accident, livestream, tiktok
(Image: iStock.com/kali9)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Police Search For Suspect In Alleged Revenge Killing Of Woman Over Brother’s Death

Dawayland Hurst is suspected of allegedly killing Mary Jayne Collins to avenge brother's killing done by her ex-boyfriend.

A 22-year-old man is accused of allegedly killing a young mother to avenge the murder of his half-brother, according to police.

A press release from the Seabrook Police Department in Texas states that on Oct. 4, Mary Jayne Collins was discovered dead inside her apartment after emergency personnel and police officers responded to reports of a gunshot at the Teakwood Apartment Complex. There were also two young children, unharmed, in the apartment when she was found. The first responders arrived at the scene around 11:30 a.m. that morning.

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office did an autopsy on Collins and determined that she died by blunt force trauma and a single stab wound. It was originally thought that she died from a gunshot wound.

Investigators also determined that Dawayland Hurst was present at the apartment when the killing took place. Police suspect that he assaulted one of the children before first responders arrived at the apartment.

Law & Crime reported that detectives feel that Hurst killed Collins in connection to a murder that took place on July 31, 2020. The man killed that day in Texas City was Diajwan Triplett. Police officers arrested and convicted 25-year-old Michael King for the murder. Triplett is Hurst’s half-brother, according to ABC 13.

Detectives state that in June, Hurst started a relationship with Collins, who was the former girlfriend of King, as well as the mother of their child. Police officers are uncertain if she knew Hurst was related to Triplett. They said that right away, Hurst was abusive toward Collins. She told family members that Hurst had bitten her on her face and showed friends photos of other injuries she allegedly suffered at the hands of Hurst.

“I believe the defendant was motivated to revenge the death of his brother Diajwan Triplett,” a detective theorized. “Thus he befriended, abused and then murdered the victim who was the mother of Michael King’s children.”

Detectives ask anyone with information to contact Seabrook police at (281) 291-5610.

Big Meech, Black Mafia Family, BMF
Public Domain
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 19, 2024

Former BMF Founder And Drug Kingpin Demetrius ‘Big Meech’ Flenory Sees Early Prison Release, Transferred To Halfway House

Demetrius "Big Meech" is closer to regaining his freedom after nearly 20 years in prison.

The notorious drug kingpin Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory has plenty of reason to celebrate amid his early prison release.

Detroit’s notorious former organized crime leader, founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF) drug trafficking syndicate, will complete the remainder of his prison sentence in a residential reentry program in Miami, the Federal Bureau of Prisons revealed on Thursday. Flenory, 56, was granted early release nearly 20 years after receiving a 30-year sentence in 2008 for drug trafficking and money laundering, as reported by AP News.

Brittany K. Barnett, Flenory’s attorney and co-founder of the Buried Alive Project, celebrated his release, stating she is “overjoyed” that he is finally free after spending nearly 20 years in prison.

“He used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter,” she said in a statement. He’s out, but millions more remain trapped inside — there’s still so much work to be done. We need to push for real change, for a justice system that recognizes the dignity and potential for redemption in every individual.”

Many were first introduced to Flenory’s story when hip-hop mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson released the eight-episode series “BMF” in 2021. The hit show was renewed for two more seasons and continues to air on Starz. It follows Flenory and his brother, Terry Flenory’s rise in success as drug traffickers and the formation of the BMF organization in Michigan.

Flenory is portrayed by his son, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., 24. He has shared how the show helped him get to know his father, who has been incarcerated for most of his life.

“I was born in 2000, so this is all new to me. It’s all a learning experience. I got to learn a lot about my family that I didn’t know about,” Lil Meech told Black Enterprise in February. “When I came to set, it was like a clash. Like, I was going to tell everything about my roots and about my family that I didn’t know. And with that, I get to play my father and still live up to his name.”

Amid Flenory’s prison release news, NBA star LeBron James faced backlash after tweeting a welcome home message to the BMF leader.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1846949695492415832

“You want to fit in so bad, wanna be hip and cool so bad that you just follow whatever is deemed cool at the moment. Shame on you. Grow tf up,” one person wrote.

Demetrius Flenory was arrested in 2005, and his sentence is set to conclude on Jan. 27, 2026. But amid his early release, he will be under supervision at a residential reentry center in Miami, which provides community-based services to help federal offenders transition back into society.

