by Daniel Johnson
November 6, 2024
Dr. Paul Stephenson, British Civil Rights Leader, Dies At 87
Stephenson's story needs to be told more widely because of the transformative nature of what he helped make possible.
Dr. Paul Stephenson, a civil rights activist and a British contemporary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died on Nov. 2 at the age of 87 after a battle against Parkinson’s Disease.
According to the BBC, Stephenson organized a 1963 bus boycott in Bristol, which convinced the city to overturn an edict banning Black people and other ethnic minorities from working in Bristol’s transportation department.
That boycott was a key event during the country’s Civil Rights struggle, whose capstone moment was the passing of the country’s first Race Relations Act in 1965.
In their statement regarding his death, his family described Stephenson as a pioneer in the civil rights movement.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Stephenson family share the passing of our beloved father, Dr Paul Stephenson, a true pioneer in the civil rights movement,” the family’s statement read.
The family continued, “He left this world on the evening of Nov. 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, which he faced with the same unwavering determination that defined his life. We have been immensely fortunate to witness first-hand the profound impact Dr. Paul Stephenson had on our community and our nation.”
Stephenson started on his path of fighting for equality when he became the first Black social worker employed by the City of Bristol. In that role, he rallied thousands of Black people in Bristol to stand up against the Bristol Omnibus Company’s rule against hiring Black and Asian drivers.
“Paul lived an incredible life. Not just for his friends and his family, but contributed to Bristol, the country and the world,” Bristol’s former mayor, Marvin Rees, told the BBC. “Most famously, Paul will be known for the leadership of the Bristol Bus Boycott. Less well known but incredibly significant is that that turned into legislation to protect people from racial discrimination.”
Rees continued, “His impact was not just around the buses. It was about what it led to in terms of creating a legal framework to protect black and brown people —and other people—from being discriminated against in everyday life.”
According to writer and historian Edson Burton, Stephenson’s story needs to be told more widely because of the transformative nature of what he helped make possible.
“By being able to put that stake in the ground. Our social attitudes have fallen in behind. No longer is it legal, but it’s also not part of British values and our legal framework to discriminate,” Burton told the BBC.
RELATED CONTENT: Story of UK’s First Black Police Officer Norwell Roberts Coming to the Big Screen
by Sharelle B. McNair
November 6, 2024
North Carolina Celebrates as Mark Robinson Loses Governor Race To AG Josh Stein
Congratulations, Governor Stein!
North Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson lost the governor race to Attorney General Josh Stein and residents couldn’t be happier, WBTV-3 reports.
The race was one of the earliest called during the 2024 election night coverage.
While Robinson’s campaign officials were seemingly optimistic, with signs from early voting and internal polling stalled thoughts of defeat. However, the controversial politician, who based his campaign on Neo-Nazi, pro-slavery, and anti-abortion ideology, conceded shortly after 9 p.m.
“I’m not sad. I wanted this for the people of North Carolina, not for me. I wanted it for them,” Robinson said to a room of supporters. “I wanted to take their issues before the folks of NC and really have those issues addressed. Not for the purposes of climbing the political ladder but for the purposes of fighting for the people of the state that I love.”
“Historically, North Carolina is one of the hardest states in the nation to poll,” campaign advisor Matt Hurley said. “The polls have been historically wrong in this race, dramatically. Go back and look at Forest/Cooper in 2020, the polls were dramatically, dramatically wrong in that election as well.”
However, Robinson trailed Stein in double digits for weeks following the bombshell report of him having ties to pornographic websites, including one where he was seen labeling himself as a “Black Nazi.”
Social media celebrated Robinson’s defeat.
“After all that tap dancing and boot licking, Mark Robinson lost,” @mondycarrington wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Stein, who will be North Carolina’s first Jewish governor, will take over from popular Democratic governor Roy Cooper, who served two terms and was a favorite for a running mate selection for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Other social media users congratulated Cooper on a job well done and celebrated that he didn’t have to turn his seat over to Robinson. “I’ll miss Roy Cooper as governor, but I’m just happy that psycho Mark Robinson didn’t win,” @its_ashley_xoxo said.
