by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 7, 2024

Georgia Aquarium’s Influential CEO And President, Dr. Brian Davis Dies

'He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place.'

Georgia Aquarium, a fixture in downtown Atlanta, will have limited operations as it mourns the loss of its president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis.

Davis started with the aquarium as the director of education in 2003 and one of its first employees. He became executive vice president in 2018 before taking over as president two years later.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis,” the museum said in a statement. “Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields. Furthermore, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating a caring and diverse space at the Aquarium.

“He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place. He was one of the first employees at the aquarium prior to opening in 2005 and led us through years of innovation and growth. Brian’s indelible imprint made all those he knew better—we are better because of Brian.”

The cause of death was not immediately known, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Davis earned a bachelor’s of science in environmental science from Rutgers University in 1992. He then earned his master’s degree in secondary science education and a Ph.D. in secondary education and teaching, both at Georgia State University.

Davis’ career blended a passion for education and marine life. Moreover, his status as a Black CEO made him a beacon for diversity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 5.9% of all chief executives in the U.S. identified as Black in 2023.

Before his long, influential stay at the world renowned Georgia Aquarium, Davis held leadership roles at other marine research centers, as well as Zoo Atlanta.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 7, 2024

Ahmaud Arbery 5K Goes Virtual For All To Celebrate And ‘Run With Maud’

Runners in Atlanta can meet with Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, and a special guest after the 5K.

The “Run with Maud” 5K will go virtual this August so all can celebrate the life of Ahmaud Arbery, the Black man killed while jogging through a Georgia neighborhood in 2020.

The event began last year as a fundraising effort for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation. In partnership with the Atlanta Track Club, 1,200 participants joined in the 5k across the city. Additionally, 2,000 runners from nine countries joined virtually.

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A post shared by Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (@ahmaudarberyfoundation)

The foundation raised over $200,000 from the run.

“Nothing will ever make up for losing Maud, who lost his life while running to ease his mind,” said Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, who founded the organization, in the press release. “But if his death can help us find ways to create safe spaces where Black boys can run freely without fear to improve their mental and physical well-being, his legacy will live on.”

Arbery’s death made national headlines as the 25-year-old was murdered in a racially motivated hate crime. While jogging in Brunswick, Georgia, he was chased by a white father-and-son duo alongside their neighbor. The son fatally shot Arbery, but all three men received prison sentences for their involvement in the killing.

While his death contributed to Black Lives Matter protests that year, the foundation still aims to advance racial justice.

“Atlanta Track Club is proud to have organized the first Run with Maud 5K last year, and the city of Atlanta was proud to host it,” said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. “But going fully virtual is the best way we know to allow runners and walkers from around the world to join hands to show their commitment to make running safe for everyone.”

Runners in Atlanta can meet with Cooper-Jones and a special guest after the 5K. Registration costs $20 with a commemorative “Run With Maud” t-shirt for additional purchase. All proceeds will support the foundation’s programming, which includes academic scholarships for Brunswick High School students and its Youth Experience event.

Kyrie Irving, Texas, HBCU, Paul Quinn College

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 7, 2024

Kyrie Irving Immortalized On Basketball Court Mural In The Philippines

After some prodding by the artist, Irving promised to visit the court next year

Dallas Mavericks star player Kyrie Irving has been recognized in the Philippines with a basketball court mural, the first of 100 planned in the country.

According to Anthlon Sports, the mural was unveiled on Aug. 5 by Philippine artist Maya Carandang, who has been posting his artwork throughout the weeks leading up to the unveiling. Carandang titled the mural “Uncle Drew,” which was the title of the 2018 movie of the same name that Irving starred in. The court is located in Brgy. Pagdaraoan San Fernando La Union Philippines.

“Uncle Drew”

“1st of Maya100. Gifting the community with Mural Art and beautification.

“This bball court is located in Brgy. Pagdaraoan San Fernando La Union Philippines.”

“Very first Basketball Court with Mural Art in La Union Province.

