by Mary Spiller

May 12, 2024

Flavor Flav Signs On As US Women’s Water Polo Team’s Official Hype Man

Hip-hop veteran Flav has agreed to sponsor and support the women as they head off to the Summer Olympics in Paris.

As the U.S. women’s water polo team prepares for the long-awaited Olympics in Paris this summer, rapper Flavor Flav has joined them as their biggest hype man. After a May 4 post by the team’s captain was brought to his attention, the 65-year-old New York native has promised to cheer them on and show his support.

Water polo team captain Maggie Steffens recently took to social media to ask her followers to help drum up more support for the team as they head into the summer Olympics.

She wrote, “There is no greater honor than representing Team USA on the Olympic stage side by side with strong, talented & driven women who empower you every day.”

“Water polo, women’s water polo specifically, may not be the most popular sport or on everyone’s radar, but with women’s sports even more on the rise – I encourage everyone to give these women a try!”

Steffens’ heartfelt post caught the attention of “Fight the Power” rapper Flavor Flav, moving him so much that he’s agreed to become the team’s official hype man.

According to the Associated Press, he is now in the process of settling a deal that will name him a sponsor for the USA Water Polo team and put him in charge of a program to help bring the spotlight onto the women’s sport.

The official hype man commented on Steffens’ post, “As a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports – imma personally sponsor you, my girl, whatever you need. And imma sponsor the whole team. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.”

He’s wasted no time in fulfilling his promise, either. He’s already used his social media to drop highlights of the team’s star players and has started making travel plans to watch them play in the Paris Olympics.

“When I come out and I watch this water polo team … ‘USA! USA!’ Yo, I’m going to be the biggest hype man that they ever had in their life,” he told the Associated Press. “I’m going to be bigger than any cheerleader that they had in their life. I’m going to cheer this team on, and I’m going to cheer this team into winning a gold medal.”

The U.S. team will compete for its fourth consecutive gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer, an unprecedented feat.

Flav said, “One thing about me, I know what it feels like to want to see a dream come true. I know what it feels like to want to achieve a goal, and I’m the type of person that, if I see you trying, then I’m going to do whatever I can to help you.”

P Diddy, combs, lawsuit, Howard University, video, cassie, Revolt, CEO

by Daniel Johnson

May 12, 2024

Diddy’s Legal Team Challenges Rape Allegation As False And Seeks Dismissal

Sean 'Diddy' Combs asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges that he raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003.

On May 10, Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit that alleges that he and two co-defendants, Harve Pierre, former president of Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment record label, and an unknown man, raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003. Combs’ lawyers argue that the claim was filed too late to be considered according to New York State law and want the claim to be dismissed with prejudice “to protect the Combs Defendants from further reputational injury and before more party and judicial resources are squandered.”

As The Associated Press reports, the motion from Combs’ lawyers represents the latest in a legal saga that has seen Combs become the subject of a criminal sex trafficking investigation as well as several lawsuits similar to the one filed by this anonymous party. According to the filing, Combs’ lawyers “categorically deny” the version of events presented by the accuser.

Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that he and two co-defendants raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003, saying it was a “false and hideous claim" that was filed too late under the law.https://t.co/6rGv90VlS6
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) May 11, 2024

“Mr. Combs and his companies categorically deny Plaintiff’s decades-old tale against them, which has caused incalculable damage to their reputations and business standing before any evidence has been presented,” the filing says. “Plaintiff cannot allege what day or time of year the alleged incident occurred, but miraculously remembers other salacious details, despite her alleged incapacitated condition.”

One of the attorneys for the plaintiff, who currently remains anonymous but will have to reveal her identity if the case goes forward, told the AP that the motion is a desperate attempt from the Combs team to avoid accountability.

“At this point, no one should take anything ‘diddy’ or his lawyers say seriously.” Michael J. Willemin said in a statement, “Today’s motion is just a desperate attempt by Combs to avoid accountability for Ms. Doe’s allegations of gang rape and sexual assault. It won’t work.”

The lawsuit Combs is facing is part of a wave of lawsuits filed under two different laws designed to give victims of sexual assault a chance to file complaints after the statute of limitations has expired. The laws, New York State’s Adult Survivors Act and New York City’s Victims of Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law, both feature the suspension of the statute of limitations imposed on sexual assault. Combs’s team argues that under the state law’s provision, the suit was filed too late to be considered timely.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2023 and amended in March 2024, alleges that Combs, Pierre, and an unnamed man flew the then-11th-grade student from Detroit out on a private jet and took her to a recording studio. It also claims that the teenage girl was allegedly given drugs until her ability to consent was gone, at which point, the lawsuit alleges, the men took turns raping her.

