by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 19, 2024

Recording Academy And Coursea Launch Grammy Go Online Courses For Music Professionals

The Recording Academy's new Grammy Go initiative is all about supporting the next generation of music makers.

The Recording Academy is investing in the next generation of music creatives and professionals with its new Grammy Go initiative.

Launched in partnership with the online learning platform Coursea, the Recording Academy’s new creator-to-creator learning platform will offer classes and coursework tailored to emerging and established members of the music industry. Members of the Recording Academy, including Grammy winners and nominees, will serve as instructors offering their personal experiences as real-life lessons to participants.

Enrollment for the first Grammy Go course “Building Your Audience for Music Professionals” began Wednesday, April 17. The class will be taught by Joey Harris, international music/marketing executive and CEO of Joey Harris Inc., and feature additions from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and five-time Grammy winner Jimmy Jam, 10-time Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe and three-time Grammy winner Victoria Monét.

The class is aimed at helping participants acquire the skills to build a strong brand presence and a devoted audience within the constantly evolving music industry.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to create the curriculum and curate for the @RecordingAcademy’s first ever creator-to-creator online international music business specialization program, #GrammyGO on @Coursera!” Harris wrote in an Instagram announcement.

“This is a next level Music Business Master Class 2.0! I’m excited for you to learn from me, someone who has been in this industry for 28 years, and all that it takes in today’s world to be a successful artist, manager, executive and brand.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joey Harris (@joeyharrisinc)

Grammy Go’s second course, “Music Production: Crafting An Award-Worthy Song,” is all about music production. Over the summer, music producers will learn insight into strengthening and improving their technological and audio skills.

Taught by Carolyn Malachi, Howard University professor and Grammy nominee, the course will feature appearances by Grammy winner CIRKUT, three-time Grammy winner Hit-Boy, artist and celebrity vocal coach Stevie Mackey, five-time Grammy nominee and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., and 15-time Grammy winner Judith Sherman. Pre-enrollment for the music producer’s course began on April 17.

“We are honored to welcome GRAMMY GO, our first entertainment partner, to the Coursera community,” Marni Baker Stein, chief content officer at Coursera, said. “With these self-paced online specializations, aspiring music professionals all over the world have an incredible opportunity to learn directly from iconic artists and industry experts.”

Indiana Teacher, Assault, Disabilities, Julious, Johnican, fight club, student with disabilities, first grader, second, Corrie Horan

by Rafael Pena

April 19, 2024

Indiana Teacher Accused Of Starting ‘Fight Club’ Encouraging Classmates To Assault A Disabled 7-Year-Old

Indiana teacher orchestrated a Fight Club in which he encouraged classmates to physically assault a 7-year-old student with disabilities.

A lawsuit filed on April 16 in Marion County this week accuses former Indiana teacher Julious Johnican of orchestrating a “Fight Club” scenario in which he allegedly encouraged classmates to physically assault a 7-year-old student with disabilities, according to NBC News. The lawsuit also names Indiana Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson and George Washington Carver Montessori IPS School 87 Principal Mary Kapcoe among the defendants.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Life Tiding (@lifetiding)

The suit alleges that Johnican, during the 2023-24 school year, organized the abusive environment over a span of three months, during which he allegedly instigated, facilitated, and even recorded on his phone physical abuse of the student by other students. Attorney Catherine Michael, representing the student’s family, described the teacher’s actions as “a reprehensible ‘fight club’ type of discipline.”

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has initiated an investigation into the allegations, while the school district has stated that the teacher was suspended and subsequently resigned before termination proceedings could commence. The district also clarified that they were not made aware of the allegations until the parent emailed the principal on October 30th. The lawsuit accuses Johnican of allowing other students to punch, hit, and kick the second-grader, resulting in emotional distress and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder for the child.

“In this horrifying setup, Johnican not only permitted but incited and facilitated other students to engage in acts of violence against seven-year-old O.D., which included at least three beatings and various forms of physical harm and bullying both for his own amusement or as a deeply disturbed disciplinary measure,” the suit stated.

