high school police officer, South Carolina
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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 3, 2024

High School Police Officer Accused Of Ongoing Inappropriate Behavior With Students May Evade Prison Time

Deputy Jamel Bradley has five complaints of sexual misconduct in nine years at Spring Valley High School

A high school police officer who works at a South Carolina school has been the subject of several complaints about alleged inappropriate contact with teenage girls. Those issues came from school staff members, yet that person is still on the job despite authorities knowing about the purported behavior.

According to The Washington Post, that high school officer is 38-year-old Deputy Jamel Bradley. Five complaints have been lodged against him at Spring Valley High School in nine years. Although other officers, parents, a school administrator, and a coach have reported the alleged misbehavior, Bradley has not been removed from his position at the school; although he was reassigned temporarily, he returned to Spring Valley.

The sheriff’s department would not arrest Bradley, in part because of his past as a former star basketball player at the University of South Carolina. He was seen as a role model in the community.

The school was under scrutiny due to a video showing another officer forcibly arresting a Black student, which placed the school under the watchful eyes of the Justice Department. Yet, even with that issue, officials in Richland County did not investigate the complaints against Bradley.

A student who made a complaint against Bradley was told by officials that nothing could be done about Bradley facing the music of his alleged acts. She was told that the department had “prematurely” closed the investigation.

It was revealed that Bradley is now facing sex crime charges, not for the previous accusations, but for allegedly abusing two other female students. He is facing maximum prison time of 15 years in prison as well as being required to register as a sex offender. Yet, it has also been revealed that Bradley may not receive any prison time as prosecutors have offered Bradley a deal. If he pleads guilty, they will recommend only probation and no requirement to sign as a sex offender. The proposed deal is slated to be presented to a judge.

RELATED CONTENT: Ex-Teacher Under Investigation For Allegedly Recording Sexually Explicit Videos Inside Elementary School

Ice Cube, Interview, Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, 9 million, Black people
(Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 3, 2024

Ice Cube Denies Being ‘In Bed’ With Republicans After Telling Black Voters To Stop Giving Away Power

Ice Cube is clapping back at anyone accusing him of being in cahoots with Republicans.

Ice Cube is under fire once again for reminding Black voters about their power during election season.

One of the rapper/entrepreneur’s video messages telling Black voters to stop giving away their votes without being guaranteed a policy that benefits the community as a whole has reignited debates on social media. Some are even accusing him of trying to confuse Black voters.

Not one to bite his tongue, Ice Cube hopped on X, formerly known as Twitter, to shut down anyone who’s accusing him of being in cahoots with Republicans.

“I’m not in bed with none of these clowns. So go get another booster shot and stfu….” he quipped.

In his video message, the “Straight Outta Compton” rapper argued why Black voters should be more intentional when voting and making sure they’re getting something in return.

“The process, you don’t vote just to vote. You vote because you’re getting something or your community is getting something,” Ice Cube said in a video clip shared on X. “So everybody that’s telling you that, man, look at them and say, ‘What are you getting?'”

The Friday creator went on to call out those in power who are “suspect” by working for the Black vote but seemingly overlooking requests from the Black community.

“People that’s in power that want you to vote but don’t want you to get anything or not asking for you to get anything economically, they suspect straight up,” Ice Cube said.

According to the Big 3 founder, other communities aren’t afraid to make their demands known. So it shouldn’t be any different when it comes to Black voters.

“Every community asks for what they want. And we gonna do the same godd*mn thing,” Cube said.

He also directed his attention to those who urge Black people to vote because of the history of oppression Black people experienced for trying to exercise their right to vote.

“For one, people did die, but nobody walked out of their house to go die for you to vote,” Ice Cube explained. “They were killed by probably some racist that don’t wanna see us get anything. Be skeptical of anybody telling you to vote and not telling you to ask for anything or to tell you to just vote and not to get anything for your vote.”

The X user who reposted the video clip shared why she agrees with Ice Cube’s sentiments.