The filing from Combs’ team also takes issue with a bolded trigger warning included in the suit, which they said was “irrelevant” and “calculated” to “focus attention on its salacious and depraved allegations.”

Combs’ latest round of legal troubles began when his former artist and girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, professionally known as Cassie, filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs used a combination of drugs and physical abuse to control the singer. The suit, which was settled one day after it was filed, also contained an allegation that Combs forcibly entered her home in 2018 and raped her.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE reported, Ventura said in a statement that her lawsuit was for the benefit of other women who faced abuse and violence in their relationships. “After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.”

by Jeffrey McKinney

May 12, 2024

Shelley Goode Named AARP Foundation’s Senior Vice President And Chief Development Officer

AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship for them.

An accomplished fundraising and philanthropic executive, Shelley Goode has joined the AARP Foundation as senior vice president and chief development officer.

The Foundation reports working for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardships. Goode will oversee fundraising across the Foundation, AARP advocacy, and other AARP affiliates. She is part of the Foundation’s executive leadership team.

The Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization geared to empowering Americans 50 and older. Its work includes advocating for over 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families in health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.

“Philanthropy plays a critical role in improving people’s lives,” Goode told BLACK ENTERPRISE in an email statement. “When I think about the important work that AARP Foundation is doing throughout the country, especially in marginalized communities, and the impact we can have, it’s a privilege for me to be in the philanthropy space and to be part of that change.”

Based on this annual report, in 2022, the AARP Foundation assisted older adults with low income to secure $726.1 million in new income, benefits, refunds, and credits.

Described as an “inspirational leader, culture champion and strategic visionary,” Goode most recently was chief development officer at Girl Scouts of the USA. During her time there, she managed diverse funding streams, including alumni and individual engagement, corporate partnerships, philanthropic giving, and government and foundation grants. Goode led a team that generated revenue for all these various funding sources.

Over a 30-year career, Goode has advocated for solutions and raised funds for women’s empowerment, STEM initiatives, poverty, migration, affordable housing, addiction, and reintegrating veterans into society.

She has shaped policy and strategy at the C-suite level in various roles, including as vice president of resource development for Oxfam America. She was also chief development officer at the KIPP Foundation, a nonprofit network of 280 college-preparatory public charter schools, where she implemented diversity- and inclusion-focused solutions.

Goode has served in many leadership roles, including at Volunteers of America, the Smithsonian Institution, Spelman College, Syracuse University, and Johns Hopkins University. She now serves on the boards of the College of William & Mary Foundation, the Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, and the National Children’s Museum.

A Mississippi woman recently turned herself in for allegedly intentionally defrauding a low-income federal food assistance program. Following a SNAP fraud investigation by the Mississippi Department of Human Services’ Investigations Division, Katrina Harris, a Pike County woman, gave herself up to authorities.

SNAP is the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which aims to reduce poverty and food insecurity for low-income families by assisting them with their grocery budgets to allow them to continue to grow economically. The website’s description reads, “SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.”

According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Harris received $69,881.00 in SNAP benefits. She was able to do so by not accurately reporting her true household income or her actual family composition to the state when asked. Harris’ case was handed over to the Pike County District Attorney’s office after authorities found evidence hinting that fraud was taking place. The suspected fraud case was taken on by the district attorney, who was soon after granted an indictment for Harris on March 5, WLBT reports. The MDHS Investigations Division’s agent, Aaron Rushing, headed the investigations.

Harris turned herself in to MDHS, the Mississippi Department of Human Services, and Pike County law enforcement just three weeks after the March 26 indictment.

MDHS Inspector General Sandra Griffith called the case an excellent display of teamwork from the county’s law enforcement and resource teams. Griffith said, “This is a great example of collaboration between our investigations team, county offices, district attorneys, and local law enforcement.”

Another official, MOHS Executive Director Bob Anderson, added, “This investigation demonstrates the strengthened controls we have in place to identify, investigate, and eliminate fraud in our programs.”

Fraud relating to SNAP falls under MDHS jurisdiction, particularly their branch that is “tasked with detecting, deterring and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.”

RELATE CONTENT: The Rundown On Eligibility For SNAP Benefits Changes In 2024

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 11, 2024

Operation HOPE Founder Unveils Five-Tier Plan To Uphold America’s Economic Strength Through Diversity

According to Operation HOPE's John Hope Bryant this is what the people need.

