Law enforcement, Miami, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Umbrella Awards, National Council Of Negro Women Inc
by Stacy Jackson

April 30, 2024

Women Law Enforcement Leaders Honored In Miami By National Council Of Negro Women Inc.

Director Stephanie V. Daniels of MDPD, was honored for her work in law enforcement as the first woman sworn into her position.

Five Black women in law enforcement were honored on April 28 during the 30th annual Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Umbrella Awards and Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Metropolitan Dade County section of the National Council of Negro Women Inc.

The in-person luncheon, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Doral, gathered several esteemed individuals from various fields to celebrate their significant contributions to society, according to the event’s description. The afternoon celebrated: Director Stephanie V. Daniels, MDPD; Chief Delma Noelle-Pratt, MGPD; Director Sherea Green, MDCR; Chief Cherise Giordani Gause, NMPD; and Chief Harvette Smith, NMBPD.

Local 10 News reported that Daniels was officially sworn in as the new director of the Miami-Dade Police Department in January. Daniels is the first woman to lead what has been noted as one of the largest police departments in the U.S. “As I step into this role, my focus is…to foster an environment of growth, innovation, and excellence with upholding our values and enhancing our capabilities,” Daniels said at the time. The promotion follows her previous position as assistant director for the department.

NCNW’s recognition of Chief Noelle-Pratt comes following a special surprise from the City of Miami Gardens in September 2023. An Instagram slideshow shows the chief photographed with residents who presented her with a plaque for her hard work and leadership in the city.

Sherea Green was sworn in as director of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department by Florida’s Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie on Feb. 23. Local 10 noted Chief Green is the second Black woman to serve in the position and accepted her promotion following two decades with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, where she started her career in 1993 as a typist.

As stated in her biography on the department’s website, North Miami Police Department’s Chief Cherise G. Gause boasts three decades of law enforcement and public safety experience. She started as a dispatcher for the Miami Dade Police Department in 1993, retiring in 2023 at the rank of first assistant chief of police. Gause was honored with a School Board Proclamation in 2022 for her work in law enforcement.

Chief Harvette S. Smith kickstarted her career in law enforcement in 1990 as a clerk typist, according to the City of North Miami Beach. The Miami Central Senior High School alum held positions as a police communications officer, lead worker, and training officer. In 2023, the police chief announced administrative leave following an alleged family incident that NBC South Florida reported garnered a state police investigation.

According to the chapter’s official Instagram page, the event featured a panel of Black women leaders in law enforcement. Sunday afternoon’s attendees witnessed awardees receive the Nancy S. Dawkins scholarship and other book scholarships for youth group seniors.

CBS 4 Miami News anchor Chelsea Jones emceed Sunday afternoon’s event.

Mike Tyson, Cannabis, Jake Paul
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2024

Mike Tyson Quits Cannabis And Intercourse In Preparation For Jake Paul Fight, ‘I’m Doing It Like I Love It’

Tyson also had to give up cannabis to comply with fight rules enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Mike Tyson has been cashing in big with his Tyson 2.0 cannabis company. But he’s taking a break from consuming any form of his product to prepare for his July 20 fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

It’s been four years since Tyson’s exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. and nearly 20 years since his last professional fight in 2005 when he retired against Kevin McBride. As the former heavyweight boxing champion gears up for his sanctioned professional fight against the YouTube prizefighter, Tyson, 57, shares the sacrifices he’s making to comply with fight rules and strengthen his performance.

During his interview on “The Damon Elliott Show” on April 27, he revealed the nearly three weeks he’s gone without weed or sexual intercourse.

“Two and a half weeks I haven’t smoked,” Tyson said. “And I haven’t had sex for 2-and-a-half weeks.”

He shared the same reveal, just with a different timeline, when he spoke about his cannabis business ventures and preparation for the highly anticipated boxing match.

“Right now, I’m living my life disciplined. It’s been six weeks that I haven’t gotten high or had sex,” Tyson told Forbes Life in a story published the same day as his Dame Elliot interview. “I haven’t done that since I was a little kid.”

“I hate not being able to smoke. But I’m doing it like I love it; I hate not being able to sleep with my wife, but I’m doing it like I love it,” he added.

Tyson credits his ability to sacrifice to the “discipline” he’s acquired in his older years.

“I’m living my life disciplined now, so I’m going to have to fight disciplined now,” he said.

The Brownsville, Brooklyn, native has been training three times a day for his July 20 bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. ESPN reports that the match will be classified as a sanctioned, professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

His publicist confirmed that Tyson gave up marijuana to comply with rules in the fight enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Cannabis is among the banned substances.

