by Jeffrey McKinney

February 24, 2024

Event Aims To Empower Black Girls In STEM As Demand For Those Careers Soar

Less than 3% of STEM jobs are reportedly now held by Black women, though demand for those careers remains high.

An accomplished engineer, Kara Branch is also focused on helping Black girls gain knowledge about STEM and assisting them in pursuing careers in the field.

An estimated 3.5 million jobs in STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, reportedly need to be filled by 2025. Yet under 3% of the sector’s jobs are currently held by Black women. Another eye-popping statistic shows that most women working in STEM at the federal level are white (66%) versus about 15% for Black.

Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE), a nonprofit founded and run by Branch, aims to change the picture. On March 2, BGDE will conduct the 2nd Annual STEM Day for Girls in grades 3 through 12 at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy in Downtown Houston. It aims to bring more girls of color into STEM education and careers through resources, exposure, and representation.

Some 150 girls ages 8 through 17 have been registered for this year’s event, up from 100 a year ago. The registration deadline is Feb. 28; you’ll find details here. Calling it a first-of-its-kind event, Branch says it will allow Black girls who have never had hands-on STEM experience the ability to do so in a supportive environment. She added it will be led by Black female STEM professionals.

Branch launched her organization in 2019, feeling concerned that Black American girls and young women were not choosing STEM-related careers and wanting to get more Black girls in the field.

Based in Houston, among the nation’s largest cities for Blacks, BGDE also has chapters in Los Angeles and New Orleans. It reports having helped 2,220 girls from kindergarten through college thus far, and scoring $44,000 in STEM-related college scholarships for BGDE members since its inception.

The event will include 11 hands-on activities focused on robotics, AI, and coding, with students separated by grade/age level. Student attendees can ask panelists about their experiences as women of color in STEM.

Branch and two of her student members recently appeared on national ABC News.

“They can see what STEM means and what a career in STEM looks like from successful professionals in these exploding fields, who can share what the possibilities are,” Branch explained.

Indeed, STEM jobs remain among the highest in-demand jobs overall. Per this report, STEM-related jobs pay over $100,000, especially mathematics and computer positions.

Simultaneously, the application-based academic program is now going into its fifth season, starting October 2024 through May 2025. Registration and applications open in April 2024 for the October session nationally.

Branch reflected, “From my perspective, I have heard from so many parents that their girls love science, math, or engineering, but there weren’t tangible resources to pursue this path, and they found it with us.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2024

Kevin Durant Confronts Disrespectful Fan But Tells Security To Let Her Stay

Kevin handled it perfectly.

Phoenix Suns basketball player Kevin Durant made his way onto the home court of the Dallas Mavericks when a female fan disrespected him by calling him a “b—-.”

On Feb. 22, a video was captured of Durant running onto the basketball court with his teammates, and as he passed two fans standing courtside, one of them, a woman, called him a “b—-.” The Suns player stopped in his tracks and headed back to confront her. The woman quickly smiled and tried to give him a handshake after being caught with the disrespectful yelling. You can see Durant speaking to her and the man she was with.

Security then stepped in, and word has it that when the guards were going to throw the spectators out of the game, Durant came back and directed security not to. A gesture that did not have to happen, but it did take place.

Sports reporter Jonah Javad recorded the interaction and posted it to his X account.

Mavs fan calls Kevin Durant “a bitch” and KD pauses to have words.

Security about to kick the fans out when KD comes back to tell them not to kick them out. pic.twitter.com/CTqPnM4T16

— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) February 23, 2024

Sports Illustrated reported that Durant explained why he approached and then allowed them to stay for the match.

“People usually do that, call me ‘coward,’ ‘b**ch’ with my back turned, and it wasn’t too many people around,” Durant said. “I know you don’t mean that, and I’m not going to get you kicked out because you paid your money for these tickets, you had a couple of drinks, and I understand how people get, but it’s better ways to try to get my attention and talk to me other than call me a b**ch—- out my name because you’re protected in these arenas.”

