Vice President Kamala Harris ‘Reintroduces’ Herself For Time Magazine Cover
Simply gorgeous!
Time Magazine celebrated Vice President Kamala Harris on the cover by highlighting how she pulled off “the swiftest vibe shift in modern political history,” The Independent reported.
The stunning cover photo features Harris sketched in black and white while surrounded by her supporters holding signs reading, “Her moment.” While she declined the interview, the title story, “The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris,” compared her Philadelphia campaign rally on Aug. 6 to a Beyoncé concert. With over 14,000 people attending the rally, her Democratic takeover has also been compared to the enthusiasm last felt when former President Barack Obama ran for President in 2008.
Harris took over on the presidential trail after top Democrats pressured President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid following a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June 2024. Once he decided to drop out of the race, hours later, Biden endorsed his Vice President as the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate.
With her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, by her side, the Howard University graduate is ahead in the polls in several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, by four points, according to a survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College.
The Trump campaign defended his supporters, calling the poll results “dramatically understated.” “Once again, we see a series of public surveys released with the clear intent and purpose of depressing support for President Trump,” a memo from the campaign read. Trump himself posted about the polls, claiming he is doing well. “I’m doing really well in the presidential race, leading in almost all of the REAL polls, and this despite the Democrats unprecedentedly changing their primary winning candidate,” Trump wrote.
“I did great in 2016, and WON, did much better in 2020, getting many millions more votes than ‘16, but this, 2024, is thus far my best campaign.”
While Harris’ latest magazine cover title caught some slack from social media users, the cover caught Trump’s attention. According to Newsweek, the indicted businessman called Harris “beautiful” during an X interview with Elon Musk. He then compared her to his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump says he saw Kamala Harris today on Time Magazine. He says she looked beautiful but then says it was drawing. He then says she looked like Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/pW9ctsCt0r
Social media users accused Time of attempting to diminish Harris’ accomplishments by using the term “reintroduction.” “The reintroduction…last time I checked, she’s been VP for the last four years,” lawyer @thompsonklay wrote.
Photography Veteran Shares 3 Steps To Creative Business Growth
In the dynamic realm of celebrity photography, where creativity intertwines with intuition, Robin V rises above the rest. With her unwavering passion and distinct perspective, she navigates the intricacies of the entertainment industry, capturing the essence of each subject and immortalizing the moments that shape our collective cultural consciousness.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Baltimore, Robin took an untraditional path in her journey into photography. Seeking even more opportunities, Robin left Baltimore for Miami with nothing more than a one-way ticket, a dream, and a determination to make it on her terms.
Brand equals value
Since its inception, the photography industry has been dominated by white individuals, and Black professionals, particularly Black women, have encountered challenges and obstacles as they try to break through.
Robin remarks, “From the beginning, I completely understood how important my branding would be to my business, and I branded with intention.”
Knowing how she wants her brand to live and breathe, Robin creates a strategy that aligns with her vision and resonates with her target audience.
“I would not show up to a photo shoot in sweatpants and a T-shirt. I come dressed to the nines,” she says. “I want my commissioner and client to know I am charging a premium price because I shoot luxury and I am luxury. The total package, including myself, is a part of my value.”
Putting systems in place
While photographers find joy and fulfillment in capturing moments and expressing their artistic vision, monetizing their passion in such a competitive industry can be complex.
“If you don’t have a strategy to scale your photography business, you will struggle,” Robin observes. “Many photographers struggle because they love what they do but don’t have systems in place to ensure profitability.”
Finding the right balance between passion and profit requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate the challenges in the industry.
“I love what I do. I can do it with my eyes closed, but with no systems, you can get taken advantage of,” says Robin. Those systems include handling inquiries, scheduling, photoshoots, editing, and rates. “Photography is an expensive profession; if you are not pricing correctly, you are working for free. As a Black woman, I had to learn my value, and I didn’t learn it until I knew my value.”
Stay creative
Photographers can draw inspiration from countless sources that fuel their creativity and push the boundaries of their art. Working as a model in visuals directed by iconic directors such as Hype Williams and Benny Boom, Robin became fascinated by the cameras and everything happening behind the scenes.
