• Entrepreneurship

by Kandia Johnson

March 20, 2024

31 Actionable Tips For Promoting Your Business On LinkedIn

Whether you're looking to establish yourself as a thought leader, recruit staff, or connect with key influencers, LinkedIn is a powerful branding tool for businesses.

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Originally Published Jan. 26, 2015.

Whether you’re looking to establish yourself as a thought leader, recruit staff, or connect with key influencers, LinkedIn is a powerful branding tool for businesses. And with more than 800 million members globally, there’s an incredible opportunity to expand your company’s reach.

To maximize on LinkedIn, check out the business tips below:

1. Before a presentation, update your LinkedIn profile; attendees will review it to assess your credibility.
2. Transform a generic link to your website into a call to action, especially on company profiles.
3. Create entries for every role you have performed within each job title. It’s OK to have overlapping dates.
4. Share high-quality information with your network to create connections that become alliances.
5. The ideal length for LinkedIn long-form posts is 500 to 1,200 words. Tailor the length for your audience.
6. Skip the “How do you know this person” step. Click “Connect from search results instead of profiles.
7. Want another user or company to see your LinkedIn status updates? Use @mentions when you post.
8. Don’t be a wallflower. Your profile is 5x more likely to be viewed if you join and are active in groups.
9. When introducing yourself, don’t be self-centered. Be generous, genuine, and focus on the other person.
10. Looking for a new job on LinkedIn? Don’t let your boss know; turn off your activity broadcasts.
11. LinkedIn users who update their profiles regularly get more job offers than peers who contact recruiters.

1. Censor yourself. If you wouldn’t say it in a job interview, don’t say it in a LinkedIn group or post.
2. Schedule time to be active on LinkedIn. Review your profile, monitor updates, and participate in discussions.
3. Evernote and LinkedIn integrate and can organize business cards, LinkedIn info, and networking notes in one place.
4. Use your LinkedIn profile as a sales tool. Add a short video about your company to your profile.
5. Add value to LinkedIn groups: share visual presentations that will interest group members.
6. Profiles with pictures are 14x more likely to be viewed. Use a professional image with a neutral background.
7. Avoid profile buzzwords, such as creative and motivated. Minimize adjectives. Emphasize verbs.
8. Don’t use the automated invitation message: “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”
9. LinkedIn has found that 20 posts per month can help you reach 60% of your unique audience.
10. The best times to post on LinkedIn are Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. local time.
11. Company updates with images have a 98% higher comment rate than updates without images.

1. You are unique. Prove it. Use a creative headline instead of defaulting to your current job title.
2. Help recruiters, prospects, and potential partners find you; use keywords throughout your LinkedIn profile.
3. Successful LinkedIn content often provides ready-to-use takeaways in a list format.
4. Endorse people you respect. Send a thank-you message when someone endorses you.
5. List volunteer experience on LinkedIn; 42% of hiring managers value it as much as formal job experience.
6. LinkedIn groups provide one of the best personal branding opportunities you have with social media.
7. Are you struggling to fill a role in your company? Instead of hiring a recruiter, consider joining LinkedIn’s Recruiter service.
8. Share original content; “content is now viewed six times more than jobs-related activity on LinkedIn.”
9. Use visuals; embed SlideShare presentations and infographics into your profile and long-form posts.

RELATED CONTENT: How To Avoid Social Media Mishaps In The Workplace

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 20, 2024

Raoul Peck Making Documentary On The Assassination Of Haitian President Jovenel Moise

Raoul Peck is set to make a documentary that follows the investigation into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise.

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The Haitian Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind 2016’s I Am Not Your Negro is set to make a documentary that follows the investigation into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise.

Tentatively titled The Hands That Held the Knives, the documentary will be directed and produced by Raoul Peck under his Velvet Films company, Deadline reported. The documentary has been over two years in the making and includes up close and personal encounters with some who were closely involved with the shocking crime.

Highlights include secretly filmed footage from inside Haiti’s prisons and an unexpected encounter with a fugitive who was an eyewitness to the murder. Peck goes back to his home country to dive deep into the intricate web of Haitian politics, its entangled ties with the United States, and the widespread influence of corrupt business conglomerates and criminal syndicates causing dysfunction throughout the Caribbean with weapons trafficked from the U.S.

