• News History

by Daniel Johnson

May 1, 2024

Chicago Mayor Relaunching Guaranteed Basic Income Program

In 2023, thousands of Chicago families participated in the program; several individuals indicated to WEBZ and the Chicago Sun Times that they wished the program had lasted for longer.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is relaunching the city’s guaranteed basic income program (GBI) to exhaust $374 million in federal money earmarked for community projects. Although it appears the city has been slow in spending this money since 2021, the popular program should help them spend it by the 2026 deadline. 

It is important to the Johnson administration that the money is spent, and according to Mayor Johnson’s Budget Director Annette Guzman, “The bulk of the dollars on the community initiative side will go out and have gone out, under this mayor. And so it is really critically important to him that we get this done correctly and that we return $0 to the Treasury, and so that’s what our focus is.” 

In 2023, thousands of Chicago families participated in the program; several individuals indicated to WEBZ and the Chicago Sun-Times that they wished the program, which allowed them to cover emergencies and keep their finances above water, had lasted longer. According to Guzman, details on the next round of guaranteed basic income payments are being finalized. 

Johnson’s administration continues spending money on what they refer to as “low-risk” programs to streamline the remaining funds to the Chicago community. Over $80 million will be split between 53 programs, creating a grand total of $63 million for the GBI program, $66 million for a Youth Opportunities Program that connects Chicago youth with jobs, $33 million in funds for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, and $10 million in financial assistance for survivors of gender-based violence. 

Although the administration is trying to rush to meet the deadline to spend the pandemic-era funds, an ordinance pushed by Alderman Bill Conway might change that. Conway’s proposal requires City Council approval for any project exceeding $1 million in COVID-19 relief funding. However, the proposal, introduced after $95 million in funding was reallocated to support and house migrants headed to Chicago, has yet to be heard. 

As WGN-TV reports, the initial guidelines for the GBI program, which originated from Johnson’s predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, are likely to remain intact. That pilot program dictated that recipients live within Chicago city limits, be at least 18 years of age, have experienced economic hardship due to the pandemic, and be at or below a threshold of 250% of the federal poverty line. 

In an April 30 press release, Johnson indicated his administration’s commitment to using federal funds to assist Chicago residents.

“When I came into office, I wanted to ensure the money the City received from the federal government was utilized to help the communities most impacted by the pandemic and the many long-standing inequities it exacerbated,” Mayor Johnson said.

“My administration has developed a plan to ensure that these funds are being used strategically to directly and concretely impact the lives of people across Chicago.”

Guzman added, “The Mayor tasked OBM with identifying any roadblocks to getting funding to the communities that need it the most. This meant, most importantly, ensuring the organizations that assist the city with program administration are paid for their work in a timely manner. Through our work with City departments that administer ARPA-funded programs, we believe we have set the City on a path to successfully maximizing the impact of these initiatives.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 1, 2024

Mississippi Lawmakers Silence Bills Restricting Legal Recognition of Trans People

Justice for the trans community!

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Mississippi’s GOP-led legislature decided not to host final votes on two bills that attempt to restrict the legal recognition of transgender people.

The bills were killed quietly after House and Senate leaders couldn’t agree on compromise versions before the April 29 deadline, as lawmakers claim to have been working on other triggering issues. One bill would restrict transgender people from using bathrooms and locker rooms in public buildings, including university dorms, while the other would have labeled sex as defined at birth and that “there are only two sexes, and every individual is either male or female.”

With the House and Senate previously passing different versions of both bills, Republican-controlled chambers would need to agree on a single version of each before it heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Tate Reeves. Reeves signed legislation in 2021 banning transgender athletes from competing on girls’ or women’s sports teams. In 2023, he signed a bill to ban gender-affirming hormones or surgery for trans kids younger than 18.

The proposals are two of several bills being considered by state lawmakers across the U.S. as Republicans look to restrict the transgender community’s access to gender-affirming care, bathrooms, sports, and more. Despite the new Title IX rules revealed by the Biden administration adding “gender identity” officially to the list of protections from sex-based discrimination, Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley instructed schools to ignore them, according to The Hill. 

In the letter, Brumley wrote the new regulations appear to be “in direct contradiction” with a state law banning transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams that coincide with their gender identity. “You can rest assured that they have the full intent of this applying completely to athletics moving forward,” Brumley said. 

Top education chiefs in Oklahoma, Florida, Montana, and South Carolina have also directed their districts to defy the rule. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters shared similar sentiments with Brumley, stating, “We are very proud of our districts that are holding the line, and we will never allow Joe Biden to control our schools and indoctrinate our kids.” 

