Michelle Obama, party at the polls — (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for ABA)

by Mitti Hicks

October 11, 2024

Michelle Obama’s ‘Party At The Polls’ Returns With More Than 500 Events Across Election Season

People should expect a celebration with music, food, entertainment, and activities for all ages, as volunteers aim to make voting accessible, inclusive, and fun.

Michelle Obama’s national nonpartisan voting initiative, When We All Vote, has relaunched “Party at the Polls” for the general election. Party at the Polls turns the voting experience into a community celebration to increase voter turnout, while reinforcing the importance of voting.

For 2024, Party at the Polls will be bigger than before, as there will be more than 500 early voting events nationwide throughout October and into the first week of November.

“At When We All Vote, we believe that voting should be joyful and using our voices at the polls is truly something to celebrate,” said Beth Lynk, Executive Director of When We All Vote. “The election doesn’t start on Election Day — it ends on Election Day. Through our Party at the Polls program, we encourage and celebrate early voting.”

People should expect a celebration with music, food, entertainment, and activities for all ages, as volunteers aim to make voting accessible, inclusive, and fun.

Organizers say the event has proven effective in encouraging people to attend the polls, especially among young voters and voters of color.

In 2020, research found that the Party at the Polls program increased voter participation by up to 4 percentage points. Early voting events proved the most effective, as data also found that community events boosted turnout by approximately 3.5%, or 90 votes, per precinct.

While there are hundreds of community and volunteer-led events, flagship Party at the Polls events appear to be in crucial swing states.

Party At The Polls Flagship Events

Celebrate Philadelphia Block Parties in Philadelphia: In partnership with Welcome America, When We All Vote will host a two-part block party series at two of the City of Philadelphia’s satellite election offices on October 12 and 19. The series will feature performances, engaging conversations, sponsor activations, community tabling, giveaways, and more.

Walk to the Polls in Window Rock, AZ: When We All Vote and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios will join Protect the Sacred and Mark Ruffalo for a Walk to the Polls with Diné College in Navajo Nation on October 12.

Community College Vote ‘24 Events in Pittsburgh, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Grand Rapids, MI, and Milwaukee, WI: When We All Vote and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios will celebrate community college students making their voices heard this year with on-campus parties at Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 21, Community College of Philadelphia, Grand Rapids Community College on October 29 for Vote Early Day, and Milwaukee Area Technical College with the Milwaukee Bucks on October 31.

VotaPalooza in Phoenix, AZ, and Atlanta, GA: When We All Vote and Grita Canta Vota will host Get Out The Vote Music Festivals to celebrate Latino voters through music, dance, culture, and community in Phoenix, AZ, on October 17 and Atlanta, GA, on October 20.

Drag Out the Vote Drag Show in Phoenix, AZ, and Divas for Democracy Dance Party at the Polls in Las Vegas, NV: When We All Vote and Drag Out the Vote will present a Get Out The Vote drag show in Phoenix on October 18 with Barbra Seville and Drag Out The Vote Drag Ambassador Afrika America, and a drag show and dance party with Drag Ambassadors and local drag artists, including Drag Ambassador Plasma from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, in Las Vegas on October 29.

ONE Musicfest in Atlanta, GA: When We All Vote and Live Nation Urban will bring voters together at ONE Musicfest on October 26-27 in Central Park, featuring headliners Cardi B, Gunna, Jill Scott, Victoria Monét, and Earth, Wind & Fire, and performances by Dru Hill, Fridayy, Destin Conrad, Fantasia, Jeremih, Sexyy Red, GloRilla, Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Young Nudy, T.I., BossMan Dlow, Method Man & Redman, and more. When We All Vote is also running a sweepstakes for voters to enter to win GA+ tickets, travel, and hotel accomodations for taking action.

For a complete list of events, visit When We All Vote’s Party at the Polls tab on its website.

bath and body works — photo credit: Rowanswiki|Wikkimedia

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 11, 2024

Bath & Body Works Pulls Holiday Candle After KKK Comparisons

Bath & Body Works apologizes for its holiday candle resembling KKK attire.

Bath & Body Works had to pull its holiday-inspired candle for its resemblance to the KKK uniform.

On Oct 8, an American specialty retailer went viral for all the wrong reasons after social media users reacted to its “Snowed In” candle. The candle’s packaging, featuring a snowflake design against a red backdrop, quickly sparked a wave of criticism online. As Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about” — a sentiment the retailer might not appreciate in this context. However, a closer look at the snowflake design revealed an unsettling resemblance to the infamous white hoods associated with the Ku Klux Klan, TMZ reports.

https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/1844510506226209027

“How did they not see that coming? Glad they took it down, tho. sometimes companies really need to double-check their designs before dropping them,” one person tweeted in response.

