Beyoncé, flowers, fan, Tyler Fabregas
by Jameelah Mullen

April 26, 2024

Beyoncé Surprises Her 2-Year-Old Bestie With Flowers

It’s official, Beyonce and Tyler BFFs.

Two- year-old Tyler Fabregas received a special surprise from The Queen Bey. The adorable boy recently went viral after his mom, Bea Fabregas, posted a heartwarming video on TikTok  which shows the toddler asking about his “friend.” 

@beafabregas Tyler this whole video: Hina naman ni mama hindi kilala si Beyonce 🤨 #fyp #momsoftiktok ♬ original sound – beafabregas

“Where’s Beyonce?” He asked.

He then asked if he could visit the singer at her house. 

“We don’t know her personally. She’s not mama’s friend. She doesn’t live here also, baby.” Fabregas responded.

Tyler apparently didn’t believe his mom. 

“Beyoncé is my friend,” he declared. 

The video garnered millions of views and countless shares on social media. Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles, also shared the wholesome clip on her Instagram page. 

In response, Bey sent some gifts to her new buddy along with a note where she referred to Tyler as her “friend.” Fabregas posted a series of photos with Tyler smiling while holding the bouquet of blue and white roses and stuffed animal that he received from the star. The mother captioned the post with an update for Tyler’s new fans. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by beafabregas (@beafabregas)


“For the record, @beyonce and Tyler are now, actually, officially friends! Through the power of Queen B’s internet (millions of views and likes, it’s crazy!) She saw the video and sent over some of her favorite blue flowers, a new animal best friend for Tyler, and the sweetest message that our family will now always treasure. “  

She thanked her followers for their support.

“Thank you to everyone who shared it, commented, liked it. Tyler may be too young to remember all this, but I’ll always remind him to dream big and shoot for the stars!! BEYONCE SENT MY BABY FLOWERS!!!!” She social media influencer said. 

This isn’t the first time Beyoncé made someone’s day with a bouquet. Following the release of her Cowboy Carter album, the singer sent flowers, along with handwritten notes, to Black women country artists, including K. Michelle and Mickey Guyton. 

Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, Freak Accident
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 26, 2024

‘Freak Accident’ On Set of Eddie Murphy-Keke Palmer Movie Prompts OSHA Investigation

A "freak accident" on the set of Eddie Murphy's upcoming film left two people hospitalized and several injured.

A “freak accident” on the set of Eddie Murphy’s upcoming film with Keke Palmer and other A-listers has led to an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Murphy, Palmer, and the film’s main cast are all safe from the incident that occurred Saturday, April 20, in Atlanta, Deadline reports. However, multiple crew members are said to have suffered injuries in the form of bumps, bruises, and broken bones.

The accident took place “during a rehearsed 2nd unit action sequence,” an Amazon MGM Studios rep confirmed. “Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned.”

“It wasn’t even a complicated or dangerous stunt,” an insider revealed.

The accident occurred after an armored truck reportedly got “locked up” and hit an SUV. The New York Times obtained cell phone footage of the accident. Two people were hospitalized and several others were injured.

The video shows an armored truck pulling up alongside an SUV before swerving into it. Both vehicles were sent off the road into a grassy area The armored truck rolled on top of the SUV, flipping both vehicles before landing upright. The end of the video shows a person’s body hanging limply out of the armored truck door.

“We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering,” the Amazon Studios rep said. “The well-being of the entire crew and cast is our first priority, and we will continue to insist on the highest industry standards of safety while filming. All safety precautions were reviewed prior to and monitored during the shoot.”

Murphy and Palmer have been busy filming their Amazon Studios film The Pickup, which also stars Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, and Marshawn Lynch. The Tim Story-directed film follows a man (Murphy) who gets involved in a heist attempt while pursuing a woman’s affections.

Pikesville High School, Arrest, Dazhon Darien
by Jameelah Mullen

April 26, 2024

Former Athletic Director Arrested After Allegedly Using AI To Create Fake Racist Rant

The former teacher was taken into custody at BWI airport.