Education and policy advocates feel the rule puts school districts nationwide at risk of potential legal challenges. Districts who follow the federal regulation are at risk of political fallout from defying state orders. However, if they ignore federal law, a civil rights investigation could come to light, leading to the threat of losing federal funding. “It is what I call an untenable position,” Francisco M. Negrón, Jr., founder and CEO of school law advocacy and policy firm K12Counsel, said. 

“It’s clear that, in some jurisdictions at least, schools will have to decide which rules to follow—with some very consequential outcomes.”

The legal woes are mounting for Porsha Williams’ estranged husband Simon Guobadia who is ordered to pay nearly $900k in unpaid bills.

The Nigerian businessman’s company Simcol Petroleum Limited Company was recently ordered to pay a default judgment of $887,000 for failure to respond to a private jet bill, Radar Online reports. Guobadia is accused of breaching an agreement with NetJets Aviation, Inc. on a private jet he owned a 15.6% interest in.

NetJets filed a lawsuit in Ohio court for “failing to timely pay to Plaintiffs all amounts due under the Program Agreement,” the complaint states. The breached agreement was terminated in February 2023.

“At the time of the termination of the Program Agreement, Defendant owed to Plaintiffs the amount of $974,213.11 under the terms of the Program Agreement,” the suit says.

Guobadia’s company made an agreement in August 2023 to settle the lawsuit through monthly installments until $839,000 was paid off. The Bravo alum reportedly made the first $25k installment but failed to follow up in October and hasn’t made a payment since. Now NetJets is demanding the $814k Guobadia owes plus interest.

One month after demanding a default judgment against Simcol, an Ohio judge granted the motion to a default judgment of $887k. Guobadia remains positive about his latest legal setback that he plans to take care of soon.

“Net Jet sued for unused “Managements & Monthly Fee” for the remaining years of a 5-year contract. These Fees are NOT related to ACTUAL travel, but rather what they deem they were entitled to under the terms of the 5-year contract,” he explained in a statement.

“I’m confident we will ultimately settle in the cause of doing business. It is not uncommon to have business disputes and I’m very comfortable in having them resolved in due time.”

This comes amid Guobadia’s high-profile divorce from Porsha Williams ahead of her return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Williams and Guobadia faced backlash when they confirmed their engagement so soon after he appeared on Season 13 as the husband of Porsha’s friend Falynn Pina.

Soon after Guobadia divorced Pina, he moved on with Williams and the two appeared happy until the Bravo star filed for divorce from Guobadia in February. The divorce has gotten messy with Guobadia demanding William forfeit any footage shot for “RHOA” inside his home.

RELATED CONTENT: Porsha Williams Divorcing Simon Guobadia After 15 Months Of Marriage Amid Reports Into His Citizenship

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

May 1, 2024

Menah Pratt-Clarke Explores Black Womanhood In New Book, ‘Blackwildgirl: A Writer’s Journey to Take Back Her Superpower’

"Blackwildgirl" is a twelve-stage initiation journey chronicled through journal entries, encouraging Black women to reclaim their power.

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In her poignant book Blackwildgirl: A Writer’s Journey to Take Back Her Superpower, released on April 2, Menah Pratt-Clarke pays homage to the essence of Black womanhood while delving into the systemic oppression and its reverberating impacts on Black women.

Drawing inspiration from literary luminaries like Alice Walker, Jasmine Mans, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Blackwildgirl is a profoundly introspective autobiography chronicling Pratt-Clarke’s acts, stages, scenes, and letters to Love, commencing from the tender age of eight. On her website, Pratt-Clarke portrays the book as a profound twelve-stage journey of self-discovery chronicled through journal entries. Its overarching mission is to reclaim the innate “childhood queen superpower” that was “lost in a bargain” made by her parents, to which she never consented.

“Our lives are often shaped by bargains, some made with our consent, most without,” Pratt wrote on the site. “These bargains often involve the loss of some essential element of our being. Those who are courageous undertake initiation journeys to recover what was lost in the bargain so that we can fulfill our destinies and purpose in life.”

According to Forbes, the Illinois native draws upon her personal and professional experiences as a prism to explore the complexities of race, gender, and empowerment. She invites Black women to reconnect with their histories, reclaim their power, and redefine narratives about their lives and agency.

“Blackwildgirl is based on 45 years of journals that I’ve written since I was a young girl, sharing the story of my experiences going from Black girlhood to Black womanhood and the lessons that I learned,” Pratt said. “In writing this book, my goal was to honor my mother’s message and the idea that we need to be the backbone for those who come after us.”

The tenured professor hopes her book helps Black women find, claim, and own their voices and “that which perhaps was silenced in a male-dominated patriarchal society.”

