Ghana’s Parliament Passes Controversial Rigid Anti-Homosexuality Bill
If the legislation is passed, members of the LGTBQ community and their supporters could be sentenced to years in prison.
Ghana’s parliament has voted to pass a controversial bill that will make it a criminal act to be openly gay in the West African nation, according to Al Jazeera.
The bill was presented to parliament in 2021 and received support from a coalition of religious and traditional leaders. It was sponsored by several lawmakers who passed the bill on February 28.
The bill still has to be endorsed by Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, before entering into law.
“We want the president to walk his talk by appending his signature to the bill to enable it to come into force.”
Activist groups are demanding that the President reject the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill, which is also referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill. Although the president hasn’t openly supported the bill, he has said that gay marriage will never be allowed while he is president.
Under the provisions of the bill, people who engage in LGBTQ sexual acts may face six months to three years behind bars. People who participate in “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities” may receive a sentence of three to five years.
The Big 18, a human rights coalition consisting of lawyers and activists, has condemned the bill.
“You cannot criminalize a person’s identity, and that’s what the bill is doing and it’s absolutely wrong,” Big 18 member Takyiwaa Manuh told DW News.
“The passing of this bill will further marginalize and endanger LGBTQ individuals in Ghana.” LGBT+ Rights Ghana Alex Donkor said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is already common in the West African nation, but Donker fears that, if passed, the bill “threatens the safety and wellbeing “ of the already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community.
Karla DuPriest, a businesswoman from Mobile, Stacey Shepperson, a McIntosh educator, and Newton City Council member Belinda Thomas are proud of the values and historical context they bring to the state’s GOP.
As the only African American female public officer in the state, Thomas feels she is more than qualified to hold the position as she has proven herself. “I won my election in 2020 – the first African American ever elected to the Newton City Council,” she said.
“I was the first African American to ever be chair of our water authority in an all-white voting district, a Republican district, and I won as an African American. So I’ve proven myself.”
One of Thomas’ main issues is border security. She plans to help farmers find ways to improve the economy by restoring conservative values and prayer in the community.
“We need prayer and strong, strong, strong conservative leaders to restore our country,” Thomas said. “We need to go back to the fundamentals on what America was built for.”
Shepperson shares those same viewpoints. The mathematics instructor at Bishop State Community College supports more border control. Following former president Donald Trump’s migrant laws, she supports the crackdown on illegal immigration.
“I would definitely support more stringent border patrol,” Shepperson said.
“I think Trump was definitely on to something about this, and this is something we have to fix.”
Her main focus is affordable housing, something the 2nd Congressional District struggles with, according to the Alabama Reflector. Without a housing authority in her region, urban areas are landlocked. While meeting with developers for projects, Shepperson hopes to work with the state for funding and housing grants. “I would definitely look to build on the current industry that’s there and see how we can get some subcontracting opportunities or other, inviting more sustainable energy into our areas that are willing to be good corporate citizens, working hand-in-hand with the government,” she said.
Lack of opportunity is why DuPriest favored Alabama’s controversial redistricting concept. The owner and founder of Christ & Carla Heavenly Ribs believes redrawing the congressional district will give Black voters a better opportunity to choose a better representative, favoring red in a Democratic-leaning district. “It’s a good thing that they did redistrict, and the people of that district can elect a person who can reflect their values,” the Mobile resident said.
DuPriest says having someone who can sympathize with voters shouldn’t be limited to just the Democratic Party. Just because her views — low taxes, being pro-life and pro-gun — are GOP leaning, she doesn’t think her affiliation will fail her in the polls. “It’s not necessarily someone who looks like them, but it’s an advantage to having someone who can sympathize with the challenges of jobs, education, and health care,” she said.
“People need people who stand for their values and the values are not unique to the Democratic Party, but which are unique for the people in the 2nd congressional district.”
Rondo turned down a plea agreement offer from prosecutors and is slated to go to trial on April 25.
Former Boston Celtics player Rajon Rondo has requested that a gun charge that was filed against him in January be thrown out because it violates his Second Amendment rights.