Dazhon Darien, a 31-year-old Baltimore high school athletic director, has been arrested after allegedly sharing an AI audio recording that simulated the voice of the school’s principal, Eric Eiswert. The audio, which included racist and anti-semitic comments, caught nationwide attention after it was widely circulated on social media.

Darien allegedly attempted to board a flight to Houston at BWI Airport when his bag was flagged for the improper packaging of his declared firearm. The former athletic director was apprehended by airport officials after they discovered there was a warrant for his arrest.

Detectives sought the help of two forensic analysts from separate companies who both determined that the recording was generated through the use of artificial intelligence technology. Officials discovered that the recording was sent to another school employee through Darien’s work email account. Darien confessed to sending the recording but denied creating the clip. However, investigators found Darien’s phone number listed as the recovery contact for the AI account. School officials also confirmed that Darien used the school’s network to search for OpenAI tools.

“We now have conclusive evidence that the recording was not authentic. The Baltimore County Police Department reached that determination after conducting an extensive investigation,” Baltimore Police Chief Robert McCullough said in a press conference Thursday.

“Through their investigations, detectives allege Mr. Darien, who was the athletic Director at the high school, made the recording to retaliate against the principal who had launched an investigation into the potential mishandling of school funds,” McCollough said.

According to Baltimore County’s state’s attorney, Scott Shellenberger, this is the first time his office has seen a case related to AI. Schellenger is calling for lawmakers to update legislation to consider the abuse of technology.

Darien faces several charges, which include stalking, theft, disruption of school operations, and retaliation against a witness. Darien has been released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Death Penalty, Florida Mom, Crime, Osceola County Sheriff, Joanne, Zephir
by Stacy Jackson

April 26, 2024

Florida Mom May Face Death Penalty For Murder Of Her 3-Year-Old

The Florida mother said a "voodoo spell" is the reason she allegedly harmed her children, actions that resulted in the killing of her three-year-old.

The State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit has filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty against Joanne Zephir for the killing of her 3-year-old child.

Deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrested Zephir on May 8, 2022, after she allegedly stabbed her husband and later forced her three-year-old and eight-year-old children to drink bleach. According to a press release from the State Attorney’s office, Zephir allegedly strangled her youngest child to death, while the husband and eight-year-old survived following treatment at the hospital.

“Zephir became eligible for the death penalty after an Osceola County grand jury indicted the defendant on First Degree Murder with a Weapon in February, which is a capital felony,” the press release stated. “The defendant was also indicted on Attempted First Degree Murder with a Weapon and Attempted Felony Murder with a Weapon.”

Prosecutors stated their rationale for seeking the penalty is based on “statutory aggravators,” which also consider the victim’s age being under 12, the victim’s heightened vulnerability due to the defendant’s familial or custodial authority, and the capital felony occurring alongside an attempted act of aggravated child abuse.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez revealed at a 2022 press conference that upon arriving, deputies discovered Zephir and her three-year-old unconscious inside her vehicle parked near a church at 4912 Old Pleasant Hill Road, with the eight-year-old found on the roadside.

The three-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the older sibling was released to family members. Sheriff Lopez stated that Zephir had agreed to speak with detectives and shared what led to the attempted murder charge. “She made both children drink bleach,” Lopez stated. “The suspect said the reason for doing this to her children was because the victim…must have put a voodoo spell on her, making her harm her children.”

Before she decided to turn herself in, the suspect allegedly told a family member about the events.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Grandmother Cries Out For Justice After White Therapist Allegedly Slapped Her 3-Year Old Granddaughter In The Face

Keke Palmer, Marvel, role, MCU, film
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 26, 2024

Marvel Reportedly Eyeing Keke Palmer For A Big Role In The MCU

There are growing rumors of Keke Palmer joining Marvel and fans know who they want her to play.

Marvel Cinematic Universe fans are debating amid reports of Keke Palmer joining the MCU in a major role.