“By being on sets with countless directors, I picked up aspects of lighting, placement, and creating perspective,” she says. “I find inspiration in movies and even social media. I am constantly asking myself what lighting and lens is used; was this on a built set or in a studio; and what time of day is the shot?”
But what’s most important is having a unique vision and developing it.
“Photography is about training your eye to see and look at your subject a certain way while shooting. This will separate you from the pack.”
Peep This List Of Financial Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
For Black Business Month, Black Enterprise has compiled a list of financial resources that will help Black entrepreneurs.
Black-owned businesses have been thriving this year. Whether it’s retail, hair and beauty, food, or liquor, there are more Black entrepreneurs than ever, and many are becoming successful businessmen and women.
Despite the news, many Black entrepreneurs struggle to find seed money, bank loans, expansion funds, and credit. According to Forbes, 46% of Black business owners say they’ve faced issues accessing capital, among other challenges; 39% do not feel adequately informed about how to apply for money; 38% don’t have a relationship with a lender or bank; and 21% don’t know where to apply for capital.
For Black Business Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE has compiled a list of financial resources for Black entrepreneurs.
Loans and Grants
Founders First CDC
Founders First CDC is the largest national platform for growing businesses led by diverse founders. Since 2015 the nonprofit has provided funding, training, and mentorship opportunities for companies run by women, people of color, military veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and entrepreneurs in urban communities.
Earlier in 2023, Founders First awarded $25,000 to women-run businesses to celebrate Mother’s Day. Last year, it committed $300,000 to help Black, female, and veteran entrepreneurs of color in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Texas through its Job Creators Quest Grant program. Founders First also offers scholarships to its business accelerator program, including leadership coaching and continuous business education.
Lendistry
Since 2014, Lendistry, a minority-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has provided more than $9 billion in economic opportunities and progressive growth to more than 600,000 small businesses and their underserved communities. Lendistry provides business loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, special grants, and programs for entrepreneurs in California, Colorado, and New York.
Lendistry works with its nonprofit organization, The Center by Lendistry, to connect small business customers with technical assistance, business courses, and business advisers. The organization also features testimonials from entrepreneurs who have applied for and received funds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lendistry gave over $200 million in pandemic recovery grants for small and microbusinesses in New York.
Other grant programs for Black entrepreneurs include the Power Forward Small Business Grant, which offers $25,000 to Black-owned businesses in New England, and the Beyond Open Grant for minorities, women, veterans, LBGTQ+, and people with disabilities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Businesses Accelerator Programs
Those who already have their business off the ground may now be looking for an accelerator program to take their business to the next level. Here are a few business accelerator programs to help.
Amazon
If you’re an entrepreneur in the retail industry, the Amazon Black Business Accelerator Program is dedicated to helping build sustainable growth for Black-owned businesses by explicitly targeting barriers to access, opportunity, and advancement.
Amazon’s Business Accelerator provides financial assistance, including business education and coaching, plus and marketing and advertising support, for Black entrepreneurs.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs has two business programs, one specifically for Black women.
The first is the 10,000 Small Businesses program, which provides business education covering the key elements for growing a business through a network of community colleges across the U.S. The program works with CDFIs and other lenders to provide capital for small businesses. The 10,000 Small Businesses program also puts its new entrepreneurs in touch with those who have made it through the program for one-on-one advising and networking opportunities.
Goldman’s One Million Black Women program expands on the 10,000 Small Businesses Program to teach Black female entrepreneurs to understand their finances better, hire employees, price their products and services, and connect aspiring entrepreneurs with a network of successful Black female entrepreneurs.
Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator
The Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator is a 10-week digital accelerator program for Seed to Series A tech startups based in the U.S. and Canada. The program will accept 10 Black-owned technology startups for the program and provide them with three months of mentoring and training from more than 20 Google teams, technical support, early access to Google tools and products, and much more.
A great number of Black investors are looking for the right company to get in on these days, Everyone from Black celebrities to those in the finance industry has opened venture capital firms in recent years to help Black entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Here are some VC firms and investors that can help turn your idea into something special while also providing financial help.