Meanwhile, Tyson is also focused on the global expansion of his Tyson 2.0 brand, with upcoming launches planned throughout Europe.

“It’s going to be all over the planet. We want everybody to know our names. Know our product. Know the product’s value,” Tyson says of his cannabis company. “It’s like a dream come true.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mike Tyson Has Stopped Using Marijuana

MetLife, Toyota HBCUNY Football Classic, HBCUs
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 29, 2024

No HBCU Football Players Selected During NFL Draft, Some Given A Chance To Make A Team

Though no HBCU players were drafted to the NFL, some have been invited as undrafted free agents and mini-camp participants.

There were 257 football players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but none were from an HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities). Luckily, some athletes who did attend one will still have a chance to play in the league this upcoming season.

Despite the recent success that NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has enjoyed in bringing awareness to Black athletes at these schools, according to USA Today, this is the second time in four years that no NFL team picked a player who went to an HBCU. This also happened in 2021. This spurred the creation of the HBCU Legacy Bowl in 2021, sponsored by the Black College Hall of Fame, and the NFL-backed HBCU Combine started in 2022.

HBCU Buzz reported that at least 21 undrafted players were invited by multiple teams with mini-camp invites or as undrafted free agents this summer. The athletes invited as undrafted free agents can negotiate and sign with any team interested in them. Players invited to mini-camps are given the opportunity to participate with the teams, and it also provides team personnel a chance to assess the players attending.

The former HBCU players invited as undrafted free agents and the teams who extended the invitation:

  • Jordan Toles, Morgan State – Baltimore Ravens
  • Willie Drew, Virginia State – Carolina Panthers
  • Ian Wheeler, Howard – Chicago Bears
  • Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State – Green Bay Packers
  • Jeblonski Green, South Carolina State – Indianapolis Colts
  • Mikey Victor, Alabama State – New England Patriots
  • Marcus Riley, Florida A&M – New York Jets
  • Anim Dankwah, Howard – Philadelphia Eagles
  • Sundiata Anderson, Grambling State – Seattle Seahawks

Players that were given an invitation to participate in mini-camp:

  • Aidan Hemphill, Texas Southern – Indianapolis Colts
  • Noah Washington, Morgan State – Minnesota Vikings
  • Tairiq Stewart, North Carolina A&T – New England Patriots
  • Terrell Jennings, Florida A&M– New England Patriots
  • Isaiah Major, Florida A&M – New Orleans Saints
  • Michael Chris-Ike, Delaware State – New York Jets
  • Patrick Godbolt, South Carolina State – New York Jets
  • Brandon Codrington, North Carolina Central – New York Jets
  • Taymon Cooke, North Carolina A&T – New York Jets
  • Aeneas Dennis, Benedict College – Pittsburg Steelers
  • Jeremy Moussa, Florida A&M – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nicole Ari Parker, Jergens, Skincare
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2024

Actress Nicole Ari Parker Teams Up With Jergens Skincare For ‘Mom-Sense’ Campaign Celebrating Mother’s Intuition

The skincare brand has created special Mother's Day products that amplify their iconic Cherry Almond scent.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker has teamed up with Jergens Skincare and jeweler Adina Eden for a Mother’s Day-inspired campaign that celebrates the innate sixth inside every mom.

In honor of a mother’s sixth sense, mother’s intuition, or “mom-sense,” as Jergens calls it, the skincare brand has created a line of feel-good products that amplify their iconic Cherry Almond scent. As part of the campaign, any Jergens Original Scent Cherry Almond purchase of $15 or more will come with a free limited-edition Original Scent Cherry Almond-inspired bracelet designed by Adina Eden.

Parker, who helped co-design the bracelet, expressed her pride in the campaign and how grateful she is going into each Mother’s Day she’s been able to celebrate.

“Although I wear many hats, being a mom will always be my top priority, so I am honored to be a part of Jergens Mom-Sense campaign to celebrate all that mother figures do for their families 365 days a year,” Parker says.

“I have two kids of my own now, but every year around Mother’s Day, I reflect on the love, strength, and values I’ve learned about motherhood from my own Mom and make it a point always to thank her on this special day.”

She shared a video on Instagram announcing the partnership while gifting her mother with one of the limited-edition bracelets.

“This partnership has been so fun, and I love that JERGENS Skincare knows that no matter how you come into motherhood, you just know things once you’re a mom,” she wrote.

Jergens Cherry Almond scent is known for its timeless essence, which has been passed down through generations as a comforting aroma that serves as a tribute to the cherished mother figures in our lives. The collection includes the Original Scent Cherry Almond Perfume, the Original Scent Cherry Almond Moisturizer, the Original Scent Cherry Almond Hand Wash, and Original Scent Cherry Almond Body Wash.