“Bath & Body Works removing that candle was a necessary move. How did that design even make it to shelves?” added someone else.

“This isn’t just a branding mistake; it’s a reminder of how sensitive cultural symbols can be. Let’s hope they take this as a lesson in awareness and responsibility.”

Amid outcry over the slip-up, Bath & Body Works issued a statement apologizing for its “unintentional” mistake.

“We are committed to listening to our teams and customers and committed to fixing any mistakes we make—even those that are unintentional like this one,” the statement read.

“We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and [are] evaluating our process [going] forward.”

Why I’m thinking Bath and Body Works have a new fragrance and it’s the same fragrance only in kente cloth colors 🥴😪 pic.twitter.com/PJpaMlNikb
— SMOOTH MELANIN (@smoothmelanin) January 29, 2022

This holiday misstep comes just two years after Bath & Body Works faced backlash for using African-American-inspired branding on its regular products for what seemed like a Black History Month promotion.

“Why I’m thinking Bath and Body Works have a new fragrance, and it’s the same fragrance only in kente cloth colors 🥴😪,” one X user wrote at the time.

In response, a spokesperson issued a statement that ignored the criticism, choosing instead to highlight the retailer’s donation to the National Urban League.

“We are committed to improving our culture through our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and part of that work has been to celebrate cultural milestones and moments — including Black History Month.

“We support organizations that fight against racism and inequality, including the National Urban League and the Columbus Urban League. We are donating $500,000 to support the organizations’ work.”

TI, comedy, comedian, BET, Show, it's my city, don't play with me, T.I., flyer, promote, king — NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 01: Rapper T.I. performs onstage during night 2 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ at Caesars Superdome on July 01, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2024

T.I. Announces Upcoming Performance Is His ‘Last Working Gig’

'I don’t want to do it anymore. I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.'

In a recent radio interview promoting an upcoming holiday concert in Atlanta, one of the hometown artists announced that his performance at the event would be his last.

While appearing on 96.1 The Beat on Oct. 10, Atlanta recording artist T.I. stated that he would not be performing after the upcoming show, the Jingle Ball, which takes place on Dec. 19. He thanked the radio station for his “last working gig” and told the host that he won’t be performing, although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from hip-hop.

“I appreciate y’all for offering me my last working gig because I do not need the money anymore, and I will not be performing,” T.I. said. “I don’t want to do it anymore… I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.”

When asked what he would be doing in the future, he responded, “I’m going to answer the phone to tell them that I will not be performing.”

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Well, we know that T.I. is not starving for money, as it was recently reported that he and his wife, Tiny Harris, have just won a lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. The couple won $17.9 million in actual damages and $53.6 in punitive damages, for a total of $71 million on Sept. 23. The couple sued the company, claiming that they stole the likeness of their girl group, OMG Girlz. The group’s lead singer was their daughter, Zonnique Pullins.

They initially filed a lawsuit last year based on the claim that the OMG line of the L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls were taken from their intellectual property. That trial ended in a mistrial, which led to a second filing several months later. The latest trial lasted three weeks and ended with a victory for the Harris family.

50 Cent, harrasment, instagram, lawsuit — (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2024

50 Cent Sues Jeweler Who Openly Advertised Copying Custom-Made Bling

The 'Power' executive wants no less than $5 million

A jeweler who taunts 50 Cent on social media by openly bragging that he steals designs from the jewelry the “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'” lyricist shows off in public is being sued by the rapper.

According to The Wrap, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson filed a lawsuit against Maksud Agadjani and his company, TraxNYC, on Oct. 10 for making knockoffs of the jewelry he wears, which are custom-made for the Power executive. 50 filed the paperwork in the Southern District of New York court under trademark infringement and unfair competition.

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A post shared by TRAX NYC (@traxnyc)

“Defendants, who are in the jewelry business, willfully and knowingly created imitations of an original necklace designed exclusively for Jackson; used Jackson’s name, image, and other intellectual property rights to mislead consumers into believing Defendants’ reproductions are affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Jackson; and continue to use Jackson’s name, image, and other intellectual property rights for commercial gain,” it states in the lawsuit.

It also says that 50 has even reached out to Agadjani to warn him to stop, and the jeweler replied on social media by writing, “@50Cent yo, don’t you got better things to worry about?”