“It’s time for us to stop giving away our vote and getting nothing,” they wrote. “They need us to vote so they can pass legislation for other groups.”

Ice Cube’s latest rant follows his attempt to mobilize Black voters with his three-page “Contract With Black America” that “was designed to start the hard conversations,” his website states.

“It was made to be perfected and debated. So please add comments and suggestions so we can create a better contract with America that will help create a better and more perfect Union.”

Now with his latest video message gaining steam, Ice Cube is facing mixed reactions from Black voters.

“They’re mad they can’t control you bro, never let them bring you down,” one supporter wrote. Added a critc, “You’re a fu**ing sellout. Plain and simple. Fu** you for that. All that “gangsta“ sh*t but you’re basically Trumps bi**h!” one critic wrote.

mortality, maternal, black women, mississippi
Photo courtesy: A&C PHOTOS via pexels
by Stacy Jackson

September 3, 2024

Michigan To Offer Payment Program For Pregnant Families In Kalamazoo

The partnership between KCF and Rx Kids will offer the $500 monthly payment program to help Kalamazoo families during the baby's first year.

Expecting families in the city of Kalamazoo will soon be eligible for a program from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KCF) that will offer no-strings-attached payments during their infant’s first year.

An announcement made by KCF during an Aug. 27 press conference revealed the foundation’s partnership with Rx Kids, which launched the first payments for Michigan families in Flint this year. According to MLive, the program will offer pregnant families one $1,500 payment followed by a monthly payment of $500 throughout their child’s first year. The universal payments are expected to cover the child’s costs. However, there are no stipulations regarding how families may use the money.

Alyssa Stewart, KCF’s chief community impact officer, said the program reflects the Rx Kids organization’s values of “love, trust, and dignity.” “These families are working hard, two to three jobs, and are still struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “We know that if they’re given a little help, they’ll make great choices, and they’ll make the best choices that they can for their family.” Stewart shared that the monthly $500 payment was decided based on studies that showed the impact $500 could have on bills.

According to American Heritage Credit Union, parents spend an average of $13,000 within the first year of their child’s life—a report from Thrivent estimated first-year expenses to fall between $20,000 and $50,000. Expenses during the first 12 months with an infant can include furniture for a baby room; travel gear, like a car seat and stroller; daily care such as diapers, wipes, and hygiene products; feeding equipment like bottles, formula, pumps, milk storage, clothing, toys, child care and more.

“…Having a baby is expensive regardless of your income,” Stewart said.

The program is supported by a $20 million federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) fund. Private donors to the program include United Way of South Central Michigan, Bronson Health Foundation, and the Stryker Johnston Foundation. Families who apply must provide proof of pregnancy and Kalamazoo residency. The 10-15 minute applications will open on the Rx Kids website in January 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Mom Returns Home After Receiving Heart Transplant Year After Delivering Son

Allen Iverson, Hampton., Morgan State University
(Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 3, 2024

Allen Iverson Shows Up At Hampton University Football Game But Team Loses To Morgan State University

The hometown hero's presence couldn't help Hampton as it lost by a score of 30-28.

Legendary NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson’s career started in his hometown of Hampton, Virginia. Reebok’s Vice President of Basketball appeared there on Aug. 31 to attend an HBCU football game.

According to HBCU Gameday, the former Philadelphia 76ers player attended Hampton University’s game against Morgan State University, which was both teams’ season opener.

The X account for the university’s football team acknowledged the presence of the basketball great hanging out at the sporting event.

Iverson’s presence at the game didn’t bring any luck to Hampton, as the school lost a close match to its Morgan State rivals by a score of 30-28.

ESPN reported that Morgan State got a comfortable lead on Hampton when it went up 20-7 in the second quarter, and although Hampton made it a closer game by halftime with the score at 20-14, HU came within two points in the third quarter, with Morgan leading 23-21. But, after a Morgan touchdown made it 30-21, a late comeback couldn’t put them ahead when Hampton pulled up at 30-28. Morgan held on for the victory with a little more than four minutes remaining in the game.

