Florida Sheriff, 9 year old — (Photo: TheAdventureTravelers.com/Pexels)

by Daniel Johnson

September 21, 2024

Feds Investigate Mississippi Sheriff’s Department For Racial Profiling And Excessive Force

Rankin County, Mississippi, and the Rankin County Sheriff's Department are being investigated.

The Department of Justice will investigate whether Rankin County, Mississippi, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) violated citizens’ civil rights through patterns or practices that contravene the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

According to a Sept. 19 press release, the investigation is set to evaluate all types of force used by the department, including its use of deadly force. It will also determine whether or not the RCSD violated the Fourth Amendment by utilizing unlawful stops, searches, and arrests as well as if the department violated the 14th Amendment, Title VI, and the Safe Streets Act by conducting discriminatory policing.

“The public is now well aware of the heinous attack inflicted on two Black men by Rankin County deputies who called themselves the ‘Goon Squad,’” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

Garland continued, “Those officers have since been convicted and sentenced, but we are launching this civil pattern or practice investigation to examine serious allegations that the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department systematically violates people’s constitutional rights through excessive use of force; unlawful stops, searches, and arrests; and discriminatory policing. These include allegations that Rankin County deputies have overused tasers, entered homes unlawfully, used racial slurs, and deployed dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody. We are committed to working with local officials, deputies, and the community to conduct a comprehensive investigation.”

“The violent, unlawful, and racially charged actions of the so-called Goon Squad left lasting and damaging effects on the community,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee, who represents the Southern District of Mississippi, said the attacks hearken back to Jim Crow-era violence in Mississippi.

“The information we have learned to date about the conduct of some members of the Rankin County Sheriff’s office calls back to some of the worst periods of Mississippi’s history,” U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee said.

Gee continued, “We do not have to accept the old hatreds and abuse of the past. And we do not have to accept the false claim that safety comes at the price of illegal force and abuse of power. We will conduct an impartial and thorough review of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, and if we find violations, we will take necessary action to address them.”

dating app,soulmate, dating apps — (Photo: Nik/Unsplash)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2024

Cupid’s Digital Bias: Why Dating Apps Leave More Black Singles Matchless

As more singles look for love online, research is showing the disparities Black singles face compared to their counterparts.

As more singles look for love online, research is showing the disparities Black and Asian singles face over their counterparts.

A 2024 study revealed that Black Tinder users received fewer likes than their white counterparts. Data has also shown that Asian men, along with Black women and men, are receiving lower rankings than all other groups on apps like OkCupid.

The findings show how dating apps enable people to quickly filter out those who are different from themselves. It ties to age-old matchmaking norms where singles met through friends or family.

“How couples meet ends up being this incredibly primary battlefield to the reinforcement of a distinction of racial, ethnic, and social class groups,” Reuben Thomas, a sociologist at the University of New Mexico, told Faith Hill of The Atlantic. “As isolating as apps can be, they are “a huge threat to those boundaries.”

Those bold enough to embrace anonymity use filters to avoid seeing people of certain races, while unconscious biases often influence who they choose to swipe right on. Jennifer Lundquist, a University of Massachusetts at Amherst sociologist, says sifting through countless options in a dating app can cause people to rely on snap judgments—often based on stereotypes—that they might not use when getting to know someone face-to-face.

Research also shows that app algorithms, which remain partially undisclosed, tend to pair users primarily based on shared traits. However, dating apps offer a greater chance for people to connect with others who are different from themselves.

“Very few people have truly diverse networks that really match the kind of diversity you would see” on a dating app, Reuben Thomas, a sociologist at the University of New Mexico, said.

Luke Brunning, a lecturer at the University of Leeds, suggests removing barriers to encourage people from different backgrounds to interact and engage with each other.

“Having people taking the same forms of public transport and using the same parks or the same swimming pools, same public facilities, it’s not going to integrate society overnight,” Brunning said. “But it will have a kind of gradual positive impact that it definitely wouldn’t have if things were different.”

A model developed by researchers Josue Ortega and Philipp Hergovich predicted that simply increasing exposure between people of different races leads to a rise in interracial marriages. Gina Potarca, a lecturer at the University of Liverpool, said this reflects the numerous studies where participants express appreciation for the “opening of social possibilities” that dating apps offer.

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brooklyn, state trooper, girl's death, murder charges — (Photo: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels)

by Daniel Johnson

September 21, 2024

Murder Charge Reinstated For NY Trooper In Death Of 11-Year-Old Black Brooklyn Girl

New York Attorney General Letitia James called the death of Monica Goods 'senseless.'