Pratt-Clarke’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree from Iowa, and a second master’s, PhD, and JD from Vanderbilt University. As noted by Insight Into Diversity, her research explores transdisciplinary scholarship spanning critical race studies, Black feminism, ethnography, womanism, and womanist theology, among others.

Through her current role as Virginia Tech’s vice president for strategic affairs and diversity, Pratt-Clarke continues her mission of empowering and amplifying the voices of Black women. The author has taken her book on tour, and has already visited college campuses like Howard University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

• Uncategorized

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 1, 2024

Eboni K. Williams Fires Shots At HBO For Paltry Choice Of Black Shows, Calls Out Jerrod Carmichael’s ‘Anti-Black’ Series

Eboni K. Williams is not here for HBO Max canceling "major Black shows" and not Jerrod Carmichael's "anti-Black" series.

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Eboni K. Williams is bringing attention to HBO Max’s removal of Black-led shows that were seemingly replaced by Jerrod Carmichael’s new “anti-Black” series.

The stand-up comedian has been catching heat for his Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show that follows his life as a Black gay man in Hollywood. He’s addressed criticism for the race-baiting jokes he made on his show about his relationship with a white man. But it didn’t address the “mockery” people like Eboni K. Williams feel he’s making of the Black gay experience.

Williams recently took to her Holding Court podcast to call out HBO Max for canceling “at least three major Black shows” that appealed to Black audiences including Black Lady Sketch Show and two Issa Rae creations, Rap Sh!t and Sweet Life: Los Angeles. The root of Williams and her co-host Dustin’s concern lies in the current Black representation on the network being Carmichael’s controversial docuseries.

After citing Rap Sh!t star Aida Osman’s tweet last month that mocked Carmichael’s alleged race-baiting in his show, Williams accused the comedian of serving out “anti-Black” content.

“Not that Jerrod Carmichael shouldn’t have a show, but the content and the nature of the show is anti-Black,” she said in a clip reposted by Onsite. “I just think there’s a mockery of homosexual lifestyle that’s been happening right before our very eyes.”

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Her co-host agreed with the “mockery” and “stereotypes” Williams believes Carmichael is playing into with his new show while citing “the agenda” critics say is pushed by mainstream media. As a Black gay man, Dustin explained why Carmichael’s depiction of their community does more harm than good.

“What he’s doing is attributing certain choices and diving headfirst into a world of sexual encounters and internet dating-based sexual trysts on film as a way to define himself and his station in life,” Dustin said.

“He’s meeting dates on Grindr, which is a gay dating app, and he’s getting dates on there and bringing them on camera as this young Black talent is getting ready for the fu*king Emmys and asking these randos do they want to attend the Emmy Awards with him.”

For Williams, she sees Carmichael’s approach to representing his Black gay identity as a way to appeal to “white comfort” and it only “dehumanizes” the very community he’s trying to appear for. Williams takes issue with HBO Max providing Carmichael with a huge platform to share his experience after a clean sweep of other Black-led shows.

“Because representation matters and we talk about that ad nauseam,” Williams said. “What you’re doing in this particular editorial choice by platforming and greenlighting this type of sh*t instead of all the other Black stories that could be told and need to be told and have yet to be told, you are advancing a scenario where this is the only education. This is the only correlation.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jerrod Carmichael Faces Backlash Over Slave Joke With White Boyfriend

by Stacy Jackson

May 1, 2024

Former New Orleans Police Department Chief Assumes New Position With NOLA District Attorney’s Office

The NOPD retiree now leads the NOLA District Attorney's Office's Open Source Intelligence Taskforce as director of forensics and intelligence.

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Michelle Woodfork, who previously made history as the interim chief of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), has embarked on a new professional journey within District Attorney Jason Williams’ office, according to an announcement made on April 30.

The 53-year-old hung up her NOPD badge on March 1; however, her commitment to public service continues as she assumes the mantle of director of forensics and intelligence. Nola noted that Woodfork’s new role, which started on Tuesday, requires her to spearhead the office’s Open Source Intelligence Taskforce, born out of a partnership between the agency and artificial intelligence firm Bancroft Global Development.

Woodfork’s responsibilities will include close collaboration with the NOPD’s homicide division and coordination of cases as they transition within the court. Officials asserted that Woodfork’s expertise will bolster efforts to “strengthen homicide and violent crime prosecutions.” DA Williams explained that open-source intelligence primarily encompasses digital data gathered from social media posts to assist in investigating perpetrators.