“99 Basketball Courts to go and your court could be next.♥️ ᜋᜌ ᜁᜐᜅ᜔ ᜇᜀᜈ᜔ #Maya100 #DaviesPaints #TheFilipinoStory

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A post shared by Maya Carandang 🇵🇭 (@themayacarandang)

The drawing depicts Irving reacting to being “on fire” after hitting a game-winning shot on March 17 against the Denver Nuggets.

Carandang posted a headshot of the drawing to his social media account, saying, “Hi Uncle Drew, come visit Philippines.” The New Jersey native responded to the invitation by stating he would visit the country next year.

“All I needed was an invite.

“Next year for sure. Thank you for the LOVE. This is Legendary🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾♾♾♾♾🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶”

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A post shared by Maya Carandang 🇵🇭 (@themayacarandang)

This was the play that Carandang immortalized in his drawing of Irving.

KYRIE IRVING CALLS GAME 🤯 pic.twitter.com/84bkwS1vW1

— ESPN (@espn) March 17, 2024

Most basketball fans know Irving is a right-hand player, so making that shot with his left hand was a creative depiction. He brought attention to that after making the shot when he went to be congratulated by his teammates on the court. He stared at his left hand before jumping into his teammate’s arms and landing in a pile with them on the hardwood.

The shot gave the Mavericks a 107-105 victory over the Nuggets.

by Shanique Yates

August 7, 2024

$15M Settlement Reached In Cash App Data Breach Case: How To Claim Your Payout

Cash App users may be eligible for compensation worth up to $2,500 thanks to a recent $15 million settlement agreed to by the company following data breaches that compromised users' personal information.

Cash App users may be subject to a payout of up to $2,500 thanks to a new $15 million settlement.

Block Inc., the parent company of the popular electronic money-transferring platform, has agreed to the settlement following claims of negligence after two data breaches occurred via Cash App, compromising users’ personal information. Per the class action lawsuit, Block and Cash App Investing were found guilty of being “negligent” and breaching other obligations to users after a former employee accessed account data without permission in 2022.

During a 2022 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Block revealed that roughly 8.2 million current and former users were being notified of the breach. Per the lawsuit, Block was also negligent in 2023 when “an unauthorized user” managed to access Cash App users’ accounts while using recycled phone numbers that were linked to previous accounts.

While Cash App, Cash App Investing, and Block have denied any liability or wrongdoing stated in the lawsuit, they have agreed to a settlement worth $15 million. At this time, eligible users either previously or currently use Cash App or Cash App Investing, have an account that was accessed without the proper permissions, or were on the opposite end of unauthorized bank withdrawals or transfers between Aug. 23, 2018, and Aug. 20, 2024.

Eligible users will be able to submit a claim of no more than $2,500 “for out-of-pocket losses” they may have experienced during the aforementioned timeframe. To accurately do so, consumers will have to provide “third-party documentation” that confirms the connection to “a data security incident, unauthorized account event, or deficiency in error resolution” as it pertains to a person’s Cash App or Cash App Investing account.

Additionally, eligible users can also submit a claim to be reimbursed for lost time and can receive up to $75 due to a cap of $25 an hour for three hours. They can also receive compensation for any documented transaction losses caused by “an unauthorized account event.” To qualify for the latter, individuals would have to submit at least one of the following options: “a copy of a notification of an unauthorized account event, a copy of a police report related to an unauthorized account event, or a document demonstrating your account was accessed without your permission.”

Only one claim can be filed per Cash App user, even if you have multiple accounts, and must be submitted by Nov. 18, 2024, via an online form or by mail. Those who wish to opt out of the settlement are required to mail in a written notice by Nov. 1; however, to qualify for the payout, users must still submit an official claim.

At this time, it has not yet been disclosed when the settlement payments will be dispersed, but the final approval hearing is set for Dec. 16, 2024, and is subject to rescheduling “without additional notice,” according to a website created for the settlement.

by Shanique Yates

August 7, 2024

Gabby Thomas Claims Long-Awaited 200-Meter Gold Medal At Paris Olympics

U.S. Track and Field star, Gabby Thomas, fulfills her dream of taking home the gold after landing the No. 1 spot during the 200-meter relay race at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

U.S. Track and Field star Gabby Thomas has officially fulfilled her dream of winning gold for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During Tuesday’s (Aug. 6) 200-meter race, Thomas snagged first place thanks to a time of 21.83. Trailing the 27-year-old track star was St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and fellow U.S. Track and Field star Brittany Brown for third place.