A panel of judges in an appellate division of the New York Supreme Court ruled that the murder charges against former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner must be reinstated.

According to the Times Herald-Record (Middletown, NY), Baldner’s actions during a traffic stop on the Thruway in Ulster County led to charges of second-degree murder and first-degree reckless endangerment in the death of an 11-year-old Black Brooklyn girl, Monica Goods.

Baldner is accused of using his police vehicle to ram into the Goods’ family vehicle, which made it flip over. Monica Goods was pinned inside the vehicle and died of injuries she suffered in the crash.

CHARGES REINSTATED: Christopher Baldner is accused of intentionally ramming his cruiser into the back of a car at 130 mph, killing 11-year-old Monica Goods. https://t.co/DVJ9rcHCdd
— Blaise Gomez (@BlaiseGomez12) September 20, 2024

Initially, Ulster County Court Judge Bryan Rounds deemed the evidence insufficient to prove that Baldner met the criteria for “depraved indifference to human life.” However, this ruling did not meet New York Attorney General Letitia James’ satisfaction and her office appealed Rounds’ ruling to the appellate court.

Due to Rounds’ initial decision, Baldner still faced second-degree manslaughter and three charges of second-degree reckless endangerment. The latter charges also includes an instance in September 2019 during which Baldner used the same ramming tactic which resulted in the endangerment of that vehicle’s occupants.

“As a former state trooper, Christopher Baldner was responsible for serving and protecting the people of New York, but the indictment alleges that he violated that sacred oath and used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, resulting in the senseless death of a young girl,” James said in a statement.

James continued, “While nothing can return Monica Goods to her family’s loving arms, this decision from the court will enable my office to continue our efforts to seek some semblance of justice for the Goods family. We must hold law enforcement professionals to the highest standard, and we will continue our work on this case to ensure that justice is served.”

“We strongly disagree with the decision, which we believe improperly reinstated the ‘depraved indifference’ charge,” the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers Inc. said in a statement. “We are deeply concerned that this ruling, if it stands, sets a dangerous precedent that could put a chill on law enforcement officers’ ability to do their job effectively and protect and serve the public. The PBA will continue to support retired Trooper Baldner and cover his legal expenses as he seeks leave to appeal this decision to the (state) Court of Appeals.”

Gayle King, CBS News, new deal, morning show — Gayle King on September 27, 2023, in New York City. (Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2024

Gayle King To Remain On ‘CBS Mornings’ After Inking New Deal

Oprah Winfrey's best friend has been a co-host on the national morning show since its inception in 2012.

Gayle King will remain a staple on “CBS Mornings” after inking a new deal with undisclosed details.

The longtime morning show co-host closed the deal ahead of her current deal ending in 2025 via The Hollywood Reporter. Oprah Winfrey’s best friend has been a consistent co-host on the national morning show since its inception in 2012.

King helped create the show over a decade ago and has been the only regular alongside rotating co-hosts. Former co-stars include Charlie Rose, who was fired by CBS in 2017 amid harassment claims, and Erica Hill, who left the show after less than a year. Norah O’Donnell succeeded Hill and went on to host “CBS Evening News,” from which she recently announced her departure. Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson are King’s current co-hosts on “CBS Mornings.”

Since joining CBS, King has helped the network acquire top-performing interviews with stars like Jay-Z, Cherelle Griner, Megan Thee Stallion, and her infamous 2019 interview with R. Kelly. Things appear to be going well with King as a regular on the show, with “CBS Mornings” experiencing a ratings surge with its highest numbers ever in the crucial adults 25-54 demographic for a season, dating back to 1991.

The morning program has been closely trailing NBC’s “Today” and ABC’s “Good Morning America,” even surpassing ABC 17 times in the demo over the past season. Last month, CBS announced plans to expand “CBS Mornings” to a third hour.

Considering King’s pull as the BFF of billionaire media mogul Winfrey, King has offered exclusive insight about Winfrey and often provides commentary on the OWN founder’s movements.

Last month, King spoke with “CBS Chicago” about Winfrey’s surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention. In June, some thought King might’ve offended Winfrey when she revealed her friend missed a scheduled appearance on the show due to stomach issues.

“She had some kind of stomach thing –- stomach flu –- stuff was coming out of both ends,” King told the viewers. “I won’t get too graphic. Needless to say, she ended up in the hospital, dehydration, had to get an IV. It was a very serious thing.”