One of the biggest hot takes on the app was seeing how North Carolina presented a Democratic sweep in other elections outside of the presidential race as Donald Trump won the state.
John Pavlovitz, author of “If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk,” perhaps said it best.
According to NPR, Stein has strong ties to the Tar Heel state. Prior to serving as the state’s attorney general, he was in the state Senate. His father co-founded the state’s first integrated law firm.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 6, 2024
Kai Cenat To Donate 20% of 30-Day Nonstop Livestream Revenue To Fund School In Nigeria
Kai Cenat is hosting a nonstop livestream with plans to build a school in Nigeria.
Kai Cenat is hosting a 30-day nonstop livestream on Twitch to raise money to help build a school in Nigeria.
The popular Twitch streamer launched Mafiathon 2 subathon on November 1 where he remains on a live stream 24 hours a day for 30 days straight. As part of his mission, Cenat announced his plans to donate 20% of all money he makes to open a school in Mokoko, Nigeria.
“I visited Nigeria not too long ago, and I absolutely loved it…I say that to say this for the next 30 days while I’m streaming, 20% of all revenue will be going straight to the school that I am still currently building for the kids of Mokoko,” Cenat shared on Instagram via The Express Tribune.
Cenat shared his vision for the school, emphasizing a commitment to building a sustainable and well-resourced educational environment.
“We will be going out-of-pocket funding this entire project with a full staff, classrooms, uniforms, etc., 20% of November, starting tomorrow,” he explained.
To further engage his audience, Cenat shared layout designs for the school, highlighting that “the support over the next month will make a big difference! Thank you.”
Rapper Lil Uzi Vert made a special appearance on Day 1 of Mafiathon, spending $10,000 in support of Cenat’s mission to build a school in Nigeria.
“We gotta build the school,” Uzi said while a surprised Cenat counted off the thousands the rapper had just handed him.
Cenat showed the mockup of the school he plans to build and asked Uzi if he’d been to Nigeria. When Uzi revealed that he had yet to visit the West African country, Cenat encouraged the rapper to go.
Cenat earns millions as a leading streamer. Forbes ranks him 24th among top creators online, and his earnings reached $8.5 million this year.
“Yeah, I’m gonna go with you,” Uzi told Cenat, expressing his plans to visit Nigeria with the streamer to raise money for his new school.
RELATED CONTENT: Yale Men’s Polo Team Beats Morehouse College
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 6, 2024
Prince’s Sister Tyka Nelson Dies At Age 64
Prince's only full sibling, Tyka Nelson, died Monday.
Tyka Nelson, the sister of the late music legend Prince, died Monday morning at age 64.
Her son, President Nelson, confirmed the death with The Minnesota Star- Tribune but didn’t reveal any details. Nelson passed months after she missed her retirement and farewell concert in June at the Dakota.
The musician, who released four albums between 1988 and 2011, was set to emcee the show and sing a couple of songs. But after falling ill, the concert went on without her.
“I’m getting older,” Nelson said ahead of the retirement show. “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
Nelson, Prince’s only full sibling, shared her family’s passion for music, much like her brother and their parents, jazz singer Mattie Della Shaw Baker and musician John L. Nelson. Before missing her retirement concert, she had shared plans to write a memoir.
The singer hasn’t performed publicly since her last show in Australia in 2018. Twin Cities musician Paul Peterson worked with Nelson on the 2018 tour and said Nelson was shy about singing despite her natural talent.
“The girl could sing, no question about it,” he said Tuesday. “She didn’t get to do it often, so it was a little intimidating for her. She had a soulful and sweet voice. She was playful and cute, interested in doing things for herself and keeping Prince’s legacy alive.”
Peterson was set to be the music director for Nelson’s concert at the Dakota in June, but they only communicated by phone and never met in person. In August, however, she texted him, saying, “I can dance again.”
Her half-sister Sharon Nelson praised Tyka Nelson for her authenticity and individuality.
“She had her own mind. She’s in a better place,” Sharon Nelson said.