Most noticeable will be the present-day status of Haiti, which sees ruthless gangs, who now control 80% of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, grow in power thanks to funding from oligarchs with well-paid lobbyists in Washington, D.C. The documentary is described as a “documentary thriller, in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré.”

“I am eager to tell my country’s real story beyond the usual exotic clichés and preposterous clickbait,” Peck says of the new project. “I want to reveal for once, without holding back, the core stories and real reasons for Haiti’s tragic situation.”

With Haiti currently experiencing a new rise in violence and dysfunction with increased gang activity and the current prime minister Ariel Henry being stuck in Puerto Rico, Peck’s documentary will show how Moise’s assassination played a major role in the current destabilization.

“This is a story that only Raoul Peck can tell. A former Minister of Culture in Haiti, Raoul has been in the belly of the beast of Haiti’s politics and is the only filmmaker alive with the knowledge of the country and the extraordinary skill as a filmmaker to be able to tell this tale, which has global implications, as governments fall, one by one, to the ruthless pursuit of money and power,” Academy Award winning Jigsaw producer Alex Gibney said.

Editing for the documentary is underway while shooting continues in Haiti, the U.S., Canada, France and North Africa.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘The American Society Of Magical Negroes’ Cast Explains Film’s Satire On Assimilation And White Guilt Debate

by Stacy Jackson

March 20, 2024

Whoopi Goldberg Says She Used Weight-Loss Drug At 300 Lbs

Goldberg shared that she had taken a lot of steroids and turned to Mounjaro after her weight hit 300 pounds during the filming of "Till."

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During a discussion about Oprah Winfrey’s recent ABC special, An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution, Whoopi Goldberg voiced her unwavering support for her Color Purple co-star.

On a March 19 episode of The View, Goldberg revealed to the audience that she too had taken weight-loss medication, a topic Winfrey delved into during her special. Goldberg said her own decision to seek medical assistance came after her involvement in the 2022 biographical drama Till.

“I will tell you, I weighed almost 300 pounds when I made ‘Till,'” the comedian stated. “I had taken all those steroids…and one of the things that’s helped me drop the weight is the…Mounjaro,” which co-host Sunny Hostin also admitted to using at one point after she had gained 40 pounds. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Goldberg responded to a film critic in 2022 who claimed she wore a fat suit in the Emmett Till biopic. The EGOT winner clarified, “…you should know that was not a fat suit, that was me. That was steroids.”

On Tuesday’s episode, Goldberg also said she hadn’t realized the extent of her weight gain until she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror one day. “I just always felt like me,” she said. “And then I saw me, and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s a lot of me!’

“My weight has come and gone and up and down,” she continued, “but it’s never been an issue for me because I don’t listen to what other people say about me, so it has never been a problem. But I think it’s very hard for people to just know what a normal weight would be.” Goldberg noted the difficulty in addressing weight gain with sensitivity. “Everyone has something to say, but no one said, ‘How you doing?’ Because it involves so many other things.”

“I think it is a matter of how we treat ourselves,” Goldberg emphasized.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered how Winfrey reflected on her long-standing struggles with self-perception and weight during her March 18 special. The media mogul discussed how weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic have transformed her own life and the lives of many individuals grappling with obesity. She also acknowledged her newfound understanding of the stigma surrounding the condition.

• Career

by Jamie Harrison

March 20, 2024

Five Tips for Handling Tough Workplace Personalities

Use these tips to deal with difficult coworkers.

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Originally Published Mar. 10, 2015

From the coworker who slightly tap dances on your nerves to the coworker from hell, dealing with a nuisance at work can totally deplete your work energy and negatively impact your career. Whether you’re just entering the job force or have been in the game for a while, you will encounter challenging personalities in the workplace sooner or later. The bad news: Unless there’s a job change in your near future, there’s no escaping the people you spend 40 hours a week with. The good news: You can learn to defend yourself appropriately and change the situation. Take a look at five difficult personalities you may come across and strategies on how to handle them.

The Shade Thrower

The shade thrower constantly throws nice-nasty shade or backhanded compliments your way (think Phaedra Parks from Real Housewives of Atlanta). The truth is, the root of your coworker’s shady slandering is probably filled with insecurity. By subtly picking at your vulnerabilities, they are merely trying to make themselves feel more powerful.