She went on to express regret about the TMI response. “She will be OK. I hope she’s not mad at me for sharing that detail,” the longtime host said. “But I wanted to make it clear, though, that it mattered to her and that it really bothered her that she couldn’t be here for you today.”

The “CBS Mornings” extension comes after King’s CNN talk show with Charles Barkley was canceled earlier this year.

sneakers, Nicki minaj — Born Onika Maraj, the Trinidadian-born, Nicki Minaj made her entrance into the world in 1982. She achieved prominence with the 2010 release of her debut album Pink Friday, which was commercially successful. In 2013, she became a female rapper with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries with 44 songs charting. Being an album seller, a touring artist, an endorser, and an entrepreneur, contributed to her estimated net worth of $150 million: (Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage)

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 21, 2024

Nicki Minaj Shades Atlantic Records Layoffs, Say ‘UPS Is Hiring’

Minaj took to social media to react to the news music label's layoffs and referenced a lyric from Biggie Smalls to apply to UPS.

Grammy-nominated rapper Nick Minaj took some time from her Pink Friday 2 World Tour to throw shade toward news of Atlantic Records’ massive layoffs and recommended jobs at UPS, Billboard reports.

Minaj took to X to react to the news after it was announced that 10K Projects Founder Elliot Grainge will take over as CEO of Atlantic Music Group starting Oct. 1. “Dear fired executives & A&R’s: Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring,” she wrote. “Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt.”

Dear fired executives & A&R’s:

Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring.

Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt. pic.twitter.com/yxay1l6gQP
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 19, 2024

In a follow-up tweet, Minaj seemingly highlighted that the label has been wanting her to fail.

“They’ve been wanting empty arenas so bad,” the rapper wrote, with the crying laughing emoji. “Obsessed with me while all your friends r getting fired is nasty work.”

https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1836785584515301699

In a memo to staff, Atlantic Records CEO Robert Kyncl said the company will “be unveiling a new dynamic structure for the label group.” Atlantic’s restructure will be labeled as the fourth round of cuts in the Warner Music Group family in approximately 18 months. According to TMZ, Minaj used the UPS reference to pay homage to a lyric from the late-rapper The Notorious B.I.G.’s infamous “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix).” In the song, he advised competing artists to get a day job delivering packages.

Warner Music was heavily in the news mid-September after veteran exec Kevin Liles abruptly stepped down from his role as chairman and CEO of 300 Entertainment on Sept. 17. While social media users tied his resignation to the charges against protege Sean “Diddy” Combs, Liles celebrated the stamp he made within the music industry in a memo to his staff. “The cultural impact we created in 10 years when starting from scratch is simply unmatched in the modern era,” Liles wrote.

“We transformed our value proposition –- ‘mindset of independent, muscle of a major’ –- into a model for the rest of the industry to chase in this new era of music. But if there’s one consistent in music and culture, it’s that change is inevitable,” he continued.

Minaj’s “Heavy On It” reference was a jab at her longtime label home, Republic Records, which also suffered layoffs in early 2024. As the Pink Friday artist has allegedly already started work on her new album, “Pink Friday 3,” it will be interesting to see how things play out.

Atlanta, Underground, — Thomas Moeller, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 21, 2024

Underground Atlanta’s Owner Is Looking For $40M From The City To Start Massive Development

These are the types of developments that are needed.

Underground Atlanta’s owner, Lalani Ventures, is seeking $40 million from the city to build a development that would be added to the historic site, BisNow reports.

In collaboration with Exact Capital, the team would build a new, mixed-use apartment tower that would include 405 units of student, income-restricted, and market-rate housing, art incubators, and retail and public spaces. Lalani said the project would cost $160 million.

A breakdown in financing includes a $22.5 million taxable construction loan and $7.5 million in federal and state tax credit equity, according to documents filed with Invest Atlanta.

It also projects $77 million in permanent financing, including more than over $55 million in federal and state tax credit equity.

Lalani announced the firm will search for financing once the idea is approved by the City of Atlanta. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Invest Atlanta’s board approved a $40 million tax-exempt bond issue on Sept. 19 in order to help finance 163 of the 405 affordable housing units.