Thomas’ quest for gold has been in the making for quite some time. During the Tokyo Games, she took home the bronze medal behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah and Namibia’s Christine Mboma during the same event. Additionally, she snagged silver in the 4×100-meter relay during the event, but now she has finally struck gold.

“You prepare for this moment and train so hard for this moment, but when it actually comes, it’s indescribable,” said Thomas, a representative for Team USA. “I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become an Olympic gold medalist, and I am one. I’m still wrapping my head around that.”

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A post shared by Gabby Thomas (@gabbythomas)

Despite suffering a hamstring injury in 2022, Thomas put in an intense year of training and racing to align herself with the gold during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and she delivered!

The feat now joins Thomas’s silver medal during the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and her win during the 2024 New York City Grand Prix in 22.42. In June, she scored the fastest time of any sprinter of 2024 with a 21.78 time during the U.S. Olympic Trials. She is also the winner of the 2024 London Diamond League with a score of 21.82 and won gold during the World Championships 4×100-meter relay.

Before the Olympics, during an interview with NBC News, Thomas revealed that one of her No.1 goals was to inspire runners to come after her.

“Track and field is really special and unique in that you get out exactly what you put into it,” said Thomas at the time. “When people watch me race, I want them to know that they can believe in themselves.”

As of Aug. 6, with only 11 days of competition, Team USA leads the 2024 Paris Olympics with 86 medals, 24 gold, 31 silver, and 31 bronze, with Team China trailing with 58 medals.

business, event, planning, small scale, large scale

by Patrice Tartt

August 7, 2024

Here’s What You Need To Know When Planning A Business Event

Attending an event is a time commitment for attendees, so be sure to deliver on your promises.

Originally Published Oct. 9, 2017.

If you are considering planning an event, one often overlooked question to ask yourself is, “Why do I want to have a live event and what is the end goal or purpose of my event?” Event planning, without a defined and desired result, along with a specific plan of action to get there, is one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make.

Vicki Irvin has successfully planned and executed the Extreme Women Entrepreneurs Event. Irvin has a ready-to-implement information for event planning:

Your event should support the purpose of your work or expertise, which often means bringing together like-minded people on the same mission looking for useful information.
Know your ideal dream clients and target them in your marketing plan to fill the room. If there is a mismatch in any way, the event will not achieve its goal.
Work with an event planner who is also an expert at venue/space negotiations. When you’re in the seminar business, getting your space as cost effectively as possible is crucial to your bottom line.
Identify all potential streams of income from the event because you can profit far beyond registration fees. There are product and service sales, as well as revenue shares with speakers who complement what you do while providing value for your attendees. Your stage is not a place to “test” out new speakers. To protect your brand, be sure to choose speakers who are proven professionals.

While all of the things mentioned are important, one of the hardest things to do is fill your event. A marketing strategy is needed in advance, along with ample lead time. For example:

“I start marketing my live events at least four to five months in advance, and I would suggest you give yourself even more time when possible,” Irvin said.

If you are new and don’t have a following, your event will start off smaller in size, which is perfectly fine. Focus on the quality of your audience versus the quantity. Even when you are established, filling a live event remains the top challenge. Just ask all the people who have had to cancel, or resort to giving away tickets.

Some of my favorite marketing strategies are Facebook advertising and live streaming about the event. Other strategies include holding webinars about your event to get people excited so that they know what to expect, and for them to determine if it is a perfect fit for them.

Profitable live events can be an excellent stream of income for your business when done right. You should ensure that everything you do when planning your live event supports getting you to your end goal. Attending an event is a time commitment for attendees, so be sure to deliver on your promises.

by Mitti Hicks

August 7, 2024

Ex-Deputy Who Shot Sonya Massey Says He Feared For His Life, New Documents Show

Sean Grayson says he 'was in imminent fear of getting boiling liquid to my face or chest, which would have caused great bodily harm or death' when he shot Sonya Massey.