How to Deal:

Stand up for yourself. If you remain silent, the rude coworker may take that as a sign of insecurity and lack of assertiveness, which can cause the situation to escalate. When a coworker’s behavior becomes unacceptable, confront him or her in a professional manner and nip their hating ways in the bud.

 The Gossiper

Do you work with the office equivalent of Wendy Williams? The gossiper thrives on the latest stories, so much so that you may as well call her Channel 9 News. From top-secret company information to your supervisor’s extramarital affair, everything is fair game. While you may be tempted to indulge in juicy gossip, nothing is worse than getting involved in work drama, especially if it catches your boss’s eye—or ear.

How to Deal:

When the conversation starts to go left, change the subject immediately. Tell the gossiper that you aren’t interested in discussing or even hearing the topic at hand. Also, if you remain super low-key in the office, the gossiper will be forced to find other listening ears. Your name is Bennett…and you know the rest.

The Slacker

While you’re busting your behind all morning, the slacker strolls in late, takes an extra-long lunch, and then leaves early. Working alongside him/her is like being back in high school with the one person you knew wouldn’t participate in the group project. Now, the rest of the team, you included, have to work overtime to pick up their slack and make sure the assignment is completed.

How to Deal:

It’s all about strategy here. Create a paper trail of your collaboration with the slacker to prove your contribution to your boss. Not allowing this lazy coworker to fall short will make him or her take responsibility for their performance and actions, or lack thereof.

The Copycat

The only thing more frustrating than a teammate who refuses to pull their weight is one who takes credit for a project they had no part in creating. Often too lazy or afraid to come up with his own ideas, a copycat has no problem stealing your creativity and passing it off as his own. While they say that imitation is a form of flattery, watching your coworker pitch your brilliant idea to the executive team can threaten your career success enormously.

How to Deal:

Approach this copycat coworker and resolve the situation directly. If your coworker is constantly stealing your shine, it may be necessary to discuss this with your boss so he or she is aware and can help prevent this situation from happening again.

The Overachiever

From the beginning of time, we’ve all dealt with an overachiever. From elementary school all the way to college, the overachiever was constantly vying for the top spot. Back then, it was the teacher’s pet; now, it’s the boss’s favorite. He makes it his mission to trump you at everything, all in the name of employee of the month.

How to Deal:

Stay focused on producing quality work. Competitiveness is often about making the other person doubt themselves. When desperately trying to one-up you, confuse the overachiever by remaining cool, calm, and collected. They’ll be thrown off by the confidence and job satisfaction that you exude.

Written by Jamie Harrison 

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Concrete Ways To Recover From A Foul Up At Work

by Daniel Johnson

March 20, 2024

Ghanaian Pastor Makes Wild Claim That ‘78%’ Of Gospel Musicians Are ‘Into LGBT Activities’

Badu cited numbers without any data, claiming that 78% of gospel musicians and pastors are either gay or “involved in LGBT activities” before turning his attention to Ghana.

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Ghana has taken a political position that is anti-LGBT these days. The West African nation recently passed a bill that essentially makes it illegal to be openly gay in the country, BLACK ENTERPRISE covered. A Ghanaian Pastor added his two cents with claims that a number of gospel musicians are engaging in LGBT acts.

Ghanaian pastor and musician Sonnie Badu is warning that gospel music, and even children’s programming pushes an “agenda,” Advocate reported.

Badu, a conservative pundit who is also the lead pastor of Rockwell Church in Atlanta, told Accra FM, “In America, about 78 percent of gospel musicians there are gay,”

Badu continued, “Most of these popular musicians that we play their songs on our airwaves and in our churches are into LGBT activities. If you get to know them, you won’t play their songs again. Even some of the bishops that we follow and listen to are involved in LGBT activities.”

Without data, Badu cited 78% of gospel musicians and pastors are either gay or “involved in LGBT activities” before turning his attention to Ghana.

“This LGBT+ agenda is not just in Ghana — it’s everywhere. It’s in many countries, in their books, schools, cartoons, etc.,” Badu said. “Personally, in my house, my children won’t watch cartoons again. These innocent cartoons are now subtly sending messages to our children. It’s disturbing as a parent.”

Though Ghana’s bill that criminalizes people who identify as LGBTQ+ or adjacent has passed, President Nana Afuko-Addo has delayed signing the bill into law, pending a decision from Ghana’s Supreme Court after human rights groups challenged the bill in court. 