His brother, Terry Flenory, 54, is completing his sentence on similar charges at a residential reentry center in Detroit. He is scheduled to be released on Aug. 17, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: BMF Actor Demetrius ‘Lil Meech’ Flenory Arrested for Stealing $250,000 Richard Mille Watch

Keke Palmer, Real Estate, Mother, Nope, Wills, financial planning, finances, Tru Jackson VP,birthday, pregnant, Creme of Nature
(Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 19, 2024

Keke Palmer Scores New Business Role As Chief Brand Officer At Creme Of Nature

Keke Palmer is the first-ever Chief Brand Officer at Creme of Nature.

Keke “Keep A Bag” Palmer has expanded her impressive business portfolio by taking on the role of chief brand officer at Creme of Nature.

On Tuesday, the KeyTV founder was announced as the Black-founded brand’s first-ever chief brand officer. In the premiere role, Palmer will do what she does in front of the camera and extend her business prowess behind the scenes.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and television star will take on a multifaceted role, serving as an on-camera model and spokesperson and collaborating with the Creme of Nature team to influence product lines, consult on product innovation, advise on packaging updates, and showcase product demonstrations.

Additionally, the Nope star will play a key role in shaping the brand’s direction, marketing, and storytelling by helping to craft campaigns that authentically connect with the multicultural community while revitalizing the Creme of Nature brand ethos.

“What really stood out to me about Creme of Nature is their commitment to celebrating Black beauty. From the start, they’ve been crafting effective, high-quality products that really cater to our unique hair textures and needs,” Palmer said.

“This partnership means so much more than just being an ambassador or face of the brand, but more importantly, I get to have a voice in shaping the future of a company that truly cares about the same things I do -– authenticity, representation, and natural beauty. I am equally passionate about ensuring that we continue to create products that resonate with our community and celebrate the diversity of textured hair.”

As part of the partnership, Palmer will become a mainstay on Creme of Nature’s social and digital media campaigns, in-store displays, and national advertising, with live appearances on behalf of the brand beginning later this year. The company has expressed excitement about securing the partnership with the Hollywood star.

“As a Black-founded brand, it was important for us to collaborate with someone who truly understands and embraces her natural hair and embodies the values we stand for. Creme of Nature was founded in Chicago, so Keke, a Chicago native, brings a genuine and relatable perspective -– her deep connection to her roots, along with her insights and expertise, will help us better meet the needs of our customers,” said Chandra Coleman, head of Marketing for Creme of Nature.

“Throughout Keke’s remarkable professional career and personal life, she’s demonstrated her authentic self in line with our brand ethos. We believe that with Keke on board, we can continue to grow and make a meaningful difference in the hair care industry.”

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer Thanks Tyler Perry For Sliding Her Extra Money Early In Her Career

FDA, listeria, waffles, Dakota Tom's, TreeHouse,
pexels-polina-tankilevitch-4109381-imageonline.co-merged
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 19, 2024

TreeHouse Foods And Dakota Tom’s Recall Frozen Waffles, Sandwiches Due To Listeria Risk

The recalls come amid concerns that consuming these products could cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable populations

On Oct. 18, TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) and Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches voluntarily recalled specific frozen waffle and sandwich products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalls come amid concerns that consuming these products could cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable populations.

The affected frozen waffles, produced by TreeHouse Foods, were distributed across the United States and Canada under various brand names. Consumers are advised to check for products labeled with UPC codes and best-by dates listed in the company’s recall notice. Photos of the affected products can be viewed on TreeHouse Foods’ website. The recall follows routine testing at the manufacturing facility that detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful organism that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, pregnant women face a higher risk as the infection can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.

Similarly, Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches, based in Corsica, SD, has recalled three popular sandwich products: the Pepper Jack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, and The Gambler. The recall is linked to an ingredient supplier, BrucePac, whose beef patties may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected sandwiches were distributed to grocery and convenience stores across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming. No illnesses have been reported so far. The recalled sandwiches include Pepper Jack Cheeseburger (UPC 737296806008), The Gambler (UPC 737296601788), and Bacon Cheeseburger (UPC 73729680300), with best-by dates ranging from Sept. 1, 2024, to Nov. 23, 2024. Dakota Tom’s has stopped using the supplier responsible for the affected patties.

Consumers who purchase these products are urged to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported for either company’s recalled products, but anyone concerned about potential symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.

This recall is being conducted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

For further details or questions, TreeHouse Foods customers can call 800-596-2903 during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Consumers can also visit the companies’ websites for more information on how to identify and return affected products.