The rumor mill started spinning on Thursday, April 25, after a Marvel source page claimed the popular media franchise is looking to place Palmer in a major role within the shared universe. With no official confirmation and only hearsay, Marvel fans are already debating on who they think the “Nope” star should play.

“Come on now, SUGAH!” one fan wrote along with a still of Palmer dressed as the X-Men character Rogue.

“Storm or Rogue for me…,” added someone else.

When reviewing commentary from Marvel fans, many are on board with Palmer either taking on the role of Rogue or Storm in a potential X-Men reboot. The last Storm was played by Halle Berry, and Anna Paquin portrayed Rogue.

Having Palmer take on the role of Rogue would be a major shift for the character, who’s been portrayed as white since the comic book’s inception. However, the Emmy Award-winning TV host has teased her skills with taking on an action role within the MCU.

https://twitter.com/XMenUpdate/status/1783239198415134831

Other possible Marvel personas include the shapeshifting Mystique of X-Men, which Rebecca Romijn and Jennifer Lawrence have played in the past. Palmer could also portray Spider-Woman, who appeared in animated form in “Across the Spider-Verse” and was voiced by Issa Rae.

Elsewhere, with Jonathan Majors being fired from his MCU role as Kang The Conqueror, his character is up for grabs, and we could see one of Kang’s many variants come back in the form of a woman played by Palmer. With it being the MCU, the possibilities are endless, and if the rumors are true, Palmer could possibly be gearing up to portray one of these popular characters.

Palmer is known for being active on social media, but amid the heightened speculation, she has been noticeably silent on the topic.

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer’s New Memoir, ‘Master Of Me,’ Explores Her Journey Back To Herself

Tracee Ellis Ross, Tracee travels, roku, original series, ross
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 26, 2024

Tracee Ellis Ross Takes Fans On A Travel Adventure In New Roku Originals Series

Tracee Ellis Ross is hitting the road and taking fans along for the ride in her new solo travel series "Tracee Travels."

Tracee Ellis Ross is jet-setting the globe and taking fans along for the ride in her new solo travel series for Roku Originals “Tracee Travels.”

The award-winning actress and entrepreneur is gearing up to begin filming a new travel docuseries that will follow her as she “meticulously, laboriously, and sometimes ridiculously prepares for and travels solo to spectacular locations,” Variety reports. With a focus on the “beauty, fashion, design, food, and culture” each destination holds, Ellis Ross forges her own journey with her signature style, wit, and comedic flair.

“I took my first solo trip when I was 22 years old. I decided way back then that I wouldn’t wait to do the things I wanted to do or for my life to come to me,” Ross says. “I’ve been solo traveling ever since, now there’s just a lot more luggage!”

Destinations for the travel series have yet to be announced. But the “Black-ish” star will be executive producing the show with E. Brian Dobbins as part of her Joy Mill Entertainment and Artists First production companies. Adriana Ambriz and Caroline Soss will serve as co-executive producers, along with Olivia LaRoche, Roku Originals’ head of alternative originals who will oversee the development of the series.

“I hope this show reminds people that they too can courageously live their lives on their own terms, find their happiness, and be their whole selves and their best selves — by themselves,” Ross shares. “Everyone deserves to be joyous and audaciously free.”

The “Girlfriends” star often teases her solo travel adventures on social media to her 11 million+ followers. Fashion and comical lifestyle clips are the highlight, which adds to Roku’s excitement to partner with her for the new show.

“No one travels like Tracee Ellis Ross — when it comes to going solo in style, she’s the expert,” Brian Tannenbaum, Roku Media’s head of originals says. “We can’t wait to partner with Tracee, Joy Mill Entertainment and Artists First to take viewers on the trip of a lifetime and witness the delight of self-discovery and independence.”

“Tracee Travels” is set to premiere on Roku in 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Are We Ready For A Black Daytime Soap Opera?