On the “Purple Rain” artist’s official IG page, his estate acknowledged Tyka’s death.
“It is with deep sadness and sympathy that we share in the news on the passing of Tyka Nelson. Tyka was a beloved mother and sister. She was also a singer, songwriter and widely known as one of Prince’s siblings. She shared much time with him during his life. They were raised together by their parents, Mattie and John L. Nelson. Tyka frequented Paisley Park and attended events and celebrations to support the Prince’s legacy. Tyka [traveled] around the world to thank fans for loving her brother. She loved them, and we’d like to thank them for loving her back. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her sons, President and Sir, as well as her entire family during this time of loss. Rest in Peace,” Tyka.”
In addition to Sharon Nelson, Tyka and Prince, she had five half-siblings: Sharon, Norrine, and John Nelson (who died in 2021), Alfred Jackson (who died in 2019), and Omarr Baker. Tyka Nelson is survived by her sons, President and Sir, sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and brother Omarr Baker.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 6, 2024
Charlamagne’s Sexual Assault and Battery Case Dismissed Due to Statute of Limitations
Charlamagne Tha God's sexual assault and battery case is officially over.
Charlamagne Tha God’s sexual assault and battery case has officially been dismissed 23 years after the alleged incident took place.
Recently obtained court documents reveal that on Sept. 30, a federal judge in New York dismissed Jessica Nicole Reid’s sexual assault and battery claims against Charlamagne Tha God (real name: Lenard Larry McKelvey), In Touch Weekly reports.
The order stated that the claims were filed beyond the statute of limitations and dismissed Reid’s defamation claims. Additionally, Reid was denied the opportunity to amend her lawsuit.
The case is officially closed.
Reid initially filed her lawsuit against The Breakfast Club host in 2022, accusing Charlamagne of sexual assault, battery, and defamation. She claimed the alleged incident occurred in 2001 when she was 15 and he was 22.
The lawsuit detailed Reid’s claims of meeting Charlamagne in 2001 and befriending him. She said he invited her to a party at the Short Stay Naval Recreation Center, where he gave her a drink that made her feel dizzy. Reid claimed two men took her inside a bathroom and assaulted her before Charlamagne came in and took her to a bedroom and assaulted her.
“Charlamagne was having sex with Ms. Reid, and she could not do anything about it,” the lawsuit claimed.
Reid called her mother, who then contacted the police. However, the then-teenager did not cooperate with authorities during the investigation and did not press charges. Charlamagne denied the accusations and provided a DNA sample for the police. He ultimately pleaded to a reduced charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and received three years probation.
According to Reid’s lawsuit, Charlamagne spoke on the incident years later but told “false” claims.
“Every time Ms. Reid turns on the radio and hears his voice, sees him on TV, and walks past his books in the stores, she is reminded of what Charlamagne did to her,” her lawsuit read.
In his official court response, Charlamagne’s lawyer cited inconsistencies in Reid’s claims and the state’s refusal to reopen the case nearly 20 years later.
“[Reid] has persisted in broadly disseminating her unsubstantiated claims, ignoring that the South Carolina Solicitor in 2018 declined her request to reopen the case due to a lack of evidence while confirming that no basis existed to bring sexual assault charges against Charlamagne,” the media personality’s lawyer asserted.
“Witnesses have attested to the fact that Charlamagne had already left the party when the alleged assault occurred.”
Charlamagne’s lawyer stated that, as a public figure, he had the right to speak out and defend himself publicly.
RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Announces $200M Fund To Support Black Businesses As Part Of Reparative Economic Justice Initiative
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 6, 2024
Kamala Harris Doesn’t Speak At Election Night Watch Party; Supporters Leave Howard University In Tears
Harris is expected to address the nation on Nov. 6.
Kamala Harris declined to speak at her election watch party at Howard University. Supporters left the event in tears as hope for the Democratic nominee’s chance to win waned and, sadly, disappeared for good.
At first, the election night event was filled with celebration and HBCU cultural fixtures, featuring songs from the HBCU’s choir and stroll performances conducted by members of their Divine 9 chapters. However, as results from what would become Donald Trump’s sweeping victory poured in, the event’s atmosphere changed from excitement to worrisome.