The rapper is asking that Agadjani and his associates stop imitating the jewelry he wears and has requested that he pay 50 no less than $5,000,000. He took legal measures to protect his brand, name, and image which he’s “spent decades creating, maintaining and enforcing.”

After he was hit with the lawsuit, Agadjani took to his social media, on Instagram, and timidly asked 50 to drop the lawsuit as the bravado previously shown in previous videos was gone.

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

The jeweler was seen playing the character Yussi in the Adam Sandler-led motion picture, Uncut Gems, which came out in 2019.

Of course, 50, known for his trolling on social media, responded with his usual “I’m a need that by Monday” quote.

credit cards, personal finance, credit scores, debt, credit karma, FTC — (Photo: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)

by Mitti Hicks

October 11, 2024

Can Credit Card Debt Become Uncollectible? Experts Say It Depends On Location

The average American carries an overall balance of about $6501 on their credit cards, according to Experian, and as more people search for debt relief, there are some questions about whether credit card debt can come uncollectible?

August marked a historic moment for Americans. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that Americans owed a record $1.14 trillion on their credit cards. Credit card balances reportedly rose by $27 billion in the second quarter of 2024, which is a nearly 6% increase from a year ago.

Unfortunately, credit card delinquency rates are also higher. In the second quarter of 2024, 7% of households reported serious delinquency (90 days or more) on their credit cards, compared to 5% at the same time in 2023.

Vonda Copeland, co-owner of Copeland Insurance Agency, told CBS News that with the current economy, high interest rates, and job insecurity, more people are relying on credit cards for basic needs. It’s a disastrous recipe, unfortunately, for falling behind on payments.

The average American carries an overall balance of about $6,501 on their credit cards, according to Experian, and as more people search for debt relief, there are some questions about whether credit card debt can come uncollectible. Turns out, it depends on a number of factors, including the credit card user’s location.

Factors That Lead To Uncollectible Debt

James Lambridis, founder and CEO of DebtMD said creditors usually sell unpaid debt to collection agencies from anywhere between three and six months. Most agencies try to retire anywhere between 20 and 40% of the original balance.

Credit card debt becomes uncollectible after three main factors: expiration of the statute of limitations, bankruptcy filings, and creditors decision to write off the debt.

When the statute of limitations are involved, it begins when creditors begin sending calls and letters to collect payment towards the debt.

“If the debt remains unpaid for the duration specified by the statute of limitations — usually between three to ten years depending on the state — the creditor loses the legal right to sue for repayment,” Kristy Kim, CEO and co-founder of TomoCredit said, adding that the debt legally becomes time-barred and legally uncollectible.

Even though creditors lose their right to sue or garnish wages against borrowers when debt becomes uncollectible, Kim says debt can still appear on your credit report and impact your score for up to seven years.

real estate Ohio — Photo by krblokhin/Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

October 11, 2024

Dayton Residents Arrested For Alleged Quitclaim Deed Scam

Protect your home from QuitClaim scams.

Dayton, Ohio, residents were arrested for allegedly scamming homeowners through a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) quitclaim scheme.

Diamond DeShawn Washington, 38, and Rosalyn Monique Johnson, 39, allegedly attempted to defraud homeowners by initiating a quitclaim sale on their homes. After a potential victim received an alert to the possible ownership transfer of their home, the Montgomery County prosecutor’s office opened an investigation.

Washington and Johnson were indicted by a grand jury, Dayton Daily News reported. The defendants face multiple charges, including: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, forgery, tampering with government records, grand theft, and telecommunications fraud.

Washington and Johnson are accused of enacting this scam on three unsuspecting homeowners using the LLC “Love Has Homes LLC.”

The business claims to generate $20,000 annually, according to Buzzfile. The LLC is described as, “Real Estate Investors, except Property Operators business/industry within the Holding and Other Investment Offices sector.” The company reports a $20,000 annual income and employs two individuals.

While quitclaim deed transfers are not illegal, they are not the proper way to gain ownership of a home. The homeowner’s signature is required to complete the deed transfer. Washington and Johnson are accused of forging homeowner names to transfer ownership to Love Have Homes LLC. The alleged fraud was uncovered by the homeowner’s proactive action.

Owners can register for alerts to protect their property proactively. Many states offer Filing Activity Notification Services (FANS) as a means of protection. Registering for a FAN through a local county clerk’s office allows mortgagees to receive notice when any action is taken on their property.