As for Iverson, it was reported that WNBA rookie Angel Reese has collaborated with the basketball great on a limited-edition shoe.

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Part of the Angel Reese x Rebook Answer III, this footwear boasts Allen Iverson’s third signature shoe in a two-toned silver and blue colorway. The sneaker of the Chicago Sky player bears the logo of Reese’s  “Unapologetically Angel” throughout the shoe.

Sadly, sneakerheads looking to cop a pair won’t be able to. The footwear is only available for the Friends & Family of Reese and Reebok. However, people can purchase other clothing and footwear for fans and players alike. Those looking to buy can visit the site to look at the options available from $100 to $120.

Heinz, restaurants,, dining, solo, alone, TNT Pizza, Dough Boy Pizza, Clark Atlanta Grads
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 3, 2024

Survey Reveals More People Are Dining Alone Than Ever Before

As more diners eat alone, restauranteurs are adjusting their strategies to accommodate more single parties.

A new survey conducted by OpenTable, the restaurant booking platform, reveals that reservations for one have increased.

CNN confirmed that OpenTable saw an 8% increase in solo reservations since May 2020. A survey of 2,000 consumers in June found that 60% had dined by themselves over the last two months.

Of that number, 68% identify as Gen Z and millennials.

The increase stems from multiple factors. For the younger generation, social media is a primary one. Users posting about new restaurants can also encourage people to patronize these establishments alone. Furthermore, the rise of fast-casual restaurant chains also promotes solo eating for multiple meal times.

While these restaurants don’t require reservations, they encourage others to dine solo for more elevated dining experiences. This uptick in tables for one also indicates a shift in social habits for most Americans.

“Here, solo dining is the mirroring of bigger social behaviors,” explained Stephen Zagor, a restaurant consultant and professor at Columbia Business School.

A record number of Americans live by themselves—30%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This trend also impacts communities of color. Specifically, 37% of Black women homeowners live alone.

Restauranteurs have also noticed this shift, adjusting their seating arrangements to accommodate more parties of one. Some eateries have included more seating arrangements to help solo diners feel comfortable and cozy in their establishment.

Zagor added, “From the restaurant side, it’s an opportunity to fill seats. Restaurants sell seats, not tables.”

With this in mind, larger upscale restaurant chains hope to cash in on all these benefits, including engagement between guests and staff. Staffers at The Smith and Parla, with locations across Northern hubs such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, are now encouraged to build a rapport with single guests and create an immersive experience.

“You get a very engaged connection with this guest. It presents an opportunity to give them a special experience, and they’re probably curious about what we’re doing,” explained Adam Burke, vice president of operations of the restaurants’ owning group.

As more people prefer to eat solo, more restaurants may shift their mindsets to cater to this blooming demographic.

Stacy Clarke, Toronto Police Department
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 3, 2024

First Black Female Police Superintendent Of Toronto Suspended For Helping Black Officers Cheat For Promotions

Does she have a point?

Toronto’s first Black female police superintendent was demoted after admitting to helping other Black officers cheat to get potential promotions, the Chicago Defender reports.

An investigation found that Stacy Clarke played a “lead role” in “extremely serious” misconduct concerning a scandal in 2021. In 2023, the police superintendent admitted to taking pictures of confidential interview questions and sharing them with six Black candidates seeking sergeant positions. Clarke labeled her actions “a desperate effort to level the playing field” during a sentencing hearing in May 2024.

“I felt at the time that (the six officers) did not have a fair chance in this process, and my own history and experience of racial inequity compounded this feeling,” she said. 

Tribunal adjudicator Robin McElary-Downer released a statement, calling Clarke’s action “non-negotiable.” “Honesty and integrity are non-negotiable character traits of a police officer. Superintendent Clarke’s actions demonstrated both were absent,” McElary-Downer said. 