Although Durant scored 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, the Suns fell to the Mavericks by a score of 123-113.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2024

Wendy Williams’ Guardian Files Lawsuit Against A&E/Lifetime Before Release Of ‘Where Is Wendy Williams?’

As viewers anticipate the premiere of the documentary series Where Is Wendy Williams?, a lawsuit has been filed against the company that distributes Lifetime (the network showcasing the film), A+E Networks.

Just days before the docuseries airs on the Lifetime Network on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25, Sabrina Morrissey, who is listed as the temporary guardian of “W.W.H.” (seemingly the initials for “Wendy Williams Hunter”), filed the lawsuit under seal. She is also seeking a temporary restraining order.

Morrissey, who is also seeking injunctive relief for Williams, filed the paperwork on Feb. 22 in the New York Supreme Court. Entertainment One Reality Productions is also named in the suit. A+E Networks formally filed an appeal on Feb. 23.

The trailer for the docuseries was released earlier this month on Feb. 1, and revealed that in it, Williams breaks her silence about her exit from her daytime television show in 2021.

In the trailer, Williams, who is also an executive producer of the project, turns to the camera and gives a stark warning to those watching.

“I have no money,” she stated. “And let me tell you something: If it happens to me, it can happen to you.”

That news arrived right after it was revealed that Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to her medical team.

A press release from her medical team stated, “The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances. Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.”

Jalen Brunson, NBA, Brooks Brothers, Ambassador

by Rafael Pena

February 23, 2024

Brooks Brothers Scores Big, Signs NBA Star Jalen Brunson As Ambassador

Iconic retailer Brooks Brothers has inked a deal with New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson to serve as an ambassador.

In a move combining the worlds of high fashion and professional sports, iconic retailer Brooks Brothers has inked a deal with New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson to serve as an ambassador, according to WWD. The partnership will see Brunson donning Brooks Brothers’ signature tailored clothing at select NBA games and other events, showcasing the brand’s classic style on the league’s prominent fashion stage.

Ken Ohashi, CEO of Brooks Brothers, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Brooks Brothers has been dressing legends for over two centuries, and we are excited to welcome Jalen Brunson to the Brooks Brothers family. Jalen embodies the sportsmanship, dedication, and optimistic spirit that represents Brooks Brothers, and we are proud and incredibly happy to celebrate his talent.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Brunson making a stylish statement at the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 19, where he sported a Brooks Brothers 1818 suit. The choice to sign an NBA player as an ambassador marks a new venture for the legacy retailer, known for its timeless and sophisticated menswear.

Brunson, a seasoned professional with six years in the league, made history as the first NBA player to achieve an impressive statistical feat: recording 50 points, five rebounds, five assists, five steals, and five three-pointers in a single game. Beyond his on-court prowess, Brunson is recognized for his philanthropic efforts. In 2022 he founded the Second Round Foundation in order to foster equity for young people through initiatives in education, sports, and community engagement.

Expressing his excitement about the fashion collaboration, Brunson shared, “I am thrilled to join the Brooks Brothers family. When I think of authentic American style, Brooks Brothers is at the top of the list. It is a brand I have long admired and have worn for some of the most personal milestones in my life.”

Brooks Brothers has enlisted ambassadors from various fields, including renowned musician Wynton Marsalis. Brunson’s signing marks the brand’s entry into the realm of professional basketball, adding a new dimension to its roster of high-profile partnerships.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2024

C.R.E.A.M.: Napa Valley Winery Employee Reveals Fani Willis Paid In Cash During Visit

Can we move on now?

An employee from Acumen Winery has confirmed that Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis paid in cash during her 2023 visit.

Stan Brody said Willis, who was with a male companion, spent $400 in cash for a wine tasting and two bottles of wine. Serving as a wine ambassador at Napa Valley’s Acumen Winery in California at the time, Brody, a self-described “news junkie,” said he remembered this as he was watching Willis’ special hearing on Feb. 16.