RELATED CONTENT: 100 Hungry Raccoons Pull Up To White Woman’s Crib, She’s Been Feeding Them For Years

Memphis police, federal judge, civil rights investigation
(Photo: zodebala/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2024

Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty After Stealing Almost $20K In Crime Stoppers Reward Money

Arica Hutchison was sentenced to six months in prison plus two years of supervised release for fraudulently stealing $18,500

A police officer pled guilty to fraudulently stealing almost $20,000 in Crime Stoppers reward money.

According to WREG, Arica Hutchison, one of two police officers assigned to work the Crime Stoppers hotline to help sort through tips to give to investigators, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft from a program receiving federal funds. She was recently sentenced to six months in prison plus two years of supervised release.

The disgraced cop was accused of manipulating the system to alter data so someone named “KB” could obtain $18,500 in rewards from Crime Stoppers.

Records from August 2023 through February 2024 reveal that Hutchinson “used her position in law enforcement” to “enter fraudulent data” into the Crime Stoppers database. After doing so, she had a person named “KB” receive the rewards for tips. The reward money details two incidents from late 2023 that received tips for two separate crimes and were approved for Crime Stoppers reward money.

Before that reward payout was to be paid out, Hutchison updated the information in the database.

On Jan. 10, Memphis FBI Field Office agents conducted surveillance at the location where KB was scheduled to receive the payment. KB was seen arriving at the location to pick up the reward payout for the two tips given.

The state policing board’s records show that Hutchison was placed on leave in February. She resigned in April but was still being internally investigated. The law enforcement agent was charged in federal court on June 3. That same day, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft from a program receiving federal funds.

Along with her prison sentence, Hutchison must also pay $22,000 in restitution while following a list of additional terms. This includes getting a mental health assessment and counseling, taking a financial literacy class, and also getting substance abuse and alcohol treatment.

Hutchison was with the Memphis Police Department for 17 years before resigning.

RELATED CONTENT: 3 Former Memphis Police Officers Found Guilty Of Witness Tampering In Tyre Nichols Case

Sarah Michelle Washington, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
(Image: iStock/CatLane)
by Mitti Hicks

October 18, 2024

Breast Cancer Survivor Creates A Simpler Way To Manage Support And Care With Journey Together App

The Journey Together app is an easier way for people to offer the right kind of care and support.

When Ayanna Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer, she remembers feeling overwhelmed with the recommendations for books, recipes, podcasts, and even questions about her health updates. She was actively in treatment when she thought of creating the Journey Together app.

“Initially, people start sending you flowers and all of those things, but your journey is long,” she tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “When you experience a medical crisis […] people mean well, but they inundate you in the beginning. But we really need support long after our diagnosis.”

Something else stood out to Smith: the flowers were pouring in as her medical expenses continued to increase.

“When I looked around, I had about $2,000 worth of flowers on my counter, and I have $10,000 in medical bills,” she adds. “I would never ask anyone to pay my medical bills but I thought how it didn’t make sense. If you ask anyone experiencing something serious like cancer, they would probably prefer cash over $2000-plus in flowers.”

Journey Together is an easier way for people to tailor care and support the way they see fit.

Smith, a startup enthusiast and now founder of the Journey Together App, designed the platform to organize support in one place. What makes the app different is that it notifies supporters when the recipient is accepting calls and visitors. Loved ones will receive status updates in one place rather than numerous messages and phone calls.

Recipients can also create wish lists for their support system with links to retail sites, gift registries, and donation options through CashApp, Venmo, and GoFundMe.

Journey Together also allows users to sign up to fulfill tasks to support the recipient, including childcare, school pick-up, grocery shopping, food preparation, and rides to and from medical visits.  

“I wanted something that allowed everything to be easy because it’s already hard,” she adds.

More Than An App For Medical Care

Smith says Journey Together also distinguishes itself by fitting various scenarios aside from medical care. It can help manage and organize support for funerals, military deployments, house fires, the birth of a child, birthday parties, weather crises, and other life events.

The note section in the app also allows users to create and store notes with names and dates for each note folder.

“This app has been a lifeline, helping me manage both care and volunteer efforts,” Smith adds. “I’m excited for others to experience that same ease and connection.”

Smith says the app is still in beta. She wants users to share their feedback, but that’s not the only requirement.

“When people ask how they can support this initiative and venture, it’s through funding,” says Smith. “A lack of funding is nothing new for Black founders and founders in the startup community.” 