Vice President Kamala Harris, Secret Service
by Stacy Jackson

April 26, 2024

Secret Service Agent For VP Harris Removed After Fight With Other Agents

The Secret Service characterized the agent's behavior as a medical matter, and was removed from duty for medical treatment.

A physical confrontation allegedly broke out on Monday morning between a U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President Kamala Harris’s protective detail and other detail agents.

Prior to Harris’ scheduled arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in the Washington D.C. region, the physical altercation unfolded after the agent reportedly became confrontational towards colleagues and, according to The Washington Examiner, the special agent in charge (SAIC) and a shift supervisor attempted to defuse the situation.

“At approximately 9 a.m. April 22, a U.S. Secret Service special agent supporting the Vice President’s departure from Joint Base Andrews began displaying behavior their colleagues found distressing,” Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, said in an official statement. The agent, who reportedly experienced what the Secret Service has characterized as a medical episode, was eventually subdued, handcuffed, and removed from duty to undergo medical evaluation.

“The Vice President was at the Naval Observatory when this incident occurred, and there was no impact on her departure from Joint Base Andrews,” Guglielmi added. Harris was slated to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base following the incident’s conclusion.

“The U.S. Secret Service takes the safety and health of our employees very seriously,” Guglielmi noted. “As this was a medical matter, we will not disclose any further details.” Real Clear Politics stated that the agent was identified as Michelle Herczeg. A source told the outlet that the behavior started when she allegedly took another agent’s phone.

After the agent recovered his device, her actions escalated to mumbling, hiding behind curtains, and throwing things. The agents on the scene believe she suffered from a mental lapse. As the SAIC approached, the agent, who reportedly still had her gun in her holster, became physical. She allegedly chest-bumped, shoved, tackled, and punched her superior.

Back in 2016, during her employment with the Dallas Police Department, she filed a $1 million gender discrimination lawsuit against the city, alleging she was assaulted by a male officer and “targeted for being a female officer and treated less favorably.”

Renowned as the premier global protective service, the Secret Service holds the Vice Presidential Protective Division as the second most esteemed assignment of the federal law enforcement agency. According to the agency, it seamlessly integrates rigorous training regimens, adept financial management, continuous workforce development initiatives, and robust strategic planning processes. These vital elements are typically spearheaded by a cadre of administrative, professional, and technical personnel — career experts spanning diverse disciplines such as accounting, analysis, law, engineering, information technology, project management, statistics, and many more specialties.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Affirms U.S. Support To Puerto Rico

Angela Bassett, Spelman
by Stacy Jackson

April 26, 2024

Angela Bassett To Be Keynote Speaker at Spelman College Commencement

The "Black Panther" actress will address graduates and receive an honorary degree at Spelman's 137th Commencement Ceremony.

Emmy award-winning actress, director, and executive producer Angela Bassett will serve as the keynote speaker at Spelman College’s 137th Commencement Ceremony.

In recognition of her artistic prowess, Bassett will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree, according to a press release from Spelman. The college honors Bassett, who has delivered iconic performances in films such as Malcolm X, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Black Panther, and Mission Impossible: Fallout. Her breakthrough performance came in 1993’s critically lauded What’s Love Got to Do with It, which garnered her an Oscar nomination.

“Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” said Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH.  “Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces.”

Bassett has been highly admired for delivering powerful and uplifting words during previous events. Earlier this year, she gave a memorable speech after she received her honorary Oscar at the Academy’s 14th Governors Awards. The 9-1-1 star praised other Black trailblazers and emphasized that “there is room for us all.” She left the audience with wise words from actress Lena Horne, stating, “‘It’s so nice to get flowers while you can yet still smell the fragrance,’ and indeed, it is.”

Spelman’s commencement weekend will feature other prominent Black women receiving distinguished honors. Trailblazing Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, while revered Atlanta journalist Rose Scott will be recognized with the National Community Service Award.

The slate of women will be honored during the 3 p.m. commencement on Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). A 10 a.m. Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, will welcome social justice minister Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder to deliver an address to the graduates.