According to ABC News, Harris will speak to the nation on Nov. 6. The election was called for Trump in the early morning, leaving Harris and her supporters stunned.
Photos revealed the growing dread as the watch party attendees dwindled. Supporters teared up as they watched more states, including the critical battlegrounds of North Carolina and Georgia, turn red. Although cheering erupted whenever Harris secured another state, with accompanying boos for Trump’s wins, watchers began to see a different reality than what was predicted.
Harris was projected by some political analysts to win, and many felt before Tuesday that the election would be too close too call. However, Trump’s growing victories in swing states chopped away at Harris’s presidential chances. In an email blast, Harris’ campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, assured supporters to wait until the votes were counted before making final assumptions.
Despite this advice, Harris couldn’t close the gap.
When Harris failed to secure the blue wall states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—where she had campaigned heavily—news outlets officially reported Trump as the winner. The stunning comeback has led to many Dem supporters fearful for the next four years.
There has been no word thus far on when exactly Harris will address the nation. Trump, however, spoke at his watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida to announce his victory.
by Sharelle B. McNair
November 6, 2024
Dr. Phil Backtracks Trump Endorsement, Claims Rally Appearance Was An ‘Act Of Rebellion’
This guy....
Talk show host Dr. Phil is denying an endorsement of former President Donald Trump just one week after speaking at the controversial rally held at Madison Square Garden in NYC, Variety reports.
Instead, Dr. Phil, whose real name is Phil McGraw, is blaming his appearance as an “act of rebellion” after Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign allegedly rejected offers for an interview. “I requested 25-plus times to speak to Kamala Harris and never got so much as a yes, no, maybe,” McGraw said during an interview with Piers Morgan.
“I offered to give the identical speech at a Harris rally.”
He claims he even offered to cross Trump’s name out and replace it with Harris.’ Following the rally, McGraw alleges the Vice President’s team called him to schedule something, and after responding with, “Tell me when and where to be, and I will bring a transcript of the speech and give it at a Harris rally,” the talk show host said he never heard from the team again.
During the 26-minute interview, McGraw said the purpose of his speaking at the rally wasn’t to endorse Trump, as he said he doesn’t “like celebrity endorsements.” However, his words at the rally, which sparked controversy due to racist remarks about Hispanic voters and ill words toward Puerto Rico, seemingly matched what some would view as an endorsement. For 17 minutes, the former Oprah Winfrey protege pushed against the media and cancel culture and defended allegations of Trump being a “bully.” “I can be honest and say I don’t like or agree with everything that Donald J. Trump does or says,” McGraw said at the rally.
“No human is perfect. We don’t strive for perfection. We strive for excellence. But you don’t have to love everything about someone in order to love them, and the last thing he needs is some celebrity endorsement.”
According to The Independent, he used his time on stage to criticize Harris supporters like Beyoncé, Lizzo, George Clooney, and Robert De Niro after expressing the lack of backlash they received for endorsing Harris. “Watch what happens tomorrow morning when people find out I came here to talk to you,” McGraw said.
As McGraw’s interview started circulating on social media, users called him “petty” and “privileged.” “Dr. Phil is Peak Petty Privilege,” columnist @karenattiah wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
@shay_official1 joined the conversation, saying McGraw’s words are the definition of being entitled. “Dr. Phil is a 78-year-old white man who feels ENTITLED to a black woman’s time…. so much so that he is openly admitting that he was showing REBELLION against the Democrat Party because she didn’t entertain his ego,” she wrote.
“Even went on to say he would have said the same speech at the Democrat rally against Republicans if his wishes were catered too…IS IT DEMENTIA BECAUSE WTF.”
When Morgan asked the media personality who he would vote for, he said the decision had been made but refused to let the world know. “I think I have, but I’ll never tell. Whoever it is, we’re all Americans, and once that process runs its course and America picks a president…,” he said.
“We have to get behind that person and support them. You have to respect the office of the president.”