Shop the Jergens Cherry Almond collection here to secure a free limited-edition Adina Eden bracelet for Mother’s Day.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother’s Day Performance Featuring Kori Withers And Valerie Simpson To Honor Bill Withers And ‘Grandma’s Hands’

Baby Shower, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
by Stacy Jackson

April 29, 2024

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Collabs With Portsmouth Department Of Social Services To Host Community-Wide Baby Shower

Mothers in Portsmouth, Virginia were gifted a community-wide baby shower with resources from vendors and maternal health professionals.

The Portsmouth Department of Social Services and the local Delta Sigma Theta Sorority alumnae chapter joined forces to host a community-wide baby shower on April 27, catering to current and expectant mothers.

Resources to support families during the pre- and postnatal periods were provided through a recent $3,000 grant from the sorority’s South Atlantic region. According to WTKR, Delta Sigma Theta members stated the event was launched as an effort to take action regarding the alarming rates of infant mortality and black maternal mortality in Portsmouth.

A 2022 overview of the state of Virginia by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted a 2019 goal from the state’s governor to “eliminate the racial disparity in the maternal mortality rate in Virginia by 2025.” The report noted the mortality rate in Virginia from 2015 to 2019 was 18.5 per 100,000 live births. White women saw a rate of 14.1 per 100,000 live births, while 38.2 per 100,000 were noted among Black women.

Resources offered at Saturday’s event were extended to mothers from vendors and a panel of maternal health professionals.

Seasoned midwife Nichole Wardlaw, who has aided in over 1,000 deliveries across her 19-year career, shed light on the issue. “Many of my clients come to me because they don’t feel seen or heard; there is implicit bias in our medical system; clients are talked to instead of spoken with. There is not enough informed decision-making and joint-decision-making and there is no conversation with the clients,” she said.

Gray highlighted similar concerns, stating, “We’ve been hearing more and more about the staggering numbers with the infant mortality and black maternal mortality rates that are happening in the city of Portsmouth, so we wanted to have an event to address that.”

Beyond connecting mothers to invaluable resources like doulas to accompany them to appointments, a key objective was empowerment. “We want to help them get to a better state where they understand how to advocate for themselves who they should be talking to, what are the questions they should be asking, what services they should be asking for or even demanding,” Gray said.

Fostering a supportive community network was paramount for these Portsmouth women and families. The sorority endeavored to create an embracing environment where new life could thrive.

Candace Parker, Las Vegas Aces, Retirement
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 29, 2024

WNBA Player Candace Parker Announces Retirement

'I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time'

Last year in November, WNBA player Candace Parker stated that she wasn’t sure if she would be returning to the league after being sidelined by a foot injury and that she would weigh her options. Now, she has done so and decided to retired, saying, “it’s time.”

According to WNBA.com, the only woman to win three WNBA championships with three different teams is hanging up her sneakers. After playing in the league for 16 seasons, winning three championships and the WNBA MVP award twice, Parker posted to her Instagram account, letting basketball fans know that she has bounced her last ball professionally.

“I’m retiring.

“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants one more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”

She has promised that she is a “BUSINESS” and will be attacking the boardroom in the same manner she attacked the hoops while on the hardwood. She stated that she will be involved with private equity, broadcasting, and production; and emphatically stated she will own not only a WNBA team, but an NBA one as well.

The last team she played for, the Las Vegas Aces, released a statement:

“Although the majority of her career was played in opposing uniforms, we were blessed to have her as part of our championship team a year ago. We are saddened that she won’t be a part of our three-peat aspirations, but we look forward to welcoming Candace back to Las Vegas as an Aces alum, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter in her life has to offer.

After leading the Tennessee Lady Vols to the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Championships, she moved up to the WNBA, where she played 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She was the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. She also played for the Chicago Sky. Her many accolades during her basketball career are sure to lead her into the coveted Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Thanks for the memories, Candace.”

Derek Floyd, New York Firefighter
by Daniel Johnson

April 29, 2024

Firefighter, 36, Dies Of Heart Attack After Being Laid Off During NYC Budget Cuts Amid Migrant Crisis

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help his family.

Derek Floyd, a 36-year-old former U.S. Marine and Fire Department of New York probationary fireman, died on April 15 following complications related to a previous heart attack that Floyd suffered in June 2019 while working as a fireman. 

According to a GoFundMe set up by friends of Floyd and his wife, Christine, Floyd was a dedicated father and husband who leaves behind two young children, Ethan, 6, and Abigail, 2. The money raised by the fundraiser will go towards housing expenses, daycare, and the children. As the fundraiser notes, it is also intended as an outpouring of community support for his grieving wife, Christine. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has generated $54,785 towards its initial goal of $90,000. 