If the law is passed, Ghana could lose up to $3.8 billion from international allies over the next five years and $850 million in funds in 2024.

Badu, as Ghana Web reports, also attributed the rise of HIV/AIDS cases in Ghana to the Year of Return. The Year of Return has reportedly created tension between Ghanians and those seeking to repatriate in Ghana.

“Every December, Ghana is the place where people come to have fun, people come from all over the world due to the Year of Return and December in Ghana festivities, and they engage in sexual activities and end up transmitting all sorts of STI’s.”

According to 99 Science, one of the most trusted science communications organizations in Ghana, as of 2023, the HIV prevalence rate in the country stands at 1.8%. This figure is lower than the HIV prevalence rate in Africa overall, which is 2.5%. In Ghana, an estimated 87% of the population are aware of their status, which is interpreted as the result of increased access to HIV testing services. 

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin issued a public apology to the LGBTQ+ community in 2015 – on behalf of his peers – for words and actions that are hurtful and have no place in the church.

“I want to apologize for all of the hurtful and painful things that have been said about people in the church that have been talented and gifted and musical, that we’ve used and we’ve embarrassed…and all this other horrible crap that we’ve done,” Franklin said. “We have not treated them like people. We’re talking about human beings, men and women that God has created.”

Franklin continued, “The Bible is not a book that’s an attack on gay people,”

Franklin closed his remarks with a call to the message of the Christian cross, that there is salvation for those who seek it, no matter their sexuality. 

RELATED CONTENT: Flashy Brooklyn Pastor Lamar Whitehead Found Guilty Of Fraud And Attempted Extortion 

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 20, 2024

Mathew Knowles Honors Destiny’s Child For Women’s History Month And Asks Them To ‘Come Out Of Retirement’

Beyoncé's dad Mathew Knowles is celebrating Women's History Month by honoring "the number one female group of all time," Destiny's Child.

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It’s Women’s History Month and Beyoncé’s dad, Mathew Knowles, sees it as the perfect time to celebrate “the number one female group of all time,” Destiny’s Child.

Mathew Knowles took to Instagram on Monday, March 18, to share an open letter dedicated to honoring Destiny’s Child’s success in music dating back to the group’s start as Girls Tyme to the continued “hard work and dedication” of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams.

“Dear Destiny’s Child, It is hard to believe that it has been almost 25 years since we began this journey this June,” he wrote. “You were just young teenagers with a dream to be the best in the world and you accomplished your dream.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mathew Knowles (@mrmathewknowles)

After thanking the group for entrusting him to help facilitate their journey, Knowles went on to thank everyone who played a role in the group’s early start as Girls Tyme, including founding members and those who served as managers before he took over. Directing his message to the group’s three remaining members, Knowles applauded Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle for “the incredible talent, hard work, and dedication” they put into their music careers.

“Your relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering trust in each other have undoubtedly propelled you to become the number one female group of all time,” he wrote.

Noting the millions of fans and records sold, along with the challenges the group faced together, Knowles thanked Destiny’s Child for the resilience that helped them reach “legendary” status. He ended his open letter by shutting down rumors that the trio parted ways and issued a request for them to reunite.

“Many have gotten it wrong that Destiny’s Child broke up,” Knowles wrote. “No, you were smarter than that and you always knew that one day Destiny’s Child would retire on top!! Hopefully, one day you come out of retirement!!”

Destiny’s Child released their fifth and final studio album Destiny Fulfilled in November 2004. Since then the group has reunited for gospel singles and performances but has yet to release another EP together.

Their last group performance was during Beyoncé’s headlining set at Coachella in 2018. Earlier this year, the trio came together to sing a special rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Rowland’s husband Tim Witherspoon for his 50th birthday. With their final album release nearing the 20-year mark this November, maybe Destiny’s Child will take Mathew Knowles up on his request.

RELATED CONTENT: Dad Defense: Matthew Knowles Checks Critics On Beyonce’s ‘Cecred’ Haircare Line

• News History

by Stacy Jackson

March 20, 2024

Female Officer At Women’s Prison Arrested After Exchanges With Inmate

Tashiba Watkins resigned from her position at the prison in 2023 after text messages revealed she was paid at least $1,000 by an inmate.