Journey Together is now available for free in the Apple and Google app stores. 

RELATED CONTENT: Mississippi Governor Sings Praises Of Ole Miss Counterprotesters After ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ Shenanigans

America's Workforce Academy, Meta, trade skills, National Urban League
(Photo:Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

October 18, 2024

Meta Fires Employees For Alleged Meal Voucher Scams

According to reports, two dozen employees were dismissed.

Two dozen employees at Meta’s Los Angeles office were terminated for allegedly using company meal credits to purchase groceries, CNN reports. 

In its investigation, Meta found that employees were violating company policy by using meal vouchers for home goods and personal care items, which is against company policy. Also against company policy is transferring vouchers from the original employee.

According to CNN, Meta supplies food vouchers for employees at offices without food services—breakfast ($20) as well as lunch and dinner ($25)—so they can have meals delivered at work, where the hours can be brutal and down time scant. This was the case at the Los Angeles office.

But, according to an internal investigation, Meta learned that some used the vouchers to have food delivered at home or to buy non-food items, a source told CNN. The news of the firings was first reported by Financial Times. 

Business Insider reports that Meta employees usually earn between $100,000 and $400,000. 

The news of the firings came as the company began major layoffs across all of its platforms including Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Reality Labs.

“Today, a few teams at Meta are making changes to ensure resources are aligned with their long-term strategic goals and location strategy,” Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton said in a statement. “This includes moving some teams to different locations and moving some employees to different roles. In situations like this when a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees.”

It is unclear if the terminated employees will receive severance pay. 

RELATED CONTENT: Meta Axes News Tab On Facebook In U.S., Faces Backlash As Users Express Concerns Over Access To Information

fraud, overtime
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-staying-up-late-in-office-working-on-papers-8370960/
by Kandiss Edwards

October 18, 2024

Trial Date Set For Baltimore Officer Accused Of Overtime Fraud

Smith is accused of vacationing while on the clock.

A trial date has been set for Lawrence Smith, a Baltimore City Schools police officer accused of fraud and tax violations. Smith will appear in court on May 12, 2025.

After an investigation by Fox 45’s investigative unit, Baltimore Project, Smith was charged with defrauding Baltimore public schools of $215,000 in fake overtime pay.

The school officer is accused of filling out overtime slips while he does off-the-clock activities.

Fox 45 obtained 857 overtime reports filed by Smith. The organization cross-referenced the overtime logs with Smith’s social media activity.

The organization found, “Facebook Live videos that show Smith driving a boat on the Chesapeake Bay, coaching football, or on vacation.”

The times and dates of Smith’s alleged overtime during COVID-19 sparked questions about the validity of timesheets.

“In analyzing Smith’s overtime forms, Project Baltimore found periods where he claimed to be working on average nearly 13 hours a day, seven days a week, for 42 straight days.”

The officer is a 21-year veteran and a well-known pillar in the community. He has led Baltimore Schools to eight State Championship wins. On one occasion, he can be seen hoisting a championship trophy next to City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises and Mayor Brandon Scott.

The initial interest in Smith’s pay resulted from an alleged FBI investigation in Sept. 2023.

A perusal of Smith’s social media led to the discovery of overlapping events.

“Overtime form dated September 2, 2021, Smith says he was working a ‘homicide investigation’ from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 that evening. But at 6:54 that night, he went live on Facebook during at a photo shoot with his football team. The video lasted about 19 minutes and ended at 7:13 p.m. Smith even turned the camera, showing himself in the gym, as he was logging overtime hours for a homicide investigation.”

Seeking clarity, the Baltimore Project contacted Smith but received no answer; however, the investigative unit spoke with the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police Union President Clyde Boatwright.

Boatwright spoke highly of Smith and his work ethic.

“What I would say about Detective Smith is this: he is a unicorn in our police department.” He continued, “He is one of one. He has a responsibility that no one else in our department has.”

In light of the trial date, the FOP Union is no longer commenting on the case.

RELATED CONTENT: Deaf Black Man With Cerebral Palsy ‘Attacked’ By Phoenix Police Officers

Kamala Harris, campaign, debt
(Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

October 18, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris Tells Hecklers To Take Shenanigans To ‘Smaller Rally’

Vice President Harris is not here for hecklers. She kindly told them where to go.

Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in the middle of a campaign speech to assure hecklers they were at the “wrong rally.” 