Operation HOPE’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO, John Hope Bryant, announced his “Business Plan for America: A Case for the Big Tent” during the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference.

The nonprofit founder, known for helping low- and moderate-income people succeed, highlighted historical data and comparative analysis that outlines a plan to help America carry on as the leader in economic strength — by laying out the importance of diversity. “America is today among the most diverse countries in the world. It’s also the world’s largest economy. Our individual and collective success has literally been built on immigrants and our diversity,” Hope Bryant wrote in a lengthy LinkedIn post.

“It always has been, it still is today and it will be in the future. The choice to refuse embracing diversity and inclusion is the equivalent of jeopardizing the well-being of our children and grandchildren.”

The leader’s five-tier plan was laid out on May 6 during an off-the-record and closed-door session titled “The DEI Shake-Up: Assessing Progress and Pushback” with panelists Dina DiLorenzo, president of Guggenheim Investments; Jarvis V. Hollingsworth, chair of Teacher Retirement System of Texas; R. Don Peebles, chairman of The Peebles Corporation; and Founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital, and anti-DEI advocate, Bill Ackman.

The tiers tackle key components, including America’s demographics trending toward becoming majority-minority, successful capitalism models relying on diverse populations, why suppressing DEI initiatives is dangerous for business, the need to invest in the economic future of people of color, and why Americans need to increase individual wealth for the betterment of the country’s global leadership position.

With more companies and educational institutions dumping diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Hope Bryant laid out some interesting facts about why DEI should be protected. According to a study from McKinsey & Co., ethnically diverse organizations have a higher chance of outperforming other companies without diversity.

He also highlighted that racism in America simply doesn’t work, stating, “Financially, racism is a very poor financial choice for the country, our states and cities, and for our families themselves.” A 2020 report from Citigroup revealed racism and bias against Blacks alone, between 2000 and 2020, cost the U.S. economy a hefty price tag of approximately $16 trillion.

The report continued to note that if racism were to stop, the U.S. economy would see an increase of $5 trillion over five years or the equivalent of 4% of additional U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) on an annual basis. “America’s greatest resource is its people, and we are doing a disservice to our country’s future by not taking an honest look at where our people are financially, how we got here, and how we can make sure that every American has the opportunity to generate wealth,” Hope Bryant said.

He added, “My Business Plan for America was created to help us focus on the long term as we move toward a majority-minority population and to help us strengthen the ladder to upward mobility to secure our collective future.”

Solitary Confinement, New York, Incarcerated With Disabilities

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 11, 2024

New York Federal Agencies Sued For Placing Disabled Inmates In Solitary

Lawsuit claims disabled inmates have been kept In solitary despite law for humane alternatives to long-term solitary confinement.

A team of disability advocates and law firms have filed a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) on behalf of incarcerated inmates with disabilities.

The Legal Aid Society, Disability Rights Advocates, and Winston & Strawn LLP filed a class action lawsuit on May 8 against the agencies for participating in violations of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT), which decreased the use of solitary confinement in prisons and jails throughout the state, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The legislation, which went into effect in March 2022, bans prison and jail officials from placing inmates with disabilities in solitary confinement on the grounds that individuals with disabilities are prone to grave medical and psychological consequences that are irreversible. However, advocates allege DOCCS and OMH have continuously placed inmates with disabilities in solitary confinement, defined by the act as “any form of cell confinement…for more than 17 hours a day.”

The suit tells the story of inmates, including Maurice Anthony, a legally blind man incarcerated in the Empire State since 2014. Anthony spent close to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement, including holidays, according to Pix 11. He compared confinement at Wende Correctional Facility to being in a “casket” or “a trunk.” The class action claims conditions resulted in Anthony “experiencing claustrophobia, blackouts, hopelessness, and extreme frustration.”

Andy Gneco and Stephanie Peña have experienced similar circumstances. Both Afro-Latinx inmates have been held in solitary confinement by DOCCS despite hearing and mental health challenges. Gneco was subjected to solitary confinement for approximately 22-24 hours per day — including in the Special Housing Unit — during his time behind bars at Auburn and Clinton Correctional Facilities.

Isolation and sensory deprivation, in addition to forced isolation from Gneco’s daughter, led to depression and anxiety.

Peña, who has been incarcerated by DOCCS since 2022, has mental health disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and antisocial personality disorder. Officers have placed her in solitary confinement on several occasions, which she said is “destroying her,” causing her to experience severe mood swings and PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks.