According to WDRB, an attorney for Rondo, Patrick Renn, appeared in court in Jackson County, Indiana, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, to argue that the unlawful possession of a firearm should be dismissed because it violates his Second Amendment rights—the right to bear arms. Rondo was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 28, in Indiana after being stopped for a traffic violation. The former point guard was picked up for unlawful possession of a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.
Rondo turned down a plea agreement offer from prosecutors and is slated to go to trial on April 25.
.A state trooper stopped the former NBA point guard after receiving a call from someone who said a black 2022 Tesla was weaving in and out of traffic while driving more than 100 miles per hour on Interstate 65 South. When the trooper approached the car, which had no license plates, he said he smelled marijuana. While searching the vehicle, the state trooper found a gun, a “personal use” amount of marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia, ISP spokesman Sgt. Stephen Wheeles stated.
TMZ reported that documents obtained by the media outlet state, “The statute under which Rondo is charged fails to be consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.”
But, in police documents, a state trooper wrote, “I asked Rondo Sr. if he was allowed to have a gun, and Rondo Sr. said he was not allowed.” WDRB reported that Rondo did tell the trooper that he was not supposed to have a gun because of an active protective order against him.
A judge has not yet ruled on the motion, as another pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 25.
Rondo played for several teams after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 NBA Draft. He won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and another with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. During his 16 seasons in the league, he also suited up for the Dallas Mavericks, the Chicago Bulls, the New Orleans Pelicans, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Clippers. He last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022.
Chris Paul Explains Why He Didn’t Bring The Heat To Miami On ‘The Why’
He wasn't budging on that number.
A recent episode of Dwyane Wade’s podcast, The Why, revealed that Miami Heat’s Big Three would have been a Big Four if a little thing like a uniform number hadn’t gotten in the way.
The number three got in the way of Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul joining the famed trio of Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh in Miami during that team’s era when they won two NBA championships. Paul and Wade discussed why Paul never got to wear a Miami Heat uniform when President Pat Riley was ready to trade for him.
Wade wore the number three throughout his time with the Heat, and Paul has worn the number three since he stepped on an NBA court and still wears it today. When the Heat had the opportunity to get Wade, during conversations between the players, they talked about all the possibilities. They discussed who would handle the ball, how to incorporate each other into plays, and what took place on the court.
But, it took a question from Paul’s brother, CJ, to have all their plans crumble. Knowing that both players wore number three, he asked, “Who was going to wear number three?”
That never crossed the minds of the two guards. Since neither wanted to give up the number three, the trade never went through, and Paul never got to play with two of his “Banana Boat Crew” brothers (Consisting of James, Paul, Wade, and Carmelo Anthony).
CP3 almost joined Heatles but him and Wade both wanted to wear #3.
“We talked for a while, what the team would look like, we were getting excited”
“Riley didn’t pull the trigger because CP wasn’t wearing number 3 in Miami”
Paul and LeBron are still playing basketball, while their two counterparts, Wade and Anthony, have retired. Paul is the only “Banana Boat Crew” member who didn’t play alongside LeBron (Anthony played with him while on the Los Angeles Lakers).
Shaq Presents Daughter Me’Arah With 2024 McDonald’s All-American Jersey
Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, Me’Arah, is a 2024 McDonald’s All-American who has recently committed to playing for the University of Florida. On a recent NBA on TNT broadcast, the proud father presented his daughter with the McDonald’s All-American jersey emblazoned with No. 24.
Before showing her the uniform, the NBA Hall of Famer said, “First of all, I just wanted to say I’m so proud of you, and I love you. I wanted to present you with this,” as Adam Lefkoe and fellow former NBA players turned-commentators, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley watched. When Shaq asked Me’Arah if she could beat Smith in a 3-point shootout, she immediately said yes and challenged anyone to compete. As Smith tries to give her her props and the other hosts are talking, Me’Arah is given a basketball. She goes to the 3-point line on the basketball court in the studio and proceeds to hit a 3-pointer.
.@SHAQ presents his daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal, with her 2024 McDonald’s All-American jersey 🫶
According to The Spun, Me’Arah is Shaq’s youngest daughter and fourth offspring to follow in the footsteps of the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
Me’Arah’s oldest brother, Shareef, played at Shaq’s alma mater, LSU (Louisiana State University) and UCLA (The University of California, Los Angeles). Shaqir is currently enrolled and playing at TSU (Texas Southern University), and her older sister, Amirah, also played for LSU and TSU.