The Harris campaign’s La Crosse, Wisconsin, rally was seemingly going off without a hitch. As Harris began to speak on former President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointees overturning Roe. v. Wade, she was interrupted by hecklers. Unfazed by the interruption, Harris took a moment to address the foolishness. 

“Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally. No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street.”

The reference to a “smaller” rally was a direct shot at her opponent for the presidency, Trump. The Apprentice host is known to often comment on the crowd size and grandeur of his political rallies. 

In an address from Mar-A-Lago Trump’s Florida golf course, he expressed disappointment in the media for not acknowledging the size of his rallies. 

“I had in Michigan recently 25,000 people. We just couldn’t get them in. We had so many nobody ever mentioned that. When she gets 1,500 people, and I saw it yesterday on ABC, which they said the crowd was so big. I have 10-times, 20-times, 30-times the crowd size.”

Trump references crowd size so often that his opponents are now using it as a way to poke fun at him. 

Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz remarked on the large turnout at an Arizona campaign rally on Aug. 10. While praising the turnout, he backhandedly asked the crowd if anyone cared about the number of attendees present.

Former President Barack Obama also joined in on the bit at the Democratic National Convention in August.

The 2024 presidential election is less than 30 days away. 

RELATED CONTENT: State Of Texas Claimed to Remove 6,500 Noncitizens From Voter Rolls; Analysis Reveals Only 581 Voters Were

Fairview Capital, A Black-Owned, Billion Dollar Investment Company, Celebrates 30 Years
Photo Credit: Gary Pope
by Mitti Hicks

October 18, 2024

Fairview Capital, A Black-Owned, Billion Dollar Investment Company, Celebrates 30 Years

Founded in September of 1994, Price and Morse grew capital for the company through co-investments, venture capitalists, and diverse and emerging managers.

Fairview Capital Partners is a Black-owned billion-dollar investment company celebrating 30 years of service. Founded by Laurence Morse and JoAnn Price in September 1994, it has had $10 billion under management since its inception. Price and Morse grew the company’s capital through co-investments, venture capitalists, and diverse and emerging managers.

“I continue to be a bit astonished by the fact that 30 years have passed since JoAnn and I co-founded Fairview, and, on occasion, I marvel at the things we have managed to accomplish as a firm,” Morse said during Fairview’s 30th Anniversary Dinner in New York City on Sept. 26. “As we pass the torch to the next generation of extraordinary Fairview leaders, the opportunities the firm faces are unlimited.”

Fairview started thanks to a vision from Price, who asked Morse to partner with her in her vision. For the first two years, Morse and Price crisscrossed the country, working to primarily secure public pension funds, as reported in Pensions and Investments.

“We had to be comfortable with getting mostly nos or, ‘that sounds good, but we don’t think you can succeed in something like this,’” said Price. Morse adds, “We simply knew that in time, we would succeed. The only question was whether we could stay alive long enough to realize that success.”

Three decades later, the company went from two people to 25 on staff. It has survived economic crises, a pandemic, and the racial reckoning that followed the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor in 2020. It was a time when Morse reiterated the company’s value as always being a firm that’s “open door to everyone.”

“We have always been comfortable in speaking clearly about who we are, what we do, and how we have done that successfully,” Price added. “And that is very important for firms like ours to do.”

The Future of Fairview Capital Partners

According to a study by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, people from historically underrepresented communities manage only 1.4% of the more than $82 trillion asset management industry, despite diverse-owned firms’ investment performance matching those of their less-diverse peers.

Fairview has defied the odds over the years, hitting various milestones, including receiving commitments from pension funds, including $3.7 billion City of Dallas Employees’ Retirement Fund, more than $267 billion from New York State Common Retirement Fund, and securing the New Jersey Division of Investments.

The firm is already looking ahead to the next 30 years.

“As we enter the next three decades, I’m excited to build upon our strong 30-year legacy,” Managing Partner Kola Olofinboba tells Black Enterprise. “Our goal is to continue growing our inclusive community of talent, internal and external to the firm, as we invest in the leading companies that will shape the future of our world while generating superior returns for our investors and their stakeholders.”

Price adds, “As we look ahead, I am filled with boundless hope and excitement that this vision will endure. We will continue to break barriers, uplift underrepresented voices, and create opportunities that empower the next generation of leaders in our industry and communities.”

RELATED CONTENT: 401(K) Matching: The ‘Free Money’ Benefit Every Employee Should Know About

×