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Tashiba Watkins, a correctional officer at Julia Tutwiler Prison, has been charged with exploiting her official role for personal gain.

The ex-officer, who resigned in November 2023, according to WSFA, was arrested at her home on March 13 by the Alabama Department of Corrections’ Law Enforcement Services Division.

Court records from November 2023 detailed a $1,000 Apple Pay transaction that Watkins allegedly received from an undisclosed phone number earlier that month. The former Julia Tutwiler officer claimed she was repeatedly solicited by an inmate to smuggle a bag of drugs into the facility, a proposition she claimed to have rejected. The former officer further claimed that the inmate subsequently issued threats to her over her personal cell phone and her daughter’s phone. However, Watkins admitted that she failed to report the interactions to her superiors at the time.

In a conflicting account, the inmate asserted that she had, on multiple occasions, provided Watkins with over $2,000 in exchange for various contraband items within the prison. While no contraband was presented during the investigation, the inmate furnished personal notes containing Watkins’ private information and details about a meeting between the two individuals at a specific date and time.

According to court documents, investigators uncovered security footage allegedly depicting Watkins meeting with the inmate, during which Watkins provided the inmate with writing materials. The ADOC’s investigation further uncovered evidence that Watkins had indeed accepted an alleged digital transaction of at least $1,000 from a contact that was linked to the inmate. Three text messages from the inmate’s associate were extracted from the cell phone, one of which explicitly requested monetary funds.

As ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division continues to investigate the illicit incident, involved parties may face further charges.

Julia Tutwiler Prison is an all-women’s facility located in Wetumpka, Alabama, according to ADOC.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 20, 2024

Jonathan Majors Sued By Ex-Partner Grace Jabbari For Assault And Defamation

Johnathan Majors has been sued by Grace Jabbari for defamation and assault three months after his trial.

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Jonathan Majors is now being sued directly by his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari for defamation and assault. The lawsuit comes three months after the Marvel actor was found guilty by a jury on the matter.

The federal lawsuit was filed in New York on March 19. Within the court document, Jabbari listed battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and malicious prosecution and defamation. The British choreographer also claimed additional instances of domestic abuse by Majors during their years-long relationship.

Jabbari alleged that Majors attacked her in September 2022, as reported by BBC News. She then recalled how speaking out against the abuse further angered the 34-year-old.

“Soon after, Grace disclosed the physical abuse to a member of Jonathan’s management team in an effort to get him help. Majors was furious when he learned that Grace had outed him as an abuser,” the lawsuit read.

The 31-year-old also detailed incidents of verbal abuse and intense anger projected at her. In regards to defamation, the lawsuit states that Majors continued to vilify her after his December conviction.

“When publicly confronted with Grace’s numerous allegations of abuse, Majors has called her a liar at every turn and very specifically claimed that he has never put his hands on a woman, with the goal of convincing the world that Grace is not a victim of domestic abuse but instead a crazy liar who should be treated as such,” said the lawsuit.

However, Major’s defense team expressed that they expected Jabbari to pursue further legal action. Priya Chaudry, Majors’ lawyer, responded briefly in an email to NBC News.

This is no surprise,” said Chaudhry. “Mr. Majors is preparing counterclaims against Ms. Jabbari.”

Majors is also dealing with two other abuse allegations from past partners. However, Majors maintained his innocence on Jabbari’s claims despite the guilty verdict. He spoke in an interview with ABC News in January about his confusion on the outcome.

“I’m standing there and the verdict comes down. I say … ‘How is that possible?” he said. “Based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence, how is that possible?”

Majors was found guilty of harassment and misdemeanor assault in the jury trial, and is expected to be sentenced on April 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors Replaced By Corey Hawkins In ‘The Man In My Basement’

• Celebrity News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 20, 2024

Raphael Saadiq Honored With A Signature Telecaster Guitar

Raphael Saadiq is now the newest musician part of Fender's Artist Signature Series, unveiling his limited edition Telecaster guitar.

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On March 14, Fender announced their new collaboration with Tony! Toni! Toné! member Raphael Saadiq, honoring him with his own signature telecaster guitar..

The Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster features a callback to retro designs. However, it also maintains a timeless look for guitar enthusiasts of all generations. The “Tele” includes an ash body, vintage tall frets, and “old school” ’59 “C” shaped neck, completed with a dark red metallic finish. The guitar is part of Fender’s Artist Signature Series that pays homage to the world’s greatest artists and instrumentalists who have helped shape the art.