Black Angel Tech Fund
The Black Angel Tech Fund is a VC firm founded by Black entrepreneurs and investors focusing on seed funding for early-stage technology companies. Black Angel’s investments include On Second Thought, a patented mobile delay/recall technology that allows users to take back transactions before they get to the other person; and Ceek VR, a next-generation virtual reality platform.
Those interested can email Black Angel or register on the fund’s homepage to get more information.
Harlem Capital Partners
New York-based Harlem Capital Partners focuses on early-stage minority startups. The firm aims to create generational wealth for women and people of color. Forty-three percent of the companies Harlem Capital has invested in are women-owned, and 61% are Black- or Latino-owned.
Black news sites Blavity, Fixt, and Chatdesk are among the companies comprising Harlem Capital Partners’ 51-investment portfolio. Those interested can fill out its investment form to pitch their idea.
Serena Ventures
Retired tennis legend Serena Williams is using her second act to help people of color and women in different industries. Serena Ventures, which Williams started in 2014, invests in entrepreneurs who aim to solve everyday problems through unorthodox thinking. Serena Ventures has managed a portfolio of more than 60 angel investments using Williams’ own money.
Donald Trump Sued By Isaac Hayes Estate For Using ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ At Campaign Rallies
According to the lawsuit, there are 134 examples of copyright infringement.
Donald Trump is facing yet another copyright infringement lawsuit over his unauthorized use of music at his campaign rallies.
The 2024 presidential hopeful was recently slapped with a notice of copyright infringement from the Issac Hayes estate for Trump’s use of the 1966 song, “Hold On, I’m Coming,” which Hayes co-wrote with David Porter. The suit, filed on Monday, Aug. 11, cites 134 counts of copyright infringement over the music being played at campaign rallies from 2022 to 2024, Billboard reports.
“We demand the cessation of use, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of $3 million in licensing fees by August 16, 2024. Failure to comply will result in further legal action,” a statement shared by Hayes’ son Isaac Hayes III on X, formerly known as Twitter, reads.
We the family of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his campaign for 134 counts copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song “Hold On I’m Coming” at campaign rallies from 2022-2024.
The lawsuit results from Trump using the song, performed by Sam & Dave, at a rally as recently as July 31 in Harrisburg, PA.
Hayes and Porter, who worked at the Atlantic-distributed record label Stax at the time, came up with the title of the song when Hayes was trying to get Porter to hurry out of the Stax Studios restroom and get back to songwriting. The single hit the top of the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A revamped version of the song, “Hold On, Edwin’s Coming,” was recorded by Sam & Dave as a promotional single for Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards’ third election campaign in 1982. However, the same can’t be said for Trump.
“It is most unfortunate that these artists have publicly posted on their social media and asked Team Trump and other candidates not to use their music—and yet their candidates keep using their music,” James L. Walker Jr., an attorney for Hayes Enterprises, previously stated.
The Isaac Hayes estate is the latest to file a response on behalf of a top artist or songwriter who has objected to Trump’s campaign use of their songs at political rallies. He has faced such lawsuits since he first ran for president in 2015.
Others who have sued Trump for copyright infringement for using their music include The Rolling Stones, Adele, Rihanna, Sinead O’Connor‘s estate, and Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler. Hayes died Aug. 10, 2008, at the age of 65.
Noah Lyles Reportedly Questioned Anthony Edwards Adidas Shoe Deal, ‘How Could You Not See That For Me’
Noah Lyles ignites feud with NBA fans amid claims he shaded Anthony Edwards' Adidas shoe deal.
Noah Lyles is facing more heat from NBA fans amid reports of the hissy fit he allegedly threw in response to Anthony Edwards’ Adidas shoe deal.
The track and field star, who scored two medals during the 2024 Paris Olympics, is accused of criticizing his apparel sponsor, Adidas, for releasing a signature sneaker for Edwards before him.
According to a feature from TIME reporter Sean Gregory, Lyles was offended when Adidas invited him to the shoe-release event for the Minnesota Timberwolves star while in contract negotiations for an extension.
“You want to do what?” Lyles allegedly said. “You want to invite me to [an event for] a man who has not even been to an NBA Finals? In a sport that you don’t even care about? And you’re giving him a shoe?”
“No disrespect; the man is an amazing athlete. He is having a heck of a year. I love that they saw the insight to give him a shoe because they saw that he would be big. All I’m asking is, ‘How could you not see that for me?'”