Notes from the law insinuate solitary confinement can become counterproductive. Other states that have adopted this ideology to make more “humane” jail practices have decreased violence and increased jail safety. Josh Rosenthal, supervising attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, said it’s time for New York to get on board. “It is long past time for the State to end the use of solitary confinement for people with disabilities,” Rosenthal said.

“Words are not enough, and DOCCS and OMH must comply with state law and stop this vicious practice once and for all.”

While the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said it had no comment on pending litigation, a spokesperson’s claim underscored that Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III made policy changes in June 2023 to comply with HALT, including the addition of stricter review processes for segregated confinement.

Xavier University , Louisiana, UN Ambassador

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 11, 2024

Xavier University Of Louisiana Cancels UN Ambassador’s Commencement Speech Following Student Outrage

Students are taking a stand.

Xavier University of Louisiana canceled its upcoming commencement address by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield after a number of students objected.

In an email on May 8, HBCU President Reynold Verret announced the decision reversal to faculty, staff, and students, stating he wants students to enjoy this moment without disruption. “Everyone’s goal is to have a commencement ceremony that appropriately honors the graduates and their achievements,” Verret wrote.

“The vast majority of students want to be able to enjoy a commencement ceremony free of disruptions. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the commencement speaker as originally planned.”

Students rejected Thomas-Greenfield’s appearance due to past positions by the U.S. on the war in Gaza. Before presenting a resolution in March to the U.N.’s Security Council, calling for the “immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza,” the U.S. vetoed three ceasefire resolutions proposed by other countries. In one explanation of the veto, the ambassador claimed the U.S. could not support ceasefire resolutions without mentioning Israel’s right to self-defense.

She also explained the U.S. could not support a ceasefire until Hamas freed hostages from the Oct. 7 attack.

The announcement was initially made on May 5, according to The Hill. Not long after it was revealed Thomas-Greenfield would be the speaker, a petition appeared with 1,796 signatures demanding a new commencement speaker. “Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has repeatedly voted against a ceasefire in Gaza, resulting in the decimation of all 13 universities in Gaza, the loss of over 30,000 lives with thousands more remaining in the rubble from violence, and the continuation of the genocide in Gaza,” the petition reads.

“Palestinians in Gaza draw upon the experiences of their brothers and sisters in America during the segregation era.”

In addition to a new speaker, petition supporters are asking the school to “amplify the calls for a ceasefire to prevent the further killing of innocent civilians and call for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gazans” as well as honor “its Muslim, Jewish, and Christian students, its Arab and non-Arab students, its Black and Brown students, and its students who stand for equity, justice, and peace by standing amongst us as we educate the masses and speak out against oppression.”

Student Government Association President Chase Patterson applauded the president’s decision, stating he’s glad the administration actually listened to student’s concerns. “We are grateful that President Verret actually listened to our call,” Patterson said.

“This does make me optimistic that students will continue to support us and we will continue to support them and that the administration will continue to listen to us.”

While Verret called the cancellation a “regrettable conclusion,” he alluded that the decision was made amicably with the ambassador. However, this isn’t the first school to reject the ambassador’s appearance.

President of the University of Vermont, Suresh Garimella, also canceled the ambassador’s commencement speech. “It is with regret that I share that our planned speaker, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will not be joining us to deliver the Commencement address,” Garimella wrote in an email to the school community.

Michael Jordan, lawsuit, NASCAR, antitrust

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 11, 2024

Michael Jordan Opens Third Medical Clinic In Wilmington

'I am confident Novant Health's new clinic will positively impact individuals and families throughout Wilmington. I'm profoundly grateful to help make this day happen for my hometown," said Jordan.

Less than five years after six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan opened a healthcare clinic to serve low-income communities in Charlotte, North Carolina, he has opened his third such facility in Wilmington, N.C.

Novant Health and Michael Jordan have partnered again to open a third medical clinic, this time in Jordan’s hometown of Wilmington. After opening two clinics in Charlotte a year apart (2019 and 2020), with a donation of $7 million for each facility, the latest clinic is funded by a $10 million donation from the former Chicago Bulls legend.