To further promote his newest creation with Fender, Saadiq took part in a video alongside fellow musician Eric Gales to explore the capabilities and look of the guitar.

Saadiq first garnered recognition for his work in the chart-topping family band, but is also known for his collaborations with other esteemed artists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston. He joins a cohort featuring Bruno Mars, Jimi Hendrix and H.E.R. within Fender’s Artist Signature Series. A legend who is respected among others of his stature, Saaqid spoke of the “great honor” to have his own guitar with the classic musical instrument manufacturer.

“Fender truly went hard in the paint with my signature Tele. It goes beyond the richness and snap I love to play with,” shared the Grammy winner. “Collaborating with the iconic Fender brand to introduce my own signature Telecaster is a great honor. I’m excited for young musicians to pick up this guitar, write with it, and take the stage with confidence.”

Fender’s executive vice president of Product, Justin Norvell, also expressed the company’s excitement to unveil their latest instrument. “Fender proudly unveils our latest masterpiece—a Telecaster® collaboration with the incredible multi-instrumentalist Raphael Saadiq. This
guitar is a blend of tradition and innovation, vintage charm meets modern brilliance,” said Norvell. He added that the inclusion of vintage and contemporary elements will delight all players.

The expertly-crafted guitar is a collectible with sonic power built for performance, and is available for $2,399.99 at Fender’s official website.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Promoters Collective Brings An Electric Lineup To Miami’s 2024 ‘Jazz In The Gardens’ Festival

• Uncategorized

by Lauren Nutall

March 20, 2024

CJ Rice Is Free After Wrongful Conviction Is Overturned, Now He Wants To Help Others

C.J. Rice was wrongfully convicted of a shooting that injured four people when he was 17 years-old.

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In 2011, 17 year-old C.J. Rice was arrested for a crime that he did not commit. Thirteen years later, he has been exonerated by the state. Now 30 years old, the Philadelphia native hopes to open a new chapter in his life by becoming a paralegal. 

Charles Rice, nicknamed C.J., was sentenced to 30-60 years in prison for a shooting in Philadelphia that left four people injured, according to The New York Times. He was convicted in 2013, despite what the state now says was “ineffective assistance” from his legal counsel and a failure to establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In Nov. 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania overturned his conviction and sentence after Rice filed a habeas relief petition. The district attorney for the City of Philadelphia, Larry Krasner, later declined to retry Rice, and instead moved to clear him of all charges. Judge James Eisenhower signed off on the motion on Monday, March 18.

The District Attorney’s office issued a statement about the monumental decision that same day.

“I want to thank our Federal Litigation Unit and Gun Violence Task Force for their work toward achieving a just resolution of this matter,” said Krasner. “Mr. Rice did not receive effective assistance of defense counsel at trial, nor did this office under a prior administration conduct a vigorous investigation of potential alibis.” 

Krasner also acknowledged Rice’s mother Crystal Cooper, who worked as a DAO paralegal at the time of her son’s arrest.

“All defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” he continued. “At minimum, this office should have made sure Mr. Rice had access to competent legal counsel, just as I and all DAO supervisors would if their own children were accused of a crime.”

On Sept. 25, 2011, a shooting attack at a Point Breeze residence injured a group of four people – a gang-affiliated young man as well as his mother, sister, and cousin, according to the district attorney. Witnesses shared that there were one or two gunmen, and that they fled on foot. 

Rice, who had been injured in a non-fatal shooting just days prior and had known the victims for years, was subsequently arrested after police received an anonymous tip implicating a suspect, despite the teenager still having difficulties walking due to his own attack, CNN reported. Rice was selected by one of the four victims out of a police lineup, though the details of this conversation were not recorded. 

Following his arrest, Rice underwent a jury trial in 2013, where he was convicted of four counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses. However, he has maintained his innocence over the years. 

Rice’s story has made national headlines. Now, he is looking for a fresh start and has plans to pursue a career as a paralegal, just like his mother. The non-profit Dream Org, which is behind the movement to address mass incarceration, has launched a GoFundMe on Rice’s behalf so that he may begin this next stage of his life.

RELATED CONTENT: South Carolina ACLU Joins Fight To Free BLM Protestor In Prison