While Adidas remains mum on the reports, the brand reached a multiyear contract extension with Lyles in February. The six-time world champion and three-time Olympic medalist is said to be adamant about releasing his own signature shoe.
If the reports are accurate, it comes one year after Lyles went viral for questioning why NBA players are referred to as “world champions” when winning a final series.
“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals, and they have ‘world champion’ on their heads,” Lyles said at the time.
“World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S.—at times—but that ain’t the world. That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”
As a result, Lyles faced backlash from NBA fans going into the Paris Olympics, which only heightened amid news of his latest reported comments about a star player.
“Anthony Edwards is more iconic than Noah will ever be btw,” one fan tweeted on Monday, Aug. 12.
“Tearing down others trying to get what you want is always a terrible look. Yikes,” added someone else.
Both Lyles and Edwards walked away with gold medals while in Paris. With two added to his roster, Lyles might have his own Adidas shoe in the works.
50 Cent Brings Hollywood To Shreveport With Inaugural Humor And Harmony Weekend
50 Cent is breathing new life into Shreveport, Louisiana with his new Humor & Harmony Festival.
50 Cent is breathing new life into Shreveport, Louisiana, after expanding his media empire and bringing a festival there.
Small businesses enjoyed long lines and sold-out menus following a successful turnout for the hip-hop mogul’s inaugural Humor & Harmony Weekend, KSLA reports. Held from August 8 to August 11, the festival aimed to raise money for underserved youth as part of 50 Cent’s (real name Curtis Jackson) G-Unity Foundation.
People from all over the country flocked to Downtown Shreveport’s Red River District to enjoy pop-up restaurant experiences, vendors, and events that amplified the city’s small businesses. Famous faces drew large crowds. Dave Chappelle served as a special guest at a comedy show. Artists like Master P, Da Baby, and Flo Rida hit the stage. And a celebrity basketball game saw Bow Wow, Andrew Johnson, and 2 Chainz battled it out.
“I could not be more proud of the City of Shreveport and all the people who traveled to participate in our first Humor & Harmony Weekend to benefit the G-Unity Foundation,” 50 Cent shared in a statement. “While this weekend may have served as proof of concept for some, for me, it just confirmed everything I already knew. The City of Shreveport has officially earned its spot on the national scene as a place open for business, investment, and tourism. All Roads Lead to Shreveport. Thank you to all of the people who came out to support us for a great cause.”
The turnout was so big that by Sunday, August 11, the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) had to issue an official announcement about shutting down entry to the Red River District due to the dome having reached maximum capacity. Photos from the event show attendees standing shoulder to shoulder.
Local businesses saw a massive turn in profit thanks to the sudden population boost. One pizza shop was forced to close business for two days due to selling out its entire menu.
“Because we are not like them, this weekend has been PROFITABLE and PRODUCTIVE!” Pop N Pizza wrote on Facebook. “As of 10:34 pm, we are completely sold out and will resume our normal hours of operation on Tuesday! 🙌🏽🙌🏽”
“Humor Harmony, The POWER UNIVERSE we different we #1 @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent captioned a video of his stage performance.
The festival is just some of what 50 Cent has planned for his expanding business empire in Shreveport.
“As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of music, film, and television, I’m beyond excited to introduce the expansion of my G-Unit Film & Television through the launch of G-Unit Studios right here in Shreveport,” he told Billboard in April.
Establishing G-Unit Studios in Shreveport “is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to fostering talent, creating opportunities, and building a community that thrives through creativity and innovation. We see Shreveport as a beacon of inspiration and creativity,” he added.
Rikers Island Prison Officer Known As ‘Champagne’ Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 24 Female Inmates
It took a while for investigators to track down the real identity of 'Champagne.'
A retired corrections officer at New York’s Rikers Island Prison stands accused of raping and sexually assaulting 24 former female inmates, The Gothamist reports.
After New York’s Adult Survivors Act opened a one-year window to file civil lawsuits over allegations of sexual abuse in cases where the statutes of limitations had expired, more than 20 jail staff members were repeatedly named in suits. One officer, known as “Champagne” in the complaints, was identified in 24 lawsuits.