The McDonald’s All-American game will take place on April 2 at the Toyota Center in her hometown of Houston. She is currently a student-athlete at Houston (Tex.) Episcopal High School. She is ranked as the No. 33 overall recruit in the class of 2024, according to the HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings.
Me’Arah lives with her mother, Shaunie Henderson (executive producer of Basketball Wives).
New Study Reveals Potential Cognitive Decline In Long-Term Covid Patients
In a study on the lingering effects of Covid, research shows that people with long Covid symptoms may experience a cognitive decline.
In a study on the lingering impact of COVID-19, research indicates that individuals with long-term COVID-19 symptoms may experience measurable cognitive decline, according to the New York Times. Conducted in England, the study involved cognitive testing of nearly 113,000 participants and revealed that those with persistent post-COVID symptoms scored lower on cognitive assessments. Notably, the scores were equivalent to a six-point drop in IQ compared to those who had never been infected.
The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, highlights a shift in cognitive abilities, particularly in memory, reasoning, and planning, among long Covid sufferers. Even individuals who had recovered and were no longer symptomatic scored slightly lower, by the equivalent of three IQ points, than those who had never contracted the virus.
While the differences in cognitive scores were relatively small, they provide numerical evidence for the cognitive challenges reported by long COVID patients. Experts emphasize that these findings do not suggest profound deficits but underscore the importance of acknowledging the brain fog and memory issues associated with long-term COVID.
James C. Jackson, a neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center, commented on the study, stating, “These emerging findings are generally highlighting that yes, there is cognitive impairment in long COVID survivors — it’s a real phenomenon.” While the cognitive differences might not be considered significant on a typical IQ scale, experts emphasize the potential impact on individuals’ daily functioning.
Despite the concerns raised by the study, there is a glimmer of hope. Long-term COVID patients who eventually recovered exhibited cognitive scores similar to those who experienced a quick recovery. This suggests that as symptoms ease, cognitive impairment may also improve.
The study, led by researchers at Imperial College London, involved participants who completed online cognitive assessments. The assessments covered various mental skills, including spatial planning, verbal reasoning, and memory. The findings prompt further questions about the real-life implications of small cognitive deficits, their potential long-term impact on dementia risk, and other factors affecting cognitive scores in COVID patients.
While the study’s results offer valuable insights into the cognitive challenges faced by long COVID patients, researchers emphasize the need for continued investigation and a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted effects of the virus on cognitive function.
BLACK ENTERPRISE is more than a business or a publication. For years, BE has led in uplifting and educating the Black community on business and finance. Led by visionary, businessman, and philanthropist Earl G. Graves, BE has remained a reliable source for Black America.
BE is not only a Black legacy magazine, it is a Black family legacy. Earl G. Graves Sr., the original CEO, led the charge and often spoke directly to readers through his “Publisher’s Page” column. The Graves family continues to steer the ship, making sure that Black culture is highlighted and celebrated. BE stays at the forefront past, present and will remain a pillar far into the future, keeping our community up to date on business, culture, politics and more. BE is Black History.
BLACK ENTERPRISE Inaugural Issue:
The inception of BE is history. The end of the Civil Rights Movement marked a time of hope and progress for Black Americans. Establishing a space where business-minded Black people could learn, grow, and promote Black business was revolutionary. Earl Graves Sr. saw an opportunity to create a space for those people while also joining the small yet mighty Black publishing sphere.
BE’s Role In Women’s Activism:
BE’s claim to fame is business news, but the magazine is sure to include all aspects of Black life in it’s coverage. Politics is one such area. BE’s mission to uplift the community as it amplified the political voice of women. Regular editorials about the National Black Women’s Political Caucus were the norm. The caucus, founded by notable activists Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Fannie Lou Hamer, centered the political discourse prominent to women of the time. BE was a platform proud to amplify the message. .