RELATED CONTENT: Here’s Why The Results Of The 2024 Election Could Take Days To Finalize
by Sharelle B. McNair
November 6, 2024
Donald J. Trump Defeats VP Kamala Harris In The 2024 Presidential Election
Here we go...
Fox News reports that former President Donald J. Trump has defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election to become the 47th President of the United States.
Trump’s shocking victory puts him in line to be the first president since Grover Cleveland in 1892 to serve two non-consecutive terms. Trump and running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, beat out Harris, who took over the Democratic presidential ticket just shortly over 100 days ago after President Joe Biden stepped down. Trump’s win came after securing electoral votes from Wisconsin, a state he lost in the 2020 presidential election.
During his victory speech, the four-time indicted businessman thanked his supporters and said the next four years will be the “golden age of America.”
“I want to thank you all very much,” Trump said. “This is great. These are our friends. We have thousands of friends in this incredible movement. This is a movement like nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump said from his celebration in West Palm Beach, Florida. “I believe, the greatest political movement of all time.”
He also praised his choice of Vance, claiming they are going to have “four great years.”
“He turned out to be a good choice. I took a little heat at the beginning, but I knew in my brain that he was a good one,” Trump said. “About as good as it gets.”
According to MSNBC, Trump’s victory is a sign of troubling times and a lesson that Democrats. The results showed that more Americans identified as Republicans than as Democrats for the first time in decades, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, where long-held Democratic voter registration took a deep dive into red territory.
Though Trump has declared victory, Harris has yet to concede. Social media had thoughts about what the vice president should do next.
@_gregorryyy wants Harris to demand a recount. “Didn’t Trump say just last week that they have a “little secret” that would ensure he wins the election? And a few weeks earlier said he already had all the votes he needed?” he said.
“@KamalaHarris, please don’t concede. Demand a recount. Refuse to certify.”
Fox News anchor Dana Perino disagreed.
“I remember when John Kerry did this to George W. Bush in 2004, and you work so hard, and I know that they’re disappointed, but you should concede and let your opponent have their election night,” Perino said.
Trump has yet to concede to the 2020 presidential election results.
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 6, 2024
‘Build-To-Rent’ Homes For Single Families Booming In Metro Atlanta
NexMetro also has developed subdivisions in other cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Build-to-rent homes are the latest trend for those who cannot afford homeownership in a tough market. Metro Atlanta has latched onto this new development through newly constructed subdivisions.
According to Fox 5, these build-to-rent neighborhoods will provide single-family homes. However, they will serve as rental opportunities and are unavailable for purchase. A subdivision in South Fulton aims to offer more space for young professionals and those with children outside the home.
Deemed NexMetro Communities, they will offer nearly 200 two-story homes with two to three bedrooms. They will come complete with garages and backyards, in addition to maintenance provided by management.
“We have a lot of single women looking for the privacy we provide with gates,” said Jason Flory, managing director of NexMetro Communities Atlanta. “We’re providing all the maintenance inside and outside the home.”
NexMetro has also developed subdivisions in cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Phoenix. However, the website has not listed any price ranges for the units thus far. Despite this, Flory argues that the price will reflect the amenities offered.
“The main difference is the fact the fact we have on-site maintenance and on-site professional management team to make sure these homes stay well maintained,” stated Flory. “If we’re going to charge $2,000 a month, we need to be able to maintain it and give them (clients) the quality they deserve.”
This news comes as the average age of homebuyers jumped to 56, per CNBC. Moreover, some analysts have warned of the potential downsides to the growing “BTR” movement.
“We see that these companies tend to raise rents and add what’s known as junk fees and significant rates,” explained Georgia State geography professor Taylor Shelton to the news outlet.” We also know these companies are the most frequent subject of complaints to code enforcement in Atlanta and nationwide.”
Shelton also remains uncertain if the rise of these homes will lead to a decline in surrounding property values. However, he noted that these developments are similar to corporate landlords buying developments, inevitably cutting homeownership opportunities.
RELATED CONTENT: Young Thug Stands Trial While Former Mansion Listed For $2.6M