According to the Toronto Star, Clarke pleaded guilty to seven counts of professional misconduct under Ontario’s police legislation in 2023. As a high-profile sentencing hearing, a light has been shone on racial diversity within Canada’s largest police service, resulting in debates surrounding whether Clarke’s actions were justifiable.  

Former president of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) and supporter of Clarke, Audrey Campbell, says nothing happens when you follow the rules. You can talk about the fairness of systems. You can talk about the rules. No substantive change has ever been accomplished by following the rules that the system made,” Campbell said. 

“One man’s criminal is another man’s freedom fighter,” she said.

Following the hearing, Clarke said she was “just very disappointed and very sad about it” after the high-ranking official learned she had been demoted to inspector for two years. Speaking directly to reporters, Clarke said she will be taking some time to process everything. “I’m going to take some time with my family and will let it go through and think about what the next steps will be,” she said. 

Her defense team claims the demotion is harsh and should only last a year to 18 months. They also feel she should get her job back and not have to reapply. While the adjudicator said Clarke’s conduct “undoubtedly shook the confidence and trust the public had in her,” she was labeled as a “rock star,” which led to an “admirable career.” 

The Toronto Police Service shared sentiments similar to those of McElary-Downer but stood by the outcome, noting that department leaders should be held to the “highest standard,” admitting that the department should do a better job with the diversity of all ranking officers. “We acknowledge this case brought forward a number of issues that the Service is addressing,” Chief Myron Demkiw said.

 University Of Alabama
(Photo: picryl, free domain/The George F. Landegger Collection of Alabama Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)
by Daniel Johnson

September 3, 2024

University Of Alabama Scraps BSU, Queer Resource Center Due To DEI Bill

The University of Alabama, like other universities located in red states, has been affected by Republican-led efforts to end DEI initiatives and resources.

In March, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill effectively banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives from receiving financial support from public universities or receiving state funds.  During the week of Aug. 31, the University of Alabama’s Black Student Union and Safe Zone, a queer resource center, shuttered its on-campus presences in compliance with Alabama’s law. 

According to The Associated Press, the University of Alabama, like other universities located in red states, has been affected by Republican-led efforts to end DEI initiatives and resources. For example, Black students at the University of Missouri were forced to change the name of a gathering focused on the university’s Black students to make it more inclusive. 

Black student unions are part of the fabric of a university’s Black experience at many predominantly white institutions, and the Tuscaloosa chapter of the NAACP has pledged its support in assisting the organization to obtain funding as the university can no longer support the group on campus.

“In Tuscaloosa and across Alabama, organizations like BSU play a critical role in continuing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement,” Tuscaloosa NAACP chapter president Lisa Young told the AP.

In addition to the NAACP’s support, members of the University of Alabama’s Black Alumni Association have reached out to Black Student Union President Jordan Stokes to offer their assistance and support. 

“I don’t think a lot of people really understand or know how much the BSU office meant to so many students, and how many relationships formed, and how many people went through the university and went on to graduate,” Stokes told the AP. “I don’t think the lawmakers really understand that.”

A similar story was told by members of the Queer Student Association, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the queer community on the campus of the University of Alabama. 

Rowan Aldridge, a student who came out as queer in her junior year, told the AP that the loss of Safe Zone changed the way she experiences life at the University of Alabama.

“You don’t realize how assuring a space like that is until it’s gone,” Aldridge said, “And it doesn’t make me feel optimistic about the direction this school is going in if they’re willing to make decisions like this.”

Like the Black Student Union, the Queer Student Association has been forced to lean on outside organizations like the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Human Rights Council and Central Alabama Pride. Queer Student Association President, 21-year-old Bryce Schottelkotte, after all, can only do so much.

“I’m a senior student who is trying to get my degree, pay my rent, and make my money,” Schottelkotte told the AP. “I care very much about QSA, but I just don’t have the time or ability to focus every single thing in my day on QSA.”