The doors are open at the new Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in Wilmington! Thank you, Michael Jordan, for sharing in our dedication to providing comprehensive health services to our community. Learn more about our partnership: https://t.co/p6vhibrs4n pic.twitter.com/4Ak8qeMgZG

— Novant Health (@NovantHealth) May 7, 2024

“Everyone is worthy of access to quality healthcare, no matter where you live or if you have insurance,” said Michael Jordan in a written statement. “I’m truly inspired by the many powerful stories of people who are now thriving thanks to the support of our Charlotte medical clinics. I am confident Novant Health’s new clinic will positively impact individuals and families throughout Wilmington. I’m profoundly grateful to help make this day happen for my hometown.”

Novant Health and Jordan opened two Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics in Charlotte to serve the needs of people without access to medical care. Before the clinics debuted, many Charlotte residents did not have a primary care provider. The facilities offer comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, and other support services.

The Wilmington facility is a 7,800-square-foot clinic with 12 patient rooms. Patients can be seen between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Novant Health’s new Community Care Cruiser will provide services to individuals across the region.

A second Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic is being constructed in Wilmington.

“We know people face significant barriers to care, and Novant Health is minimizing obstacles so that we can offer vital healthcare services to those who need it most,” said Ernie Bovio, president of the Novant Health Coastal Region and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “Each Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic has been thoughtfully planned for the best location within the community. Thanks to our care team’s commitment to lifelong wellness, our third Michael Jordan clinic is already delivering on our vision to close health equity gaps by transforming healthcare, one patient at a time.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 11, 2024

Brazen Thieves Break Into Strip Club And Allegedly Steal $250K

Two people allegedly broke into Onyx Gentlemen’s Club in Atlanta by using power tools to enter through the roof.

A brazen burglary took place at an Atlanta strip club that netted the thieves approximately $250,000 in cash after they allegedly entered the venue through the roof.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, two people allegedly broke into the Onyx Gentlemen’s Club by using power tools to make their way into the venue on May 6. They were able to steal about $250,000 in cash after obtaining access to multiple safes, police officials said. Police have also stated that the theft took place around 4:16 a.m.

The Atlanta Police Department released a statement about the incident. After getting a phone call about the theft, the police officers were informed when they arrived at Onyx that two suspects, wearing ski masks and gloves, had gotten inside through the ceiling. They allegedly crawled to the safes and may have used power tools to cut into them and stole around $250,000 in cash. Although alarms were present at the club, none were triggered, and the thieves appeared to position the ATMs face down. Yet, none of the ATMs were damaged or broken into. They allegedly left the venue about two hours after they broke onto Onyx.

Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

WSB-TV reported that three people who work at the club who asked not to be identified stated that several surveillance cameras recorded the theft. They also mentioned that the suspects were seen running from the venue.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that police have not released the surveillance footage.

WSB-TV attempted to contact the Onyx Gentlemen’s Club via email, social media, and telephone but was unsuccessful, as the venue has not responded to the media outlet. WSB-TV also contacted the Atlanta Police Department, but a spokesperson declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation into the robbery.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 11, 2024

Former NBA Star Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis Sentenced To 40 Months For Role In Insurance Fraud

Former Boston Celtics player found guilty of trying to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan.

Former NBA player Glen “Big Baby” Davis has been sentenced to spend 40 months in a federal prison after being found guilty, along with 19 other former NBA players accused of trying to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan.

According to The Associated Press, Davis, who won an NBA championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, was sentenced on May 9 for his role in a scheme that tried to defraud an insurance plan for NBA players and their families of more than $5 million.

After the former player has served his 40 months, he will have three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $80,000 in restitution. On Nov. 15, Davis and former NBA player Will Bynum were found guilty of healthcare fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements, and conspiracy to commit healthcare and wire fraud.

ESPN reported that the conditions of Davis’ supervised release include attending a financial management class and receiving mandatory drug treatment.

Before being given his punishment, Davis pleaded to Judge Valerie E. Caproni.

“When I lost basketball, I lost myself. I ask you, your honor, to help me get back to who I am,” Davis said.

Davis’ defense attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment, but she made a statement to the court at the sentencing.

“It pains me that there is no one here for Mr. Davis.”

Bynum was sentenced to 18 months at last month’s hearing.

The other former players who were arrested and charged in the scheme are Milt Palacio, Antoine Wright, Charles Watson, Darius Miles, Ruben Patterson, Eddie Robinson, Gregory Smith, Jamario Moon, Terrence Williams, Alan Anderson, Tony Allen, Shannon Brown, Melvin Ely, Christopher Douglas-Roberts, Sebastian Telfair, and Tony Wroten.

Davis also played for the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers, while Bynum played with the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, and Celtics.