority of NIL deals, with 30% of the total number of sponsorships.
Reese and Clark still show the huge shift many brands took in investing in women college athletes over their male counterparts. From 2023 to 2024, women athletes averaged a higher number of brand deals than men athletes with 3.5 versus 2.5.
With nearly 2,500 NIL agreements within the top five college conferences that exemplify the highest deal counts in history, it illustrates the transformative shift in the investability of college athletics over the last three years.
Toronto Chinese Restaurant Sees Increased Business After Being Name-Dropped In Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Euphoria’
"I be at New Ho King eatin' fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie."
“I be at New Ho King eatin’ fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie.” That line set up a Toronto Chinese Restaurant for unexpectedly increased sales amid the beef of a hip-hop battle between two heavyweights.
According to City News Everywhere, after Compton recording artist Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise diss record toward Toronto superstar Drake, a Chinese restaurant that Lamar name-dropped in the song has seen not only business increase but received more positive ratings on local review sites. The song “Euphoria” has set the internet ablaze as the two hip-hop heavyweights are going back and forth on record.
The owner of New Ho King in Toronto was amazed to learn about the viral song’s mention and has benefitted from Lamar’s mention. He said the ratings have been increasing, and the chef will be busy because the rapper included the restaurant in his song.
A customer admitted to visiting the restaurant because of Lamar.
“I came all the way from Arkham just to see this fried rice. Man, Kendrick Lamar, you gotta pay respect to K. Dot, man. Since he dropped the dish dry, I was like, I gotta visit this place.”
For those who may be clueless about how we got here, Lamar dropped a line several weeks ago in producer’s Metro Boomin song featuring him and Future, “Like That.” The song, which shot up to No. 1 on Billboard, is a reference to rapper J. Cole looping Lamar and Drake together as the top three emcees (in Drake’s song, “First Person Shooter,” saying, “We the Big Three”), unexpectedly, Lamar said, “Motherf**k the big three, n**ga, it’s just big me.” That line set off the beginning of the “beef.”
Initially, J. Cole released a song, “7 Minute Drill,” dissing Lamar, but shortly after doing so, he removed the song from his album and apologized, saying it didn’t fit with his spirit. Drake responded by dissing Lamar in two tracks, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Although the latter was pulled due to an unauthorized A.I. version of Tupac’s voice appearing on the song, Lamar responded with “Euphoria,” which mentions New Ho King.
On May 3, Lamar shocked hip-hop fans everywhere when he released another diss record, “6:16 in LA,” further annihilating his rival.