During an interview with the Department of Child Services, the student recounted harrowing incidents detailed in the lawsuit, alleging that he endured assault twice in October. According to the suit, during one instance, Johnican purportedly restrained the child while a first-grader slapped his face. In another distressing incident, Johnican allegedly held the child’s shoulders as another student punched him in the stomach and kicked his legs.

The lawsuit encompasses a range of claims, including allegations of negligent care and supervision, negligent hiring and retention practices, and intentional infliction of serious emotional distress.

Sanya Richards-Ross, Team USA, Official Partner, Olympics

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 19, 2024

Sanya Richards-Ross Family Loungewear Line Official Partner With Team USA

Sanya Richards-Ross' COORDINATES has been announced as the official loungewear partner for Team USA.

Sanya Richards-Ross might not be competing in the 2024 Olympics but she’ll be playing a major part as her company is the official loungewear partner for Team USA.

The retired Olympic gold medalist and her husband, Aaron Ross, announced their licensing partnership with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties three months ahead of the Paris Olympics. Their handcrafted pajama and loungewear sets COORDINATES will be worn by this year’s Olympians, Paralympians, and Team USA fans.

The partnership comes after the Ross family introduced the loungewear line over the Christmas holiday with their matching family pajama sets. Richards-Ross, a Jamaican-American track and field star, competed internationally for the U.S. in the 400-meter sprint and won four Olympic gold medals.

“Partnering with Team USA as the pajama licensee means the world to me,” Richards-Ross said. “I learned early in my career how important sleep is, and it’s not just where we first dream of becoming an Olympian. It’s where we rest and recharge to perform at our best. Our goal is to reinforce the importance of sleep while providing stylish and comfortable sets for the athletes and their fans.”

Richards-Ross knows firsthand the grit and dedication that goes into competing in front of the world. It’s why she designed a special collection for Team USA. Pieces include Team USA jogger sets, onesies, button-downs, and sets for kids in colors of (you guessed it) red, white, and blue.

“We are proud to collaborate with Sanya Richards- Ross on this new line of pajamas and loungewear,” Peter Zeytoonjian, senior vice president of consumer products for U.S.A. Olympic & Paralympic Properties, said. “By offering a product that helps Team USA athletes prioritize their rest and well-being, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting their success both on and off the field.”

RELATED CONTENT: Breaking Set To Have Its Olympic Moment In Paris

Henry County School System, Terminated Georgia Teacher

by Stacy Jackson

April 19, 2024

Terminated Georgia Teacher Runs For School Board Seat Following 6-Figure Win Against Henry County School System

The teacher's six-year legal battle against the Henry County School System ends with a new goal to run for the School Board District 5 seat.

A groundbreaking court verdict has awarded Sheri Mimbs, a former Cotton Indian Elementary teacher, a substantial six-figure sum in monetary damages.

This ruling comes after a six-year legal battle against the Henry County School System, which WSBTV reported stemmed from her termination for refusing to assign grades that did not reflect student’s actual performance. In the wake of this victory, Mimbs has set her sights on a new endeavor — running for the School Board District 5 seat.

Mimbs expressed her elation at the outcome, stating, “That’s a victory for me. That’s a victory for these teachers…A weight off my shoulders.”

The school district has been ordered to pay her attorney’s fees and reverse her non-renewal, which Mimbs claims had previously hindered her from securing employment as a teacher.

The conflict dates back to 2017, when Assistant Principal Kayla Holmes instructed Mimbs not to issue grades below 60, even to students who failed to submit any work. This directive was part of a policy implemented by school administrators. Mimbs recounted, “…she was like, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You need to change those grades. Kids can’t have less than a 60.'” The Georgia educator said the initial request blew her mind, according to WSBTV.

Mimbs revealed in 2022 that she captured an audio recording of a conversation with Principal Lisa Travis, in which Travis articulated the rationale behind the directive to modify grades. “We want to be able to let a child at least make some progress,” the female voice stated on the recording. “It’s not about giving them a 60 just to give them a 60.”