“We’re grateful for the support of Invest Atlanta and the City of Atlanta,” said Lalani’s CEO, Shaneel Lalani. “The vote on Sept. 19 was an important step in the process. Going vertical allows us to build a beautiful new residential community in downtown Atlanta at Underground,” he said. “This is part of our overall vision to create Atlanta’s top arts and entertainment community. Having residents live right here will create more vibrancy for this beloved property with historic roots, which in turn will have a great impact on downtown Atlanta.”

The project is expected to be completed in two years, and expected to be available for use in 2027.

The construction project would be the first new development the site has seen in decades and would give the space a needed boost to match the influx of permanent residents as well as give some flavor to its iconic landscape.

In the 1960s, the Underground was looked at as Atlanta’s top nightlife destination, hosting clubs and entertainment such as Dante’s Down the Hatch, Scarlett O’Hara, The Front Page, and a wax museum.

In the 1980s, once the nightclub scene headed to the Buckhead neighborhood, Underground began to thrive as a shopping mall but has since been on the downswing. Lalani has been active in bringing the area back to life and has been an advocate for affordable housing in downtown Atlanta.

On top of the Underground project, he is hoping to convert 20 floors of a 30-story office on Peachtree St. into residential suites. In 2021, he purchased the property, once known as One Park Tower, for $12.8 million.

Stevie Wonder, new track, unity, DNC — (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2024

Stevie Wonder To Tour Battleground States Leading Up To Presidential Election

Stevie Wonder is hitting the road for a 10-city U.S. tour to coincide with the upcoming presidential election.

Titled after Wonder’s new politically-aimed single, the “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour will make stops in key battleground states, NBC News reports. The 25-time Grammy Award-winner will kick off the tour on Oct. 8 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, with stops in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Greensboro, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis before closing out on Oct. 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The official announcement says the tour calls for “joy over anger, kindness over recrimination, peace over war.” It also notes that “as a special thank you,” Wonder will offer a designated number of complimentary tickets “to those in our communities who are already working tirelessly to fix our nation’s broken heart.”

The tour announcement comes one month after Wonder delivered an electrifying performance and speech at the Democratic National Convention about the “importance of action.”

“Now is the moment to understand where we are and what it will take to win: win the broken hearts, win the disenchanted, win the angry spirits — now is the time,” the legendary singer told the crowd.

“This is the moment to remember when you tell your children where you were and what you did … We must choose courage over complacency. It is time to get up!” he said, changing his tone to appeal, “and go vote!” He then launched into his 1973 classic “Higher Ground.”

Dates for Stevie Wonder’s “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour are listed below:

October 8: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG Paints Arena
October 10: New York, New York, Madison Square Garden
October 12: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wells Fargo Center
October 15: Baltimore, Maryland, CFG Bank Arena
October 17: Greensboro, North Carolina, Greensboro Coliseum
October 19: Atlanta, Georgia, State Farm Arena
October 22: Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars Arena
October 24: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Fiserv Forum
October 27: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target Center
October 30 Grand Rapids, Michigan, Van Andel Arena

Tracee Ellis Ross attends CultureCon NYC 2022 Presented by The Creative Collective NYC at Duggal Greenhouse on October in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images for CultureCon)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2024

Tracee Ellis Ross Speaks Up For Childless Women, ‘You Do Not Need to Push Out A Baby To Help Push Humanity Forward’

Tracee Ellis Ross issued an impassioned speech on behalf of all childless women who have been "mothering the world" in their own way.

Tracee Ellis Ross issued an impassioned speech for all childless women who have been “mothering the world” in their own way.

The Black-ish star was one of many famous faces who appeared virtually during a livestream rally event Oprah Winfrey hosted for Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday night. Celebrities like Chris Rock and Ben Stiller also appeared during the “Unite for America Rally” to support Harris ahead of the presidential election.

Ellis Ross also appeared and praised Harris and Winfrey for setting an example for “childless women.” The Girlfriends star transformed her message into a speech honoring childless women who play vital roles in families and communities worldwide.

“I would like to say to you two women, ‘Thank you for what you represent,'” Ellis Ross said in a video clip shared online. “Because as a 52-year-old, childless woman, I wanna say to the people who think that a woman’s worth is measured in her baby count.”

https://twitter.com/votekamala/status/1836949468924547372?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

“I mean, shout out to all the amazing mothers,” she continued.

“But the childless women have been mothering the world and elevating culture as aunties, godmothers, teachers, mentors, sisters, and friends, and the list goes on. And you do not need to push out a baby to help push humanity forward.”

Winfrey agreed, telling Ellis Ross, “Amen to that,” while the audience cheered on.