Willis was in the hot seat for two days after a motion was filed accusing her and special prosecutor Nathan Wade of having an inappropriate relationship. It further alleged Willis benefited financially by hiring Wade to work with her on the 2020 presidential interference election case.

However, while on the stand, Willis testified that whenever the pair would travel, Wade was always reimbursed in cash, and she remained true to her independence.

After hearing her testimony, Brody remembered Willis standing out, as most visitors usually paid with credit cards. He commended her generosity.

“It’s not the norm,” he recounted of Willis’ visit to the winery. “The bill was a little over $400 with the taxes and everything else on it. So she probably gave me $500.”

Brody also clarified that he has not been in contact with the District Attorney’s Office or defense lawyers who are looking to disqualify Willis from the case.

The Fulton County DA testified that Willis always had cash on hand following advice from her father, who told her to have close to six months’ worth at a time. “I always have cash at the house,” Willis told attorneys.

Brody had a chance to meet the pair but was unaware of who they were, as their encounter occurred before the indictment of former President Donald Trump.

However, once the employee asked about their professions, both Wade and Willis made it known they were criminal law attorneys.

While Willis is also being investigated by the Senate Special Committee on Investigations and the House Judiciary Committee, the special hearing is set to reconvene in late February or early March, with the expected presentation of summations or final arguments.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee will hand down the removal decision.

Meanwhile, Trump also filed a dismissal motion following a speech Willis delivered on Jan. 14 at Bethel AME Church, accusing her speech of inciting “racial animus.”

by Stacy Jackson

February 23, 2024

Gabby Douglas Battles COVID Ahead Of Gymnastics Return

The gymnast has been met with another setback after testing positive for COVID. She promised fans, "I'll see you guys soon."

Just days before her highly anticipated return to competition, gymnast Gabby Douglas shared the crushing news that a positive COVID-19 test will prevent her from making her comeback debut this weekend.

“I’m so sad to say I won’t be competing this weekend. I was so excited to get back on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID,” Douglas posted on Instagram.

According to Today, the Feb. 24 event would have marked the first elite meet for the 28-year-old gymnast since the 2016 Rio Games. Douglas was slated to face Olympic champion Sunisa Lee for the first time in Saturday’s Winter Cup and compete in three events – vault, beam, and floor exercise.

Douglas first revealed her comeback plans earlier this month during an interview on Hallie Jackson NOW. She explained, “I didn’t want to end this sport how I did in 2016. I wanted to take a step back and work on my mental state…I never wanted to walk away on a bad day.” She initially teased her return in July 2023 through social media, according to BLACK ENTERPRISE. The athlete shared several photos of herself leaping through the air, followed by a video of her training on bars, simply captioned: “loading.”

Douglas clinched her third Olympic gold as part of the U.S. women’s team victory at the 2016 Rio Games, Today noted. She etched her name in history at the 2012 London Games as the first Black athlete to capture the Olympic all-around gold title. While the gold medalist never formally retired after Rio, she did not vie for a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

If named to the 2024 Paris team, she will become the first American woman since gymnast Dominique Dawes to make three Olympic squads.

Having faced injuries, setbacks, and now COVID, the gymnast’s journey reflects the ongoing challenges athletes endure. “I’ll see you guys soon,” the icon promised to followers, despite the difficult news.

Porsha Williams, Simon Guobadia, Divorce

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2024

Porsha Williams Divorcing Simon Guobadia After 15 Months Of Marriage Amid Reports Into His Citizenship

Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia are headed for Splitsville just 15 months into their marriage.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star filed for divorce from the Nigerian businessman in Atlanta on Thursday, February 22, People reported. Sources said the divorce is over an “ongoing matter” and has nothing to do with “recent allegations involving Simon’s past.”

The divorce filing comes days after a report claiming Guobadia is facing deportation after allegedly being denied U.S. citizenship. He is accused of multiple felony crimes including credit card fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and a fake marriage to obtain a green card.