According to Fox 5, the scam’s goal is to either sell the dwelling, borrow against the home, or collect payments from the rightful owner of the house. The fraudulent owner must wait thirty days.

The FAN alert allows the rightful homeowner time to contact authorities and file an affidavit of title. This filing protects the homeowner’s rights and stops fraudulent activity from progressing.

A Different World, including Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer, Darryl Bell and Debbie Allen — (Photo: ABC/LOU ROCCO)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2024

A Different World HBCU College Tour Extended After Successful Sold-Out Run

Featured on the tour are Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, and Glynn Turman

Over 35 years ago, we all entered “A Different World” when some of us experienced life at an HBCU (Historically black colleges and universities) for the first time when we watched the characters on a spinoff from The Cosby Show start their collegiate paths. Now, the cast of the successful NBC show has completed A Different World HBCU College Tour and has announced that it has been extended because it was well-received on campuses they visited.

A Different World followed the second oldest Huxtable daughter, Denise (Lisa Bonet), to Hillman College, the fictional HBCU that was patterned after various Black colleges and was based out of Virginia.

According to People, cast members from the 1987 sitcom (which lasted six seasons) Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, and Glynn Turman embarked on the tour in February for a 10-city venture. It started in Atlanta at the Atlanta University Center, home to Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. It traveled to other HBCUs in Alabama and Washington, D.C.

Based on the success and sold-out tour, it has been extended and it will pick back up at Bowie State University on Oct 17.

Although the sitcom ended in 1993, the richness of the show and the characters still resonate almost four decades later.

Darryl Bell, who played Ron Johnson on the show, spoke to the media outlet about the impact of the show and why it still hits a chord with people.

“Our show was able to depict the African American community from ages 18 to 75 and really diverse, not only group of individuals but backgrounds and ideas,” he said. “There was always somewhere someone could say, ‘That’s me, and I relate to that.’”

“I think because our show, which was written by, produced by, directed by, and starring predominantly Black college educated women from Debbie Allen to Susan [Fales-Hill] and certainly, we had a more diverse writing staff. First, be smart, be funny, and try to aspire to be great. I think we did that and added a human [element] to it, and I think that’s why the show continues to resonate with new generations.”

A Different World HBCU College Tour is for students only, and students must register on campus to attend, according to the website.

Washington, raccoons, feeding, — Photo by Sergei Starostin: https://www.pexels.com/photo/raccoons-in-zoo-10198328/

by Keka Araújo

October 11, 2024

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

And just like that, the woman’s yard became a sanctuary to Rocky and his homies.

In what can only be described as a real-life 2024 reboot of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 horror classic The Birds, a Poulsbo, Washington woman’s casual habit of feeding a few raccoons turned into a full-blown furry frenzy earlier this week.

The unnamed woman, who had been feeding the local raccoon population for over 35 years, called the police after she could not enter her home due to a gathering of 100 raccoons waiting for their next meal.

Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kevin McCarty explained that the woman had been feeding a few raccoons regularly without issue for decades.

“But somehow, the word got out in raccoon land, and now the whole gang showed up expecting dinner,” McCarty quipped.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they were greeted by 50 to 100 raccoons crowding the woman’s property like they were waiting for the headliner to take the stage. “They had never seen that many raccoons in one place. This was a first for everyone,” McCarty added.

And just like that, the woman’s yard became a sanctuary to Rocky and his homies.

“I’d say it’s been about the last month or so I’ve noticed it,” Wendy Cronk, who lives nearby, told KUSA. “I’ve had several raccoons in the yard recently. My dogs have gotten in a scuffle several times with a raccoon. I’ve even had to take one of my dogs to the vet after tussling with a raccoon. And I’ve also noticed there’s been a lot more hit raccoons up on the main road here.”

Cronk even suggested that someone intervene to handle the mammal issue on the woman’s behalf.

“I just hope that somebody steps in and helps her take care of this problem, and hopefully, she’ll quit doing it,” said Cronk.

The police referred the case to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, who determined that feeding raccoons isn’t illegal, but is a recipe for chaos. Bridget Mire, a spokesperson for the department, said, “The raccoons have started dispersing now that they aren’t being fed, and we’re glad for a positive outcome.”

As for the woman, she had contacted a company to relocate the raccoons, but it was a costly fix at $500 per animal. She declined the service.

McCarty left everyone with a word of advice, “It’s pretty simple—don’t feed wild animals. Once they know where the food is, they’ll keep coming back. And in this case, they invited the whole raccoon neighborhood.”