The Class of 2024 comprises 504 degree candidates, with 325 receiving Bachelor of Arts and 179 earning Bachelor of Science degrees.

AFL-CIO, Workers, Job Fatality Rate
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 26, 2024

Job Fatality Rate For Black Workers Now Highest In Almost 15 Years

Transportation incidents were the top cause of death for Black workers, accounting for nearly a third of fatalities.

In its newly released Death on the Job report for 2024, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) revealed that the job fatality rate for Black workers reached its highest point in 15 years.

The 33rd annual Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect review went public on April 24 and detailed the concerning statistics regarding Black workers. The report aims to address the evolving state of job safety, spreading awareness and insight into where measures may be lacking. Suggesting policy changes and dissecting the safety standards within each state, the report intends to address critical issues within the workforce that lead to injury and death.

Black and brown workers both face disproportionate rates of job fatality, with the former now in its fifth year of most deaths on the job over all other racial groups, according to the AFL-CIO. The Black employee mortality rate is now at 4.2 per 100,000 deaths, with 734 deaths occurring in 2022. This number rose by over 100 more fatalities from the year prior.

These racial disparities have persisted for years but are reaching new heights as the rate increases. Of the industries where the most harm occurs, transportation incidents were the biggest cause of death, accounting for nearly a third. Other dominant industries that incurred fatalities were food, manufacturing, and administrative and support services.

Moreover, there was also a 22% increase in Black worker fatalities from exposure to harmful substances or the environment. Over 100 Black workers died due to this, 72 of which were from an unintentional overdose, the outlet reports.

The AFL-CIO determined the contributing factor to these death rates stems from a lack of agency in the workplace. Racism in these environments can stifle worker’s ability to speak up about safety concerns due to fear of retaliation, leading to preventable deaths.

The federation believes that stronger enforcement of OSHA rules and protections will ensure that employees can fulfill their duties without the threat of losing their lives. As the number of Black worker fatalities becomes more prevalent, the work to ensure Black employees are protected and able to address safety issues remains critical to their livelihoods.

rapper, Birdman, Cash Money, Cash Money's Birdman
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 26, 2024

Cash Money’s Birdman: ‘I Own 100 Percent Of My Company’

In a recent podcast, Birdman said he has owned all of his music since signing a distribution deal with Universal Records in 1991

In a recent interview, Cash Money co-founder Birdman stated that he has always had complete ownership of his masters and publishing; and still does.

According to Complex, Birdman, who co-founded Cash Money Records in 1991 (once home to Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and many other recording artists) with his older brother Ronald “Slim” Williams, told Steve-O on his “Wild Ride!” podcast that “100 percent” of the music put out by Cash Money is owned by him.

Steve-O, who revealed that he recorded a song with Birdman at his house years ago, “From the Ghetto to the Swamp,” discussed Birdman’s business mind. The label owner says that he “never allowed” the labels to own any part of his music catalog.

“I did own everything. I never allowed none of the labels to own anything. Universal never owned nothing. We owned all our own music and publishing.” He also stated that “still today, I own 100 percent of my company.”

He admitted that when he first got into the music game, he had no idea what publishing was, but he did know that he wasn’t about to give up anything. Right off the back, he just knew that he was going to own all of his work, and he expressed as much to his then-attorney when they went to Universal Records before signing a distribution deal.

“When I went to [Universal], I ain’t even know about publishing and all that. I ain’t know about none of that. I went to them with… an attorney… Whatever his name was, I just was like, ‘I ain’t trying to give up nothing.’ ‘Cause I felt like I lost everything already. I lost my family. Nothing can repay me for what I already lost. I lost my mama, my daddy, my brother, my sister. … I live a hell of a life as a kid, so I ain’t think that none of that could be replaced. So I was like, this is what I want to do. … I want [to] own my sh*t. I’m going to own 100 percent of my sh*t.”

RELATED CONTENT: Megan Thee Stallion Signs ‘First Deal Of Its Kind’ With Warner Music Giving Her Ownership Of Masters

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