Many who watched the video applauded Ellis Ross and shared their testimonials about contributions from childless women.

“This is so right. My sister-in-law was childless, and the most loving aunt, teacher, friend, sister, human,” one person wrote.

“In high school, a female coach & a female guidance counselor were the two school administrators that the lost & hurting students would seek out,” another user shared. “They went so far beyond & above to comfort & guide students to successful lives. Neither had children.”

Ellis Ross is one of Diana Ross’s five children and one of two of Ross’s kids who don’t have children. Evan Ross, Chudney Ross, and Ross Naess all have children, while Tracee and Rhonda Ross Kendrick have no children. Ellis Ross once shared her mindset on remaining child-free and happy.

“My ability to have a child is leaving me, but, like, I don’t agree that that’s what ‘fertile’ means. I don’t agree that that’s what ‘woman’ means,” she said on Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things podcast.

“The heartbreak does come up, and I get to hold that gently and lovingly and then remind myself, like, ‘I woke up every morning of my life, and I’ve tried to do my best, so I must be where I’m supposed to be,’” she said.

by Mitti Hicks

September 21, 2024

Early Voting Begins In Three Key States

Early voting has begun in Virginia, Minnesota, and North Dakota for the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle.

With less than two months until Election Day, voting for the 2024 presidential election is officially underway, as early voting has begun in three states.

Early in-person voting kicked off in Virginia on Sept. 20, making it the first state to offer voters this option so early, ABC News reports.

If 2020 indicates what to expect, it could be a large turnout. Data from the Virginia Department of Elections shows that more than 1 million votes were cast in person during early voting, accounting for 40% of Virginia’s vote last presidential election cycle.

People in Virginia can cast their in-person early ballots by Saturday, Nov. 2.

Meanwhile, Minnesota and South Dakota also kicked off early voting. Voters can turn in their absentee ballots in person to an election office or other designated location versus mailing them.

Early voters in Minnesota rival those in Virginia. The Office of the Secretary of State says more than 1.9 million voters cast an absentee ballot last presidential election cycle, and more than half of the ballots were reportedly cast before Election Day.

While these three states are the earliest to vote, a dozen more states will follow by mid-October.

The latest polls show a deadlocked race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. A new set of polls from The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena College found that Harris and Trump are tied at 47% nationally. However, Harris has an edge in the key state of Pennsylvania, 50% to 46%.

The latest survey from NAACP, in partnership with Hart Research and HIT Strategies, examined the attitudes and issue priorities of millions of Black voters. The survey found that over half of Black voters say the highest priority for our elected leaders should be “protecting our rights and freedoms.”

Queen, Latifah, Kennedy Center Honors, Dana Owens, Dionne Warwick, Debbie Allen, first female rapper — Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 20, 2024

A Queen Latifah Biopic Is On The Way!

'Queen Latifah’s story is one of triumph that needs to be shared with the world,' says Jesse Collins.

The details about Dana Owens’ life are about to be told to the masses! According to Forbes, Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, will have an upcoming biopic for viewing audiences. The New Jersey-bred entertainer, who started her career as a rapper, has worn many hats, including movie producer, actress, singer, and many other titles that we will learn about in the project.

The biopic will be produced by Latifah’s production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, which she owns with her partner Shakim Compere. They will be working in collaboration with fellow rapper and entertainer Will Smith and his Westbrook Studios company and Jesse Collins Entertainment.

Queen Latifah and Flavor Unit Entertainment will produce a biopic from Will Smith based on the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning star’s life and career.https://t.co/3fisHWJ9E6 pic.twitter.com/FegEVjc6R3

— Forbes Entertainment (@ForbesEnt) September 19, 2024

This project is the first of several that the three companies will be doing that will showcase the lives and careers of several prominent hip-hop artists.

“We all came into this industry together, and hip hop has shaped each and every one of us,” said Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere in a written statement. “Hip hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.”

Smith, who also started his career as a rapper before becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors, will work with Miguel Melendez under the Westbrook Studios umbrella; Collins and Dionne Harmon will perform their work through Jesse Collins Entertainment; and Charlie Mack has also signed on as a producer on the project.

“Queen Latifah’s story is one of triumph that needs to be shared with the world. Joining forces with such amazing people to educate and inspire through storytelling is just the beginning of the impact this partnership will have,” Collins said.

No further information was released about when the project will be released and/or who will portray Latifah and others in the biopic.