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office shared a video of the raccoon takeover on X (formerly Twitter) with the cheeky caption: “On Patrol: Raccoon Invasion.” Social media was quick to react, with users poking fun at the bizarre scene and criticizing the woman for decades of unintended raccoon population growth.

On Patrol: Raccoon Invasion pic.twitter.com/5pAUE761Nk
— Kitsap Sheriff (@KitsapCoSheriff) October 7, 2024

Drones, Insurance, Homes, aerial, graphics, insurance companies, claims, denied — (Photo: Oleksandr P/Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

October 11, 2024

Georgia Residents Caught With Illegal Contraband-Filled Drone

Georgia residents were caught flying contraband into Louisiana prison via drone. On Oct. 4, Sharketie Leverette, 33, and Michael Eulin, 35, allegedly attempted to smuggle thousands of dollars worth of contraband into the federal prison at Pollok, Yahoo News reported. Both Leverette and Eulin have been arrested.

In a press release, Grant Parish Sherrif’s Office claims the two Georgia residents operated a drone over five feet in width filled with illegal substances that carry a hefty price tag.

“The drone, more than 5 feet wide, was recovered, along with tobacco, marijuana, THC vapes, ten cellphones, and a stolen pistol. The value of the tobacco was $32,000, while the value of the marijuana was $8,000.”

Guards observed the drone dropping the paraphernalia on prison grounds, prompting a widespread patrol of the area. The search led to the recovery of the illegal items and Eulin and Leverette’s arrest.

Contraband entering prisons is a widespread problem. Earlier this year, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on a smuggling ring conducted by four female security officers in Atlanta. LaQuna Ballard, 34, Breasha Tate, 26, Regina Harris, 26, and Anizya Silas, 24, were arrested by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. The former guards are charged with “conspiracy and providing prohibited items to inmates.”

Among the prohibited items smuggled into the county jail were pot pies, cell phones, cell phone chargers, vapes, and cigarettes.

Ballard and Tate are accused of more than just smuggling and conspiracy. Ballard is accused of sending inmates sexually explicit photos and videos.

“Tate admitted to smuggling six cell phones into the jail using a cutout inside a book and having sex with one inmate three separate times,” BE reports.

The women did not work for Fulton County directly. Strategic Security Corp is named as their employer. Strategic Security Corp. is responsible for hiring and training security contractors for Fulton County Jails. Still, the buck did not stop with the corporation’s training procedures. The lack of security inside the jail is scrutinized, as the smuggling operation took over months.

The Obamas, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama — (Photo: The White House/Flickr)

by Mitti Hicks

October 11, 2024

Obama To Black Men: Get Behind A Black Woman And Vote For Kamala Harris

An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll in mid-September found that 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris.

Before his fiery speech at a Kamala Harris campaign rally in Pittsburgh, former President Barack Obama made a surprise stop at the campaign field office with a blunt message to Black men: it’s time to get behind Harris.

“It makes me think that you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for them,” he said. “Now, you’re thinking about sitting out or even supporting somebody with a history of denigrating you because you think that’s a side strength because that’s what being a man is? Putting women down? That’s not acceptable.”

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Obama’s remarks come as polls show Harris is underperforming with Black voters. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll in mid-September found that 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris.

Meanwhile, exit polls from 2012 found that 93% of Black voters supported Obama’s reelection bid, down from 2% in 2008.

The Harris-Walz campaign has struggled with attracting male voters. A New York Times/Siena College poll found former President Donald Trump has a 13-point lead over Harris with men nationally. The campaign told ABC News that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, is making campaign stops to woo over males in swing states.

Obama To Pennsylvania Voters: Trump Cares About His Ego, Money, and Status

Obama’s address to men continued briefly at the rally.

“I’ve noticed this, especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior, the bullying, and the putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you that is not what real strength is. It never has been. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining,” he told the audience.

Aside from touting the economy and the success of the Affordable Care Act to voters on Thursday, Obama asked voters if they wouldn’t put up with his behavior at their home or workplace, why would they elect him as president?

“If your coworkers acted like that, they wouldn’t be your coworkers very long,” said Obama. “If you’re in business and somebody you’re doing business with just outright lies and manipulates you, you stop doing business with them. Even if you had a family member who acted like that, you might still love them, but you’d tell them you got a problem, and you wouldn’t put them in charge of anything.”

He continued, “Yet, when Donald Trump lies, cheats, or shows utter disregard for our constitution when he calls POW ‘losers,’ or fellow citizens ‘vermin,’ people make excuses for it.”