Mimbs’ attorney, Barton Black, emphasized that the school’s actions were illegal, and the former teacher maintained that she should not have lost her job for upholding ethical standards. “I should not have lost my job for doing the right thing,” Mimbs asserted.

While her initial goal was to return to the classroom and continue pursuing her passion for teaching, Mimbs has now set her sights on campaigning for the school board seat, along with Gewel Richardson and incumbent board member Makenzie McDaniel.

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, DEI Initiatives, UNC

by Rafael Pena

April 19, 2024

University Of North Carolina Committee Votes On Policy Change Against DEI Initiatives

UNC has voted to repeal a policy related to DEI, potentially jeopardizing staff positions across the university.

In a swift decision, a committee within the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors has voted to repeal a key policy related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on April 17, potentially jeopardizing staff positions across the university system, according to NBC News. The decision, made in less than four minutes, sets the stage for a full board vote next month.

The move has sparked concerns about the future of diversity initiatives within North Carolina’s public universities. If the repeal is approved, it could lead to the dismantling of DEI offices, following a trend seen in other major institutions nationwide.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that the proposed policy change would impact a regulation adopted in 2019 outlining the roles of various DEI positions and establishing a diversity and inclusion council. Under the new policy, the responsibilities of DEI officers and liaisons may be eliminated, raising questions about the continued support for diversity efforts.

While proponents argue that the change reaffirms the university’s commitment to non-discrimination and institutional neutrality, critics see it as a step backward. Former UNC System President Tom Ross, along with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, condemned the decision, “Republican legislative and university leaders who attack diversity at our public universities are failing in their duty to protect students while threatening our ability to recruit top scientists, researchers and innovators who power our economy,” stated Cooper.

However, conservative-leaning groups like the Carolina Partnership for Reform view the new policy as a positive step in reducing bureaucratic barriers.

The decision comes amid a broader national debate over the role of DEI programs in public institutions, with at least 20 states considering proposals to limit diversity initiatives.

Recently, we reported that the NAACP, in partnership with the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights, has expanded its legal action against Arkansas over legislation blocking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teachings in public schools. They’re seeking an injunction against the LEARNS Act, alleging it undermines proper education on Black history and contributions.

Attorney Mike Laux filed the lawsuit, which criticizes Advanced Placement African American Studies courses for being marginalized and underfunded compared to other AP classes. President Derrick Johnson condemns a broader trend of anti-DEI laws nationwide, calling them a threat to the nation’s future. He vows the NAACP’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights and cultural respect.

Dr. Hokehe Eko, Pediatrician, Autism, Kid, Children

by Stacy Jackson

April 19, 2024

Oklahoma Pediatrician Dr. Hokehe Eko, Launches Virtual Clinic To Evaluate Children With Autism

The virtual ADHD and autism evaluations are currently accessible in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Maryland for children 18 months to 10 years.

Dr. Hokehe Eko, founder of Glow Pediatrics, is offering a pioneering virtual platform for evaluating children with autism.

The innovative pediatric integrative medicine practice takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to address physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children. “If you have concerns about the possibility of autism, it is generally better to have your child evaluated sooner rather than later,” Glow Pediatrics stated under its autism services. “Even if you choose not to enroll your child in therapy, understanding your child’s behavior and needs can go a long way toward knowing how to support them.”

While testing is most reliable at 18 months or older, some children may exhibit subtle signs, while others may have more noticeable indicators. In 2023, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed, for the first time, autism being diagnosed more prevalently in Black children compared to their white counterparts. BLACK ENTERPRISE noted the report indicated that in 2020, one in 36 Black children around the age of eight had been identified with autism, a significant increase from just two years prior, when the rate stood at one in 44.

Glow Pediatric’s virtual ADHD and autism evaluations are one-to-two-hour sessions catered to children 18 months to 10 years old. After assessing the patient, Dr. Eko meticulously prepares a comprehensive report detailing her findings, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations, which are discussed during a follow-up appointment. Under the leadership of a trusted physician, the clinic hosts weekly Glow Health Circles, providing patients with a supportive community and fostering accountability on their health journeys.