A timeline details Guobadia’s alleged scheme to marry American women following his initial arrival to the U.S. on a six-month visitor’s visa in 1982. His first marriage was allegedly deemed a “sham” after he used the nuptials to submit an “Adjustment of Status” application that was ultimately denied. After his first wife revealed they never lived together as a couple and the marriage was never consummated, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) initiated deportation proceedings, with Simon voluntarily leaving the United States.

He returned to the U.S. in 1986 on another visitor’s visa and from 1987 to 1991, Guobadia was accused in two separate cases of bank and credit card fraud. In 1992, Guobadia was forcibly removed from the U.S. He is accused of obtaining a green card in 1992 under an alias that has not been made public.

In 2016 and 2020, Guobadia reportedly made additional attempts for citizenship which were denied due to “his temporary resident status was unlawfully granted” and because his his temporary status was “based on a different identity” and “disqualifying criminal inadmissibility that was willfully concealed.”

In 2022, he sought a trial to review his citizenship application but was denied. In 2023, he sought to have the government’s refusal overturned, but that was also denied.

Now, amid reports of his possible deportation, Williams is pulling the plug on their marriage. This comes amid her announcing her return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for its upcoming sixteenth season, following a two-year hiatus from the Bravo series.

Williams exited the show at the end of season 13, weeks before she shocked fans by announcing her engagement to Guobadia, who appeared as the husband of a guest housewife that season. Williams and Guobadia dated for a few months before tying the knot and enjoyed three different wedding ceremonies throughout Atlanta and Nigeria.

On social media, the couple didn’t shy away from showing off their lavish lifestyle in what appeared to highlight how happy they were together. Just last week, Guobadia boasted how Williams was “all mine” in a Valentine’s Day post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simon Iyore Guobadia (@iamsimonguobadia)

However, one week later, Williams is filing to divorce her second husband. The details of what caused the split might be revealed in RHOA season 16.

by Rafael Pena

February 23, 2024

Georgia Judge Denies Dwight Howard’s Motion to Dismiss Sexual Assault Lawsuit

A Georgia judge has ruled against former NBA star Dwight Howard's attempt to immediately dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit.

A Georgia judge has ruled against former NBA star Dwight Howard’s attempt to immediately dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and battery, according to ESPN. The decision, made this week in Gwinnett County, comes as part of an ongoing legal battle initiated by Stephen Harper, who alleges Howard sexually assaulted him during a July 2021 encounter at Howard’s Georgia residence.

Harper’s attorney, Olga Izmaylova, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “My comment, at this time, is that we are glad the court denied Mr. Howard’s motion and look forward to proving our client’s case.” The lawsuit also includes allegations of intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment.

The judge not only rejected Howard’s motion but also ruled to seal an exhibit filed in December 2023 containing what Howard’s lawyers claimed were embarrassing and sexually explicit text messages.

One of Howard’s attorneys, Justin Bailey, responded to the ruling, expressing confidence in the justice system, saying, “Justice will prevail and we fully trust in our justice system and the process. This order is part of the process. We will engage in discovery and will further prove our case, and when the time is right, we will let our future pleadings speak for themselves.”

The lawsuit, filed in July 2023, is in the discovery phase, with no trial date scheduled. Howard’s legal team has consistently maintained that the encounter involving a third person was consensual. In October 2023, they denied the allegations and sought a dismissal. In December 2023, Howard’s lawyers escalated their efforts, requesting a summary judgment to dismiss the charges without a trial.

Harper’s initial complaint included screenshots of alleged Instagram exchanges between him and Howard in 2021, along with an Uber receipt detailing Harper’s trip to Howard’s residence on the night of the incident. Harper went to the police a year later, but no charges were filed.

Howard’s attorneys characterized the case as a “classic case of unrequited love” in a December 2023 filing. They claimed that after one consensual evening, Howard was no longer interested in Harper’s company.

Harper’s legal team countered in a January 2024 response, rejecting the notion of unrequited love and urging the judge to deny Howard’s request for a summary judgment. They argued that the case was about holding Howard accountable for his actions, not personal motives.

As the legal proceedings continue, Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, waits for