The FDNY Foundation has also set up its own fund in the form of a probationary scholarship fund for Ethan and Abigail; they have declared that 100% of those funds will go to the Floyd family. Some have been consistently blaming the City of New York for firing Floyd to help pay for services for the city’s migrants.

In November, New York City Mayor Eric Adams blamed a round of unpopular budget cuts on the city’s migrant crisis and as part of the budget cuts for the FDNY, light duty firefighter positions and civilian vacancies were eliminated. Floyd, who was on desk duty while trying to get cleared to return to active duty following his 2019 heart attack, was one of the employees whose positions were eliminated. At the time, City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan was one of the voices critical of the scope of Adams’ cuts, telling Fox 5, “I think this is a moment that really calls for a thoughtful surgeon’s blade, not these wholesale cuts across the board.”

Brannan and Adrienne E. Adams, the New York City Council Speaker, wrote a joint op-ed in December for AMNY that was highly critical of Adams’ cuts and his reasoning for the cuts. “Our budget difficulties have been wrongly attributed to being squarely about asylum seekers.” The pair wrote. “The sunsetting of billions in federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars, a static economy, real estate challenges, and other costs that preceded the arrival of asylum seekers have all contributed to gaps in our outyear budgets. These gaps are tangible and cannot be ignored – ranging from an estimated $6 to $7 billion in each of the next fiscal years.”

The pair concluded, “Rather than instituting broad cuts to all agencies, we need to prioritize our investments, reduce ineffective and wasteful spending, and pursue revenues that help us protect New Yorkers. This period will require difficult decisions, but with clarity, we can persevere and ensure New Yorkers don’t fall through the cracks.”

RELATED CONTENT: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Announces Budget Cuts Amid Migrant Crisis, Plans To Reduce Police Numbers And Education Funding

Dylan Beard, Howard Grad, Olympic Track Team
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2024

From Walmart Deli To Olympic Dreams: Howard University Graduate Dylan Beard Races For Spot On Olympic Track Team

Dylan Beard became the third fastest hurdler in the world after a win at the Millrose Games in February.

A Howard University graduate currently working at a Walmart Deli is fighting to fulfill his Olympic dreams. Dylan Beard is a competitive hurdler racing to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Track team.

While still working full-time at the grocery chain’s deli counter, Beard will compete for a chance to be part of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Beard first gained traction after winning the 60-meter hurdles at the Millrose Games in February. His time of 7.44 seconds secured his place as the third fastest hurdler in the world, according to NBC News.

Beard’s coach, Reuben McCoy, commended his work ethic and perseverance to achieve such feats,

“His work ethic is very much unmatched. And his character speaks very highly of the man who he is.”

Unlike other Olympic hopefuls, Beard is unsponsored, and will have to pay for his travel to Paris if he lands a spot on the squad. However, an appearance on the Today show left Beard with a little more money to fund the venture. Co-anchor Craig Melvin presented the athlete with a $20,000 check from Walmart for his loved ones to watch him at the Olympic trials.

Beard, who earned his Masters in Public Health from Howard, also hopes to counsel at-risk youth. In regards to his current gig, he remains unashamed of his experiences, only letting it drive him to achieve greatness.

“At the end of the day, my name is attached to what I’m doing. So yes, I’m working at Walmart in the deli, but it still represents me, which represents a lot of other people,” expressed Beard.

His inspiring feat granted him entry into the U.S. Olympics track and field trials happening in June. There, he will compete against other athletes at the Eugene, Oregon, event to see if he will make history.

RELATED CONTENT: Gabby Douglas Gymnastics Comeback Continues, Qualifies For U.S. Championships

Movie Poster, Zendaya, Challengers
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2024

Fake Movie Poster For Zendaya-Led ‘Challengers’ Goes Viral For N-Word Reference

The film's official social media account subtly denounced the now-infamous poster.

A fan-made poster for Zendaya’s new film “Challengers” has gone viral for its allusions to the n-word. The film follows the “Euphoria” actress caught in a love triangle with two other tennis players.

The poster first gained traction after the Films to Films’s X account posted it on the movie’s April 26 release date. The poster had all the typical accompaniments, including imagery of the stars playing tennis and their names. However, the title’s format led fellow X users to question it.

The split spelling of “Challe-ngers” led many to read it as a way of spelling the n-word. Some called out the account for posting it, stating it was a deliberate move to mock the film starring the bi-racial actress.

However, the account owner was quick to deny the allegations.