Source: Photo by History Makers
Earl Graves Sr. In Conversation With Julien Bond:
BE is nothing without the leadership and vision of Earl G. Graves Sr. Beyond creating BE, Graves’ life is one of extraordinary commitment to excellence, civil service, and community upliftment. As such, Graves sat down for a candid conversation with Julien Bond to give insight into the life of a business titan. Graves spoke about his time at HBCU Morgan State University, working for Robert Kennedy, meeting his wife Barbara Kydd Graves, and the founding of BE.
Source: Photo by Black Enterprise
Interview “BE Our World” Senator Obama:
Before people around the world adopted the slogan “Yes We Can,” and before Barack Obama became the first Black President of the United States of America, BE was there. BE sat down with then-Senator Barack Obama to discuss “his current political strategy for his race to the White House. Plus, we discuss HIV and AIDS in the black community and why more women are vulnerable.” BE peeled back the curtain of the Illinois Junior Senator and his mission to uplift Americans.
Source: Photo by Black Enterprise
BE 100 List:
Early in BE’s publishing journey the idea of the Top 100 came about. BE took on the daunting and meticulous task of curating the Top 100 Black companies in America. Visionaries such as Bob Johnsons of BET Networks and Clarence Smith, Essence Communications are just a couple of past honorees. The BE 100 has since become a guide for companies doing great business in all aspects: customer service, revenue, DEI practices, and quality product.
Source: (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Senator Kamala Harris Women Of Power Summit:
BE’s championing of women in politics continued into the new century. At the 2019 BE Women Of Power Summit, BE spoke with Senator Kamala Harris. Soon to be Vice President Harris spoke about being a “‘joyful warrior’ and talked about her plan to reform the country.”
BE 40 Under 40:
BE’s 40 Under 40 highlights the business men and women who are next up. The list gives insight into how Black business is ever-evolving. The 40 people under the age of 40 represent the future. As the world moves further into the technology age, new industries arise leaving room for fresh ideas. Many on the 40 Under 40 list represent a new wave of ideas and business opportunities that will help create new jobs and generational wealth. The 2023 40 Under 40 list features notable businesswomen and men such as: Dasia Taylor, Scientist, Founder & CEO, VariegateHealth; Ambre Stanford , U.S. Head of CAA Social Impact, Creative Artists Agency; and Rashad Bilal, Co-Founder, Earn Your Leisure.
BE Disruptors Summit:
The Disruptors Summit was created as a way to highlight change-makers and radical thinkers in the business world. Hosted in Atlanta, the summit pulled together foreword thinkers in an attempt to learn how they helped shake up their prospective industries . Pinky Cole, Founder of The Slutty Vegan, was present at last year’s summit, sharing business gems.
Former US Olympic Fencer Ivan Lee Arrested on Charges Of Sexual Abuse
Former U.S. Olympic fencer and ex-chairman of USA Fencing, Ivan Lee, was arrested on Feb. 26 in New York on charges of sexual abuse.
USA Today reports former U.S. Olympic fencer and ex-chairman of USA Fencing, Ivan Lee, was arrested on Feb. 26 in New York on charges of forcible touching, sexual abuse, and harassment, according to online court records. Lee, 42, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Kings Criminal Court in Brooklyn and was released under “non-monetary conditions.”
The arrest stems from an incident on Nov. 8 at a college gymnasium, listed at the same address as the Long Island University-Brooklyn Athletic Center, where Lee was the head coach of the men’s and women’s fencing teams. The criminal complaint alleges that Lee, a former police officer, pulled a young woman onto the ground and “smacked” her on the buttocks without consent. The complainant expressed fear of further physical injury and imminent danger.
Attorney Jack Wiener, representing the complainant pro bono, stated that Lee allegedly engaged in additional inappropriate behavior with his client at different times and locations. Wiener emphasized the betrayal of trust, noting, “My client had every reason to trust Mr. Lee. He is a former police officer, was chairman of USA Fencing, a coach. If she could trust anyone, it should have been him.” Lee and his attorney have not responded to requests for comment.
In December, USA Fencing suspended Lee as chairman for conduct violating the SafeSport Code, an independent body tasked with protecting athletes in the Olympic movement. Lee, who competed in the 2004 Olympics, subsequently resigned upon learning of his suspension.
Lee, recognized for his achievements as the first man of African American descent to win a world fencing championship in 2001, has had a distinguished career. A five-time national champion and USA Fencing Hall of Fame inductee in 2014, he transitioned to coaching in 2019. Under his leadership at LIU-Brooklyn, the fencing program saw notable success, producing two All-Americans and a national champion within two years.