The alleged assailant was labeled as a ghost because, according to the Office of Payroll Administration, there is no record of anyone with that name who worked at Rikers at the time of the alleged assaults. Between the late 1980s and the early 2000s, Champagne allegedly raped, groped, and forcibly kissed dozens of women in their cells or secluded areas of the women’s jail named the Rose M. Singer Center.
One former prisoner, named Lisa, claimed Champagne repeatedly raped her in a part of the jail used to store recreational equipment. In 1991, at age 22, a judge told her she could possibly go home early on her six-month sentence of a drug distribution charge, but the guard threatened to take that chance away if she failed to comply with his demands. “Going to prison was very, very, very scary at a young age,” she remembered. “Those 60 days meant everything to me. I wanted to go home.”
Champagne would allegedly force the young inmate to have intercourse and perform oral sex on him. Lisa then discovered she was pregnant by him but experienced a miscarriage in the prison bathroom. After being treated at a local hospital, she returned to Rikers, where no one questioned how she became pregnant in an all-women’s jail.
A thorough investigation of the lawsuits provided insight into who Champagne could be. After finding the surname of “Fant,” personnel records, payroll, and social media accounts, only one guard with that last name was found working at Rosie’s during the time of the allegations. Correction Officer Keith Fant was ID’d as the possible assailant. The officer confirmed that he was known as “Champagne” on prison grounds on account of his “bubbly personality.”
However, four former inmates, including Lisa, don’t remember him as such. The women identified him as their attacker. Fourteen women listed Fant in their suits, but he claims they are all lying and just want money. “I know that’s a lot of people and I know it raises eyebrows, but I never, I have not touched anybody inside Rosie’s,” the retired officer, who earns a $45,000 per year pension, said.
“The only thing I can think of is maybe they’re trying to get some money.”
“Unfortunately, this particular case is just one example of what was going on there. This was going on rampantly and openly. Guards really were in on it. They would look out for each other. Just an entire culture that allowed these women to be sexually abused and raped for a very long time.”
Two other victims, Karen Klines and Tasha Beasley Carter, are suing New York City for a combined $40 million in damages. The Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association president, Benny Boscio, says the organization “100%” stands behind the retired officer.” A small fraction of the sexual abuse lawsuits against Rikers could result in city-funded payouts.
‘My Country Fought For Me To Get Back’: Brittney Griner Tearfully Celebrates Olympic Gold Medal
Griner shed tears following their victory as the 'The Star-Spangled Banner' played.
Brittney Griner is once again an Olympic Gold medalist in women’s basketball. The WNBA star tearfully celebrated the occasion and reflected on how her country fought to bring her home.
The undefeated squad beat France August 11 at the Paris Olympics for its eighth consecutive gold medal. NBC shared footage of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” playing after their win, where Griner shed tears.
Griner, who spent 10 months in a Russian prison on drug charges, reflected on how her country fought to bring her home, and how this win returned the favor. “My country fought for me to get back,” Griner said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “And I was able to bring home gold for my country. There’s just no greater feeling.”
She added, “I didn’t think I would be here. And to be here, winning gold, for my country, representing, when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here.”
In fact, the trip to Paris marked Griner’s first overseas venture since her incarceration in Russia. She was first detained at a Moscow Airport on Feb. 17, 2022, for having hash oil, a substance derived from cannabis, in her possession. She eventually returned to the U.S. in December 2022 through a prisoner exchange.
The experience was harrowing for Griner, as explained in her memoir, Coming Home. The 6’9″ center was initially hesitant decision to return to the Olympics, according to the U.S. women’s basketball’s head coach Cheryl Reeves.
“She always presents the very best version of herself, despite all that she went through,” shared Reeves. “Inside, there’s a lot going on there.”
“It’s a huge moment for BG. We all know what she’s gone through,” said fellow WNBA star A’ja Wilson. “It was so good just to see her happy.”
Griner’s win isn’t the only milestone. The Olympian welcomed her first son with wife, Cherelle, as she continues advocating for all foreign detainees to come home.
Black businesses looking to optimize their enterprises can use artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve that. However, it’s worth doing a bit of homework before taking the plunge.