“For those implying that I’m a ‘racist’ because of this poster, just take into account that I’m a black woman,” reads the since-deleted tweet. “I don’t take responsibility for what you make out of something I post here. It’s you letting your imagination run wild.”

Despite the backlash, some Black X users poked fun at the cringey image instead.

“They called Zendaya a what,” jokingly questioned one user.

Another stated, “and this is why DEI hires are important.”

Evidently, Zendaya and the film’s producers caught wind of the growing controversy, using the film’s own social media to deny any association with the infamous poster.

“Happy Challengers Day from our only official posters,” read the caption, subtly referencing the drama. Fortunately for its lead actress, the social media chatter did not thwart its box office earnings. The film, made on a $55 million budget, earned $15 million during its opening weekend.

“Challengers,” the 27-year-old first lead film, also stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist and is directed by Luca Guadagnino.

RELATED CONTENT: Zendaya Responds to Racist Hair Comment

Sarah-Ann Sha, Klare Shaw, Boston Common, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
by Daniel Johnson

April 29, 2024

Trailblazing Boston Journalist Sarah Ann Shaw Honored At Memorial

Over her 31 years as an on-air reporter at Boston's WBZ-TV, Shaw often was the voice for Boston's Black community.

Sarah Ann Shaw, the first Black woman television news reporter in Boston, was honored at a celebration of her life on April 27. Shaw died on March 21 at the age of 90, and in addition to being a lifelong resident of Roxbury, she was also a community activist and fixture in the Boston arts community. 

According to her obituary, Shaw left an indelible legacy behind. Over her 31 years as an on-air reporter at Boston’s WBZ-TV, Shaw often was the voice for Boston’s Black community. Shaw provided comfort to Black parents and students as she covered the school desegregation and accompanying violence, preserving their side of the story in her reporting. 

Shaw served as the Region One director of the National Association of Black Journalists in 1979, the organization would later honor her with a lifetime achievement award during its 1998 conference. Shaw was also a president of the Boston Association of Black Journalists, who also recognized her work with an award in 1993. Shaw was the recipient of numerous awards and honors over the course of her life, including the Drum Major for Justice award from the Boston branch of the NAACP, the Boston Celtics gave her the “Hero Among Us” award in January 2023, Shaw was enshrined in the “1965 Freedom Plaza,” which her obituary noted carried special significance to her as many of her comrades in Boston’s civil rights activist community received public recognition for their work. 

Though not a religious woman, Shaw was known as a woman of great spiritual and moral courage. She spoke out that she did not appreciate the way that organized religion treated women, same-gender loving people, or the rigid hierarchy present across multiple denominations. Still, she was honored by many churches in the Boston area due to her work in the community. As CBS News reported, Shaw’s memorial service was held at Bethel AME Church and was officiated by Rev. Liz Walker, a retired WBZ news anchor who also worked with Shaw. Congresswoman Ayanna Presley, who considered Shaw an inspiration to her, also spoke at the service. 

https://twitter.com/AyannaPressley/status/1771006426837844431?t=LL5UEtGd58lSr86teJM3tw&s=19

“Sarah Ann Shaw was a warrior woman. An exemplar of community, activism, advocacy journalism. A woman passionate about her family, the quality of life in her community, the city, and the world.” Rev. Walker continued, “Sarah-Ann was in love with this city. She wasn’t afraid to fight for Boston, or to fight Boston.”

As The Boston Globe reported, Shaw’s early activism coincided with some of the worst parts of Boston’s residential segregation and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu described Shaw’s reporting on the assassinations of Martin Luther King J.r and John F. Kennedy during the 1960s. “It was as if something inside her was determined to put the pieces of our world back together,” Wu told the outlet. 

Wu also gave Shaw credit for giving her the idea that she, too, could help shape Boston’s community, telling the Globe were it not for Shaw, “I would have not had the confidence to think that I could be a part of representing, and giving a sense of what the future of our community could look like.”

Shaw’s daughter, Klare Shaw, told the Globe that she has been overwhelmed by flowers, friendly comments, and outreach from community and political leaders in Boston asking how they can be of service. Klare Shaw told the Globe that the family is working on selecting a date for a day of service in June, during which the participants will perform community service and register people to vote. “It’s the most fitting thing we could do in her legacy,” Klare Shaw said. 

Sarah Ann Shaw is survived by Klare Shaw; two “children by love and choice,” Linda Palmer and Eric Mesa; three adult grandchildren, Eric Shaw-Moss, Caroline Amina Shaw-Moss, and Kai Palmer Dunning; one great-grandchild, Nyzohn Eric Small; and a host of relatives and friends. 

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