RELATED CONTENT: Alabama Governor Signs Bill Banning Diversity Programs In Public Schools And State Universities

laptop. laptops, a day at the lake
photo courtesy: pexels
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 3, 2024

Atlanta’s Southside Day At The Lake Event Donates A Record Number Of Laptops Just In Time For School

Young Juc and Jermaine Dupri took part in the first Southside Day at The Lake event.

A record number of 1,000 laptops were donated at a local Atlanta event over the Labor Day weekend. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, an inaugural event, Southside Day at The Lake, took place on September 3 and drew hundreds of children and their families.

At this gathering, which was hosted by Atlanta recording artist Young Joc, there were 1,000 new Chromebook laptops distributed to children as part of the Labor Day event.

Young Joc expressed to the media outlet that the giveaways, which were paid for by Quality Control Music (home to artists like Migos, City Girls, Rich the Kid, and Lil Yachty) CEO Pierre “P” Thomas, and the Ludacris Foundation, broke a record as the largest one-time donation of laptops.

“I feel like we’re doing a good thing for the community; we came together to make it happen, and now it’s happening,” the radio host said.

Atlanta big shot, super-producer Jermaine Dupri, also participated in the event.

“It’s a million things you could do with that laptop…all you gotta do is stay in the house and put it to work and do what you gotta do,” Dupri said.

The first Southside Day at The Lake represented folks from the areas of East Point, Jonesboro, Morrow, Fayetteville, South Fulton, Fairburn, Riverdale, Forest Park, Morrow, and College Park, according to a flyer for the event.

Families who attended the event were able to enjoy music, live performances, vendors, and celebrity sightings. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that there was a surprise giveaway of land by the Acre Boyzz, a duo who are dedicated to educating Black Americans about land ownership.

“Most people are familiar with stocks, crypto, Forex, different things like that, but most people do not know how to monetize land, and that’s why we’re bringing it to the community,” one of them told the media outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Is Most Educated City In U.S., Report

University of Virginia,
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 3, 2024

University of Virginia Pauses Tours After Backlash For Allegedly Mentioning Thomas Jefferson’s Link To Slavery

Why try to hide the truth?

The University of Virginia (UVA) suspended a campus tour program after being criticized for mentioning school founder Thomas Jefferson’s ties to slavery, NBC News reports. 

Officials say the student-led tours provided by University Guide Service have been slacking in attendance by student volunteers and have issues with “consistency” in content, resulting in the pause. However, a conservative alumni group, The Jefferson Council, has been pushing for the tours to end for years, alleging that volunteers were falsely tarnishing the legacy of UVA’s founder.

The school claims it has been “in close contact with the student-led University Guide Service” for two years “to address a trend of issues and concerns surrounding guide attendance and tour consistency and to discuss plans for improvement.” Council President and class of 1974 graduate Thomas Neale says his group is against any whitewashing of Jefferson’s status as a slave owner but wants a bigger contextualization of the third President of the United States and the author behind the Declaration of Independence. 

He also professes that it was pushing Republican state Gov. Glenn Youngkin to place 13 appointees to the school’s 17-member governing board of trustees that led to this decision. “So yeah, we raised the issue, and now that they have 13 (appointees) — and not all of the Youngkin appointees are homogenous, some are fairly moderate — but all of them looked at this and said this has to change,” Neale said.

A spokesperson for UVA, Bethanie Glover, insists the university’s original statement did not cite the Jefferson Council’s ongoing campaign against University Guide Services and says, ” This is more to do with the guides not showing up for their scheduled tours.” 

According to The Daily Progress, UVA’s Vice Provost for Enrollment, Stephen Farmer, also denied changes as an attempt “to shield visitors from truths about the University’s history.” “No administrator at the University has stated or suggested to the Guides that they should falsify the University’s history or avoid the history of enslavement at the University,” Farmer wrote.

Neale feels it should be highlighted that Jefferson signed the prohibition against the importation of enslaved people into law in 1807 and did other “commendable” things. “He’s (Jefferson) quoted by every country in the modern era as having started a democracy,” Neale said. 

“There are many commendable things about him. Of course, mention he was a slave owner. That’s not hidden.” 