The former lieutenant is sure her experience and leadership at the NOPD will greatly benefit the district attorney’s office. Her appointment carries profound historical significance, as she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the NOPD’s first woman police chief in 2022. Adding to her trailblazing legacy, she is the niece of Warren Woodfork, the department’s pioneering Black superintendent, while her father, Richard Woodfork, served from 1968 to 1974.

DA Williams acknowledged Woodfork for her contributions to the city’s 40% reduction in homicides, attributing the progress to her “instrumental” leadership as interim superintendent. He lauded her as “a tried and tested law woman…the kind of person you want on your team.”

The criminal justice graduate boasts an accomplished background that includes investigating sexual crimes and child abuse cases, coupled with academic credentials from Southern University of New Orleans and St. Mary’s Academy High School.

Woodfork discussed her retirement with WDSU in March. “I had the opportunity to make a lot of changes to the department, and of course I did,” she said. “Every decision that I made was intentional, thinking of the citizens of this city, the men and women of this police department, and what was best.” She added that she was committed to giving NOPD “everything” she had before she walked away.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 1, 2024

Michelle Obama Surprises D.C. High Schoolers For College Signing Day

Obama congratulated the students on their accomplishments, while urging that the world needs their perspective.

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Michelle Obama is proud of this year’s graduating class. The former First Lady surprised D.C. High Schoolers for College Signing Day as part of her Reach Higher Initiative.

The event, held on April 30, promotes college acceptances and enrollments for the upcoming high school graduates. People reported that nearly 2,500 students celebrated at the Capital One Arena. However, Obama’s unexpected appearance made the occasion even more memorable.

Hosted by the D.C. College Access Program, Obama helped facilitate the event with her Reach Higher initiative. The program, first launched while Barack Obama was in office, encourages students to pursue higher education. While at the Signing Day, the mother of two reflected on the doubts she faced while pursuing her own academic dreams.

“I remember when I was in your shoes, and no matter how hard I worked to prepare, I had this little voice in the back of my head telling me that maybe, just maybe, I didn’t belong,” she shared with the thousands of attendees. “I know that it is easy to write yourself off even before your journey begins, and that’s exactly why I wanted to come and talk to you all today.”

Obama then commended students’ “grit and determination and optimism” as they continued their studies through the COVID-19 pandemic. She also encouraged them to use their voices during this election, stating that the world needs their perspective.

“We need your perspectives to help us continue to build a more just and equal nation and world at this point,” expressed the 60-year-old.

Moreover, she urged students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms to lessen the financial burden of college. Obama also referenced the challenges of FAFSA delays, which left many unsure of which colleges they could afford to attend.

“There’s still time,” she said. “I know it’s been a complicated year, but the FAFSA is your best shot at getting the money you’re going to need to pay for school. And I cannot stress this enough.”

Despite having left the White House, Obama continues to encourage the youth to remain politically active and “reach higher.”

by Stacy Jackson

May 1, 2024

Mother Speaks Out After Son’s Teacher Allegedly Encouraged A Recorded Beating From Another Student

Indiana teacher Julious Johnican can be heard egging on another student to beat the boy while failing to intervene.

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Corrie Horan, the mother of the 7-year-old special needs student who was allegedly attacked in class at Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 while a teacher filmed the incident, has issued a statement addressing the harrowing ordeal.

“Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe and nurturing,” Horan stated, according to Fox 59. “I am committed to ensuring that the tragedy my child endured serves as a wake-up call for all involved in our education system. It is my deepest hope that this painful episode leads to significant changes that will protect countless other children from ever experiencing similar harm or having to go through what our family did. This is not just about my child; it’s about all the children in our schools.”

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the family filed a lawsuit on April 16, alleging that Indiana teacher Julious Johnican orchestrated a “Fight Club” scenario. The suit stated that Johnican encouraged the boy’s classmates to physically assault the 7-year-old, allowing them to punch, hit, and kick the second-grader. The incident has reportedly caused the child emotional distress and PTSD. According to the allegations, over three months, Johnican instigated, facilitated, and recorded physical abuse of the student.

In the footage, Johnican can be heard egging on another student to beat the boy while failing to intervene.

Fox 59 reported that for weeks, Horan’s son expressed fear of attending school due to the beatings and bullying. Attorneys for the child stated that despite her repeated visits to the school seeking answers after her son disclosed the abuse, she was informed “he was lying.”

The boy’s legal team is advocating for policy reforms, including mandatory abuse prevention training and transparent procedures for reporting and handling misconduct claims. Attorneys allege the boy alerted the administration about Johnican as early as September 2023, but “no follow-up was initiated…and classroom supervision remained unchanged.”