The ex-deputy sheriff who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home July 6 claims he thought his life was in danger for her words, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” while holding a pot of boiling water.

“I interpreted this to mean she was going to kill me,” Sean Grayson wrote in his report, according to new documents released by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

According to CNN, the documents the sheriff’s office released are a collection of field case reports from deputies on the scene following the incident, including Grayson’s account.

The 30-year-old Grayson, who is no longer employed by the SCSO, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in Massey’s death. He pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bond as he awaits trial.

Grayson and another unidentified deputy responded to the mother of two’s home after she called 911 to report an intruder. Once inside, Grayson spoke to her while the unnamed deputy checked her home As Grayson spoke to Massey, he said he heard a crackling noise and noticed a pot with “unknown liquid” on the stove.

According to ABC News, Grayson told the other responding deputy to turn the stove off before a fire started in the residence. Massey, who was sitting on the couch, went to the kitchen to turn off the stove. In Grayson’s account, she grabbed the pot and walked to the sink, acting as if she was going to pour it out before turning his way.

“Sonya turned to face me, holding the pot. I did not know the type of liquid that was boiling,” he wrote in his report. “I advised Sonya to put the boiling liquid down. Sonya stated [she] was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus. She stated this twice.”

That’s when Grayson pulled out his pistol before shouting to “drop the (expletive) pot,” according to reports. When Massey saw his weapon, she crouched down and repeatedly apologized to the deputies.

“Sonya stood up from a crouched position, grabbed the pot, raised it above her head, and threw the boiling substance at me. I was in imminent fear of getting boiling liquid to my face or chest, which would have caused great bodily harm or death,” Grayson said in his report. “I fired my duty weapon in Sonya’s direction. I observed Sonya fall to the ground behind the counter.”

A review of Grayson’s body cam footage, case report, use of force report, and evidence from the other officer on the scene found Grayson violated SCSO policies and procedures and that his actions immediately escalated to deadly force despite Massey’s “non-aggressive behavior.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 7, 2024

Ready Or Not: Fugees Tour Canceled Days Before Scheduled Start

The group still has scheduled dates in Germany and Sweden in October

In July, Live Nation announced that “Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees – The Celebration Continues” would commence this summer with a start date of Aug. 9 in Tampa, Florida. Now, reports have surfaced that the tour has been canceled with no announcements from the artists or promoters as to why.

Just days before the tour, USA Today reported that fans are finding out that they will not be seeing a show from the legendary hip-hop trio. All tour dates on the Live Nation website have been removed and replaced with a notice saying, “There are no upcoming events.” Yet, a search for The Fugees reveals some overseas dates in October.

The group has scheduled dates in Germany and Sweden. The group is slated to perform at LANXESS Arena in Köln, Germany, on Oct. 16 and Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 26. The trio then returns to Germany to perform at the Uber Arena on Oct. 30 in Berlin and then in Hamburg at the Barclays Arena on Nov. 1.

The Fugees performed in 2023 at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. Lauryn Hill was the headlining act, and her former group members, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel, surprised the audience when they joined Hill on the stage. The performance was in celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

The group broke up in 1997. Hill recorded and released arguably one of the best albums recorded in 1998, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The other Fugees members continued their solo careers as well. Pras had lukewarm success with the single “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are).” Wyclef stayed busy producing, writing, performing, and scoring multiple platinum records while being the most active Fugees member.

Reportedly, the group is working on a current album.

“I remember people were saying, ‘The Fugees will never get back together,’” Wyclef said in November 2023. “So, in the words of The Carnival, ‘Say what, say what, anything can happen.’”

by Stacy Jackson

August 7, 2024

Olympic Triple Jumper To Start Financial Literacy Program For Young Athletes Upon Retirement

Orji's plans to spread financial literacy to collegiate and young professional athletes through her new mentorship program.

As Olympian Keturah Orji approaches retirement, the USA Track & Field triple jumper is looking forward to establishing a new mentorship program to invest in young athletes and spread financial literacy to her community.