Former tour guides claim there was a stricter framework surrounding the tours, including making “historical stops.” When tours stopped on the Lawn, a guide may have told visitors how the school was built, even touching on the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, resulting in student activism.

While the exact reason behind the tours being paused is unclear, a statement from the University Guide Service says there isn’t a clear plan “for how or when we will be allowed to give historical tours in the future.” Historian Niya Bates referred to the tour suspension as “censorship.” “UGS has been widely celebrated for adding the history of slavery and enslaved people — some my ancestors — to tours of UVA grounds. This is not about their performance, it’s about censorship,” Bates said. 

The student-led group hopes to come to terms with the school and restart tours by spring 2025.

Tyrese
Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 3, 2024

Tyrese Questions Biden-Harris Administration On Covid Hate Crime Bill

Tyrese says the bill's passing over any other legislation for other minorities makes Black people seem "disposable" to the Biden Harris administration.

Tyrese has some concerns over the COVID-19 Hate Crime Bill, falsely stating the law only protects Asian people.

On Sept.2, the entertainer took to Instagram Live with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to express his thoughts. He spoke on the S.937 Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act, which President Biden signed into law in May 2021. In the clips, he alleges that Biden had “skip[ped]” over other identity groups to enact the legislation. The ShadeRoom reposted footage of his conversation.

“President Biden and Kamala Harris signed an Asian Hate Crime law which makes it beyond illegal to ever purposely or maliciously do anything to harm to anybody in the Asian community,” Tyrese said. “And there was a spike in crimes, criminal behavior, in and around covid, allegedly and specifically motivated by Trump. So everybody start treating Asians [by] beating them, killing them, shooting them, stabbing, [and] hurting them. And then [Biden] gets into the White House. [He] skips over every Black and brown [person], Mexican and Latino that have been getting killed like flies, and he makes it a law.”

Tyrese explained that the bill he believes only protects Asian Americans swiftly passed.

He continued, “Where is that same [inaudible] to be signed into the into law when it comes to brown black and brown people because what you’re doing is President Biden and Kamala Harris. What you’re doing is, you’re saying that black and brown people will continue to be disposable.”

Crump then emphasized the importance of Black people getting out the vote to remedy the issue. He thanked Tyrese for his “courage to speak up” about his controversial take.

“That’s why we got to vote, and we got to make sure our voices are heard,” explained the attorney. “…It matters when we speak up and speak truth to power. When we speak what’s on our heart, we will be heard. But first, you got to have the courage to speak up, and that’s why I love you. Tyrese, you speak your heart.”

However, as Tyrese critiqued the current administration’s efforts to protect Black and brown people, some naysayers called him out for spewing misinformation. Journalist Roland Martin did not hold back in his response to the singer’s accusations, detailing that many bills have been passed that protect Black people in America.

“Tyrese, you do not know what you’re talking about,” he began. “That video where you’re talking about an anti-Asian crime bill, that is a lie. Please learn to fact-check before you start talking.”

He referred to these claims as “nonsense.” He debunked that the Covid-19 Hate Crime bill only protected Asian Americans, as it actually includes protections for all minorities.

“I literally have walked through the bill on my show. In the summary, it talks about the attacks on Asian Americans. It is called the covid 19, specifically, just Covid-19,” he added. “If you actually read the bill, which I’ve done on the air multiple times, it does not only apply to Asian Americans. It applies to everybody. So again, Tyrese, you’re wrong. You are 100% wrong. So please, all of you entertainers, when y’all jump out here and make videos and people run with it, I need you to do some verification. Do some fact-checking before you do that.”

Martin then mentioned the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a lynching bill, and a hate crimes bill to protect Black churches from arson as examples of legislation that protected the Black community. He ended his message as a warning for those like Tyrese to confirm the facts before making such accusations.

“Please call somebody before you start spewing stuff you know nothing about.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tyrese Accused Of ‘Exaggerated Theatrics’ In Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Home Depot

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