Dr. Eko, a Board-Certified Pediatrician with over a decade of experience, takes a root-cause approach when treating ADHD and autism, considering physical and environmental factors. “As a result of my experience, I am better able to differentiate between neuro-typical and neuro-atypical behaviors, and can also help identify if there are other factors at play, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, intellectual delays, or other medical conditions,” Dr. Eko said on her website. She recently discussed the importance of an early autism diagnosis on her YouTube channel, “Brain Power with Dr Eko.”

A graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine, Dr. Eko has received additional training in brain health, pediatric integrative medicine, and child abuse. As a mother of three and founder of the non-profit Kits of Hope, she extends her compassionate care to foster children.

The virtual ADHD and autism evaluations are currently accessible in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Maryland.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Healthy Tips For The Impulsive And Impatient

Shanti Das, Mental Health App, Microsoft

by Stacy Jackson

April 19, 2024

Former Music Exec Shanti Das To Launch Mental Health App With Microsoft

Silence the Shame's new app will use cutting-edge technology to provide mental health resources for its digital community.

Silence the Shame, a prominent mental health advocacy organization, and tech titan Microsoft are set to unveil an app dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and support.

This partnership harnesses technology to deliver personalized resources to individuals and communities grappling with mental health challenges. According to a press release, the non-profit and Microsoft are calling on communities worldwide to join forces in raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of prevalent mental health issues.

App users can engage in the community by sharing stories, dialogue, and exploring app content.

“Two years ago, Darrell Booker and his team at Microsoft included Silence the Shame in their global hackathon, and here we are now with this beautiful application,” said Shanti Das, CEO and founder of Silence the Shame. “This is an exciting moment not only for our organization but, more importantly, for communities to have more access to mental health resources and healthy ways to cope.”

The Atlanta native and former music executive has dedicated her time improving health in the community. She previously spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about her commitment to ensure multicultural communities were heart-healthy as a National Power Ambassador for the American Heart Association.

“We acknowledge the silent battles many face with mental health,” said Booker, Microsoft corporate affairs specialist. “Technology, like the .NET MAUI mobile app powered by Microsoft, offers a beacon of hope,” he stated in the press release. “…This app provides a discreet and accessible platform for support…it’s a lifeline that can save lives by connecting us to the help we need, right from our mobile devices.”

The app’s launch is scheduled to coincide with National Silence the Shame Day on May 5, during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Visit Silence the Shame’s website for more information on the app and to access a series of insightful Instagram Live sessions throughout the month of May featuring mental health professionals and influencers.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 19, 2024

Woman Still Waiting For Return Of Car She Loaned George Floyd

Almost four years after Floyd's death, Sylvia Jackson still has not gotten her vehicle back that she loaned her friend the day he was killed by police officers

A woman loaned her car to her friend, George Floyd, on May 25, 2020, and he was in that car when stopped by Minneapolis police officers before being killed by Derek Chauvin.

Almost four years after that tragic incident, Sylvia Jackson still has not gotten her vehicle back, as she was informed recently that it was still being held as “evidence in the active criminal investigation” of Floyd’s death.

According to KSTP, Jackson allowed Floyd to borrow her blue 2001 Mercedes SUV on the day of his death. She still doesn’t have the vehicle in her possession after inquiring about getting it back multiple times over the years. Several trials have taken place that have sent the police officers involved in his killing, Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng, to prison. Yet her Mercedes was still being held as evidence.

As recently as February, when Jackson inquired about the status of having her car returned, a person working at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) texted her, “I’m still working on it.”

“I wasn’t asking for anything else,” Jackson said. “I just wanted my property back.”

The BCA was contacted on April 18 and told the media outlet that they were still holding Jackson’s SUV as “evidence in the active criminal investigation” into the death of Floyd. After agreeing to an on-camera interview, the agency backed out. Later that day, 5 INVESTIGATES was contacted by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and told that Jackson would soon be getting her car back.