The video was reported on Nov. 1, 2023, before the school prompted contact with the Department of Child Services. However, “Johnican was simply allowed to resign,” attorneys stated, adding, “As of now, Johnican retains an active teaching license… “no entity, including IPS, has taken any action to attempt to revoke it.” The family fears that failure to revoke Johnican’s teaching license poses “a potential risk to more students.”

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation into these allegations.

RELATED CONTENT: High School Teacher Kedria Grigsby And Son Arrested For Allegedly Prostituting Students

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 1, 2024

Alicia Keys Pops Champagne To Celebrate ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Musical’s 13 Tony Award Nominations

Alicia Keys and her family celebrate her "Hell's Kitchen" musical receiving 13 Tony Award nominations.

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Months after its world premiere, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen is on track to possibly sweep the 2024 Tony Awards.

The complete list of nominees was announced on Tuesday, April 29, and Key’s biographic musical Hell’s Kitchen tied with David Adjmi’s Stereophonic as leaders of the pack with 13 nominations each, Deadline reported. Hell’s Kitchen could take home the biggest award of the ceremony with a win for Best Musical.

Maleah Joi Moon, whose lead role of Ali earned her a nod for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Davis in the musical, was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role. Shoshana Bean, who plays Jersey, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.

Other nominations include Best Orchestrations, Best Choreography, Best Direction, Best Sound Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, Best Scenic Design, and Best Book.

Keys was overcome with excitement at the news of her amazing feat and celebrated with her family. The “Superwoman” singer shared an Instagram post with a video filmed by her husband Swizz Beatz capturing her joy over her 13 Tony Award nominations.

“13 TONY Nominations is worthy of popping a bottle at 7am 🤯🤯🤯🤯,” she captioned the post.

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A post shared by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys)

A video showed her receiving congratulations from her husband and their two sons inside their Los Angeles home.

“Oh my gosh guys. We just found out that Hell’s Kitchen was nominated for 13 Tonys! Oh my God!!!!” she says to the camera.

“She almost has more than her Grammys,” her youngest son Genesis said in the video.

“She’s probably gonna win all those,” the eldest Egypt added before telling his multi-talented mom “Congratulations.”

The next slide showed her posing with a giant bottle of champagne before popping it open outside their home while wearing a custom leather jacket honoring Swizz’ late friend DMX.

The 77th Tony Awards will be held on June 16 at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City with Ariana DeBose returning as host for the third time in a row.

RELATED CONTENT: Alicia Keys Announces ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Broadway Show Fellowship To Add Representation To Theater Workforce

• Travel and Leisure

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 1, 2024

Boston Preschool Creates First Haitian Creole Dual-Language Program

This mission not only challenges stereotypes, but maintains Haiti's legacy and culture across its diaspora.

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A Boston elementary school helps immigrant families become part of their community through an innovative program. It initiated the first Haitian Creole dual-language preschool program in the country.

The Toussaint L’Ouverture Dual Language Academy, named after the leader of the Haitian Revolution, not only seeks to help all students communicate with one another and the world but also fosters pride in its Haitian students. The first-ever for preschoolers, its introduction matches Boston’s high population of Haitian people, the third-most in the U.S. Its placement in the Mattahunt Elementary school hopes to resolve language barriers as students first enter the classroom.

“Boston Public Schools and many community partners felt that the Mattahunt would be the best location, especially in Mattapan, which has a high Haitian population,” explained Priscilla Joseph, a teacher and Academy founder at the school, to NBC News.

A Haitian-American herself, Joseph understands that the students deserve support and encouragement of their language, culture, and history. A majority of the school’s students are Black, with 97% overall considered nonwhite. Out of the 512 students, 132 learn in the dual language program. For educators, the Academy serves the purpose of not just learning but one of acceptance.

“I also grew up in a place where it wasn’t OK to say that you were Haitian, and there was a lot of discrimination against Haitian people,” she said. “So I kind of took my own experiences and entered that into the classroom, knowing how it feels to be a little bit different, or a little bit outcasted, because of your culture.”

The preschool also helps students, many of whom are children of immigrants, serve as translators for relatives who may not speak English. This training also extends to faculty, as some speak Haitian Creole to help parents be part of their child’s education. The program’s results have also led to increased test scores across the school.

The curriculum ensures that all subjects, including a cultural section, incorporate both languages during class. Despite the country’s current political state, Haitian students in Boston are learning to take pride in their heritage. This mission dismantles stereotypes and maintains Haiti’s legacy and culture across its diaspora.

“We’re just prepping them for when they take over,” stated Mattahunt’s principal, Walter Henderson. “And we try to make sure that they understand that Haiti is a powerful nation.”