The fast-growing technology can help small businesses boost productivity, increase revenue, and enhance efficiency. For instance, those methods could include improving customer service experiences through such means as chatbots. And AI can help personalize marketing efforts by collecting data on spending behavior, service, or product preferences.
Businesses are using AI to save time and cut costs. Forbes quizzed 600 business owners using or planning to add AI to their operations to gauge how various companies are tapping into AI. Among the findings, some 97% of entrepreneurs are convinced ChatGPT will assist their business. Around 64% of business owners believe AI will improve customer relationships. Over 50% of the proprietors use AI for cybersecurity and fraud management.
Still, like any new technology, AI brings some opportunities and possible risks. Experts contend it is vital to have in-house mechanisms to protect your company, customers, and yourself. More precisely, you should have a policy that explains how AI should be used in your business. Be sure it states who or what platforms are approved to use it as well as who is sanctioned to apply it.
Though small businesses don’t have the financial resources of rival larger companies, AI can help them endure more efficiently and flourish. Based on research by BLACK ENTERPRISE, here are some benefits the technology can deliver for entrepreneurs to consider:
Use Chatbot To Automate Customer Communications
For selling a product or service, small businesses use AI to communicate with customers and answer questions. A bonus function: It can also be used while you sleep. And it allows owners to spend more time focusing on other important tasks. Another perk: AI can improve customer communications via automated messages and digital services.
Advance Content Creation
Another area where AI can be useful is content creation. It can offer tools that analyze data on which kind of content works best with specific audiences and propose topics based on that information. AI can even automatically produce content, including photo and video content as well as product descriptions. Yet, businesses should make sure the content aligns with their voice and other branding efforts.
Use AI To Ramp Up Marketing Efforts
Improving marketing actions has been a hit pertaining to AI. For instance, blog posts written by a human can be condensed into social media posts, making it a marketing tool on a larger scale.
See What Your Competitors Are Doing
Many entrepreneurs like to know what their competitors are up to, including how they are using digital information, video content, and social media. AI can help with that by providing tools to see what rivals do online. Some tools even allow entrepreneurs to follow rivals on their websites and social media to collect data tied to their marketing and pricing.
Make Operations Cyber-Secure
Some cybersecurity tools leverage AI to better identify and protect data from threats. Uniting cybersecurity with AI can improve data collection and make incident management responses more dynamic and efficient. Automating cybersecurity helps organizations better identify and fix possible defects. That could help businesses have more secure IT environments.
Simultaneously, entrepreneurs should be mindful that AI is not error-free and could come with some hiccups. Insight For Professionals offers some insight into that perspective.
Rick Ross Sued By Disabled Fan For Inadequate Accessibility Options At Car Show Event
Disabled man sues Rick Ross for lack of accessbility options at his annual car show.
Rick Ross is being sued by one disgruntled man who risked it all to attend his annual car show but was prevented due to the event’s lack of wheelchair accessibility.
Darris Straughter is suing the hip-hop mogul for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act after he waited hours to gain entry to Ross’s third annual Car & Bike Show, to no avail, TMZ reports. Straughter claims to have sold his car to afford the travel, lodging, and ticket he purchased to attend the event held at Ross’s massive Georgia estate.
However, he never made it inside after a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus he was promised never arrived to get him to the event. Straughter said he reached out to the venue two weeks in advance to inform them about his accessibility needs and request reasonable accommodation for his wheelchair.
He claims car show organizers assured him a shuttle would take him from the parking lot to the event. But after waiting inside the parking lot for several hours, Straughter got fed up, gave away his ticket, and returned to his hotel once the bus failed to show up.
He wasn’t the only one who didn’t make it inside. Comments under an Instagram post about the event highlight how many people were upset with the lack of shuttle accommodations and event planning.
“8 tickets and we can’t even get in bc of y’all lack of poor planning been riding for 2 hours up down the SAME Street,” one woman wrote. “Whoever you hired to direct traffic, just keep sending us in circles! I’m very upset we have parking passes and still can’t park! Just a complete waste!”
According to Straughter’s lawyer, John Hoover Esq, attendees who didn’t make it inside were promised a refund. But the suit claims nobody ever followed up with him.
Now, he’s suing Ross for damages and an order that will force the car show to provide disabled access at future events.