“Attorney General Ellison has authorized that Ms. Jackson’s car be released to her,” Press Secretary Brian Evans said in a written statement. “While this is a departure from standard evidence-retention processes, we understand the significant burden this presents for Ms. Jackson.”

Evans also said that the Attorney General’s office has been in contact with the BCA and has authorized the release of the vehicle to Jackson. A BCA spokesperson said it will “be able to share specific information with Ms. Jackson about when that will happen soon.”

“I really just wanted my property back,” Jackson said. “My property that I paid for and put my hard work in for.”

WNBA, Chicago Sky, Ticket Sales, Reese, Angle, Kamila, Cardoso, Caitlin Clark

by Stacy Jackson

April 19, 2024

2024 WNBA Draft Picks Spark Surge In Ticket Sales For The Chicago Sky

A June game between Chicago Sky's pick Angel Reese and Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark is nearly sold out, with tickets priced up to $1,700.

The Chicago Sky’s draft picks have ignited a surge in ticket sales after the team secured South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, LSU forward Angel Reese, and Gonzaga guard Brynna Maxwell in Monday’s WNBA draft.

According to The Chicago Tribune, tickets for a June 23 game are nearly sold out on Ticketmaster. The matchup is between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, the team that selected former University of Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, this year’s No. 1 draft pick. Prices for the game soared as high as $1,700. In 2023, a roar of controversy among spectators sparked after Reese was accused of unsportsmanlike behavior for taunting Clark with a ring finger gesture that the Iowa guard had been previously praised for signaling to other opponents.

“There has definitely been an increase in ticket sales throughout the year that coincides with the tremendous amount of talent coming out of the NCAA and into the WNBA this upcoming season,” said Anthony Whaley, Chicago Sky’s vice president of ticket sales.

“Fans are wanting to watch more women’s basketball and the growth in our ticket sales has reflected that.” Other highly anticipated games include the May 25 home opener between the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun and upcoming games against the Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, and New York Liberty.

According to Chicago Sky reporter Karli Bell, all three players may experience a substantial amount of playing time throughout their WNBA rookie season. “What Sky did, instead of building a team to win now, they started a development for later,” she said. “From a business standpoint, they’ll capitalize on it. Everyone wants to see Angel.”

The excitement surrounding women’s basketball has grown tremendously. In February, Forbes noted that NCAA lines wrapped around arenas for star players like Clark and Reese, who kept coverage and scoreboard watch at an all-time high. Historic moments like Stanford’s esteemed head coach Tara VanDerveer surpassing longtime Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski to become the winningest coach across collegiate basketball have added to the craving for women’s basketball.

by Jennifer Streaks

April 19, 2024

Do This If You’re Still Not Ready To File Your Taxes

If you are still looking for receipts, haven't made an appointment with your tax preparer or have discovered a serious tax issue that needs to be handled, what do you do?

Originally Published April 8, 2013.

Lying to the IRS or lying on your taxes is a felony that could result in jail time of up to three years. Individuals face fines of up to $250,000, and corporations face up to $500,000. In addition, you could be slapped with the costs related to your prosecution. Uncle Sam says don’t do it. Trust us, he’ll get you. It is down to the wire and only a week before your tax filing is due. But if you are still looking for receipts, haven’t made an appointment with your tax preparer, or have discovered a serious tax issue that needs handling, what do you do?

File for an extension.

If you really feel that there is no way you can get your taxes filed by the April 15th deadline, you can send in IRS Form 4858, Automatic Extension of Time to File. This half-page form asks for your name, address, and Social Security number. It’s that simple. This will give you another six months to get your taxes filed.

One caveat: If you owe taxes, you still need to pay the amount you owe or a close approximation. Don’t just make up an amount here. The IRS warns that if it finds your estimate unreasonable, it could invalidate your request, subjecting you to non-filing penalties.

While tax law doesn’t strictly require you to pay your tax bill to get more time to file, you should, or end up owing more in the long run. The IRS will add interest to any tax bill not paid by the April deadline, plus a late payment penalty.

For more information, visit www.irs.gov.