The University of Georgia alum, who studied financial planning as a student-athlete, is well-versed in wealth management, retirement planning, and other major financial topics. Plans for the 10-time U.S. Champion’s new mentorship program include guidance for collegiate and professional athletes as they navigate money management and investments. The initiative will assist college athletes with the transition into their professional careers.

Discovering there was more to money than saving “opened my mind to how much information there is that we’re not exposed to,” the 28-year-old told Afrotech in an interview.

“I was in this space in school where they were educating us on why credit cards are beneficial,” the 10-time olympian said, recalling her mother opposing advice from a professor to open a credit card. “I thought of it as a positive tool that could help me do so much, but the way my mom had been taught about credit cards was that’s how you have mindless and uncontrolled spending.”

Representation is a big thing for Orji. She previously launched a mentorship program for eighth-grade girls called Amara’s Pride. She established the program while she was a student at the University of Georgia to grant young girls access to successful women making moves in fields they aspire to explore.

“You really can’t model what you haven’t seen, so I want to make sure that everyone below the age of 18 is seeing people that look like them doing amazing things so that they know they can do it too,” she told 11Alive in March.

Orji, who describes herself as humble, quiet, and reserved, believes competitors like herself can still be dominant contenders in their sports.

The New Jersey-born track and field athlete has made history several times throughout her Olympic career. According to Orji’s official website, she’s the first American woman to win six consecutive U.S. titles in the outdoor triple jump since 1974 and to make two successive Olympic finals in the triple jump. She placed ninth overall in the 2024 Paris Games.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 7, 2024

Cori Bush Says People ‘Need To Be Afraid’ After Losing Missouri’s Democratic Primary Election

Well done, Rep. Bush!

Missouri’s Democratic Rep. Cori Bush gave a powerful speech, professing to her supporters that people “need to be afraid” after she lost the primary election, CNN reported.

After losing in a tough 1st Congressional District race to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell on Aug. 6, Bush became the second U.S. House “squad” member to lose, following a loss by progressive NY lawmaker Rep. Jamaal Bowman. During her concession speech, Bush spoke of her journey in Washington and claimed losing is just going to bring out another side of her that the state has yet to see. “Pulling me away from my position as congresswoman, all you did was take some of the strings off. Let’s be clear, let’s talk about what it really is,” she said, met with thunderous applause.

“Because see, now I don’t have to worry about some strings that I have attached, and as much as I love my job– but all they did was radicalize me, so now they need to be afraid. They are about to see this other Cori, this other side, cause let me say this: I just grew up a whole lot more over the last few weeks.”

Cori Bush defiant in defeat: "All they did was radicalize me, so now they need to be afraid."

"They about to see this other Cori, this other side," she said. "AIPAC, I'm coming to tear your kingdom down." pic.twitter.com/690T0aEhmZ
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) August 7, 2024

Bush lost what is being called the second-most expensive primary of the cycle after Bowman. An intense push for a ceasefire in Gaza added fuel to opponents’ fire. Bell is considered a shoo-in for the solid blue St. Louis-area seat. His victory also marks the second time in three cycles that a challenger has unseated the incumbent in the 1st District Democratic primary. Bush defeated Rep. William Lacy Clay in 2020.

During her campaign, Bush sought to defeat Bell by labeling him as far removed from the community that elected him and as a caveat for corporate donors. “By supporting our grassroots campaign,” Bush said in a recent fundraising email. “You’re standing up against a grifter politician and the influence of big money in politics and demanding real representation for the people of MO-01.”

The super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) pushed back with pricey ads equaling $9 million attacking Bush and boosting Bell. “She sold out our president, and she sold out the city of St. Louis,” one ad said. Bush touched on the attacks from AIPAC during her speech. “APAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” she said.

Another ad by the Mainstream Democrats PAC attacked her over being involved in a federal investigation over alleged misuse of campaign funds for security services.

Bush has since denied any wrongdoing and maintains that she complied with House rules.

According to Politico, Bush said that regardless of her title being changed, the goal is to take care of the people of Missouri. “Whether I’m congresswoman or not, I’m still taking care of my people,” she told supporters while defending outside spending against her.

“Because your side is so weak, you had to spend $19 million.”