Having worked for the New York City Police Department from 2008 to 2022, Lee is due back in court on April 4. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the fencing community, potentially tarnishing the reputation of a once-celebrated athlete and coach.
Kellogg’s CEO Defends ‘Eat Cereal For Dinner’ Remark When Speaking On Inflation
Kellogg's CEO Gary Pilnick is under fire after explaining why cereal for dinner is "on trend" amid slowing inflation.
American shoppers are spending more on groceries than they have in 30 years. But Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick has the solution, just eat cereal for dinner.
“The cereal category has always been quite affordable, and it tends to be a great destination when consumers are under pressure,” he said. “If you think about the cost of cereal for a family versus what they might otherwise do, that’s going to be much more affordable.”
Pilnick believes the price of a bowl of cereal with milk and fruit is “less than a dollar.” However, that doesn’t amount to the cost of a box of cereal, a gallon of milk, and a piece of fruit.
CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla asked Pilnick if his comments on eating cereal for dinner had the “potential to land the wrong way.” However, Pilnick thought otherwise saying, “We don’t think so. In fact, it’s landing really well right now.”
The CEO of Kellogg is happy to say that more people are eating cereal for dinner.
In fact, the company is leaning into it and intentionally advertising about cereal as a dinner meal for cash-strapped families. pic.twitter.com/dMIHbZG6b4
Pilnick went on to cite Kellogg’s data showing cereal as the top choice for breakfast and the 25% of cereal consumption that takes place at other times of the day, like for dinner or a snack.
“Cereal for dinner is something that is probably more on trend now and we would expect to continue as that consumer is under pressure,” he said.
His sentiments appear to replicate Kellogg’s new tagline that was introduced in 2022 to “give chicken the night off.” A press release outlined the company’s inflation alternative for shoppers to have breakfast for dinner with its cereals which include Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Raisin Bran, among others.
However, his tone-deaf remarks were ripped to shreds on social media after the interview clip surfaced online.
“this is so fu*king dystopian….. america is falling SOOOOO fast,” one user wrote.
“Man, this really makes me put Kellogg in the category of “evil companies” if they weren’t already,” added someone else.
2023 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found the price of fats and oils increased 9%, sugar and sweets increased 8.7%, and cereals and bakery products increased 8.4%. The price of pork was the only category to decline, by 1.2%.
Protect Black Media! Essence Magazine’s Parent Company In Talks To Acquire Refinery29
Essence Ventures LLC, the parent company to Essence Magazine, is in negotiations to acquire Refinery29.
Essence Ventures LLC, the parent company to Essence Magazine, is in negotiations to acquire Refinery29, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Essence Ventures is owned by Richelieu Dennis, the co-founder and chair of Group Black, a media group that strives to increase ad spending with Black-owned media. Acquisition of Refinery29 could mean that Essence would widely expand its reach in the female-oriented digital space, especially by appealing to a younger audience. This may result in an uptick in advertising revenue for Essence as well as save Refinery29 from financial distress.
The women-centered lifestyle magazine was purchased by Vice Media Group in 2019 for $400 million. Sources told TheWall Street Journal that Essence will likely pay a fraction of that price if the deal is reached.
Since launching in 2005, Refinery29 has been a media giant amongst millennial women readers. But in 2022, the popular platform saw a decrease of $20 million in profits from the previous year. This is likely due to waning website traffic and a decrease in advertising revenue.
In 2020, Refinery29 faced controversy when a group of Black and Brown employees and freelancers took to social media to share stories of racial discrimination, including pay disparities between people of color and white employees.
The news of this possible acquisition comes a week after Refinery29’s parent company, Vice Media Group, announced that they will be conducting massive layoffs as well as discontinuing the publication of content on its website. Once a lucrative media entity, Vice has been facing financial woes in recent years. The media conglomerate filed for bankruptcy in May of 2023 and was acquired by Fortress Investment Group, one of its lenders, the following month. With online publication discontinued, Fortress is redirecting its attention to Vice’s other companies, including a TV network, production studio, and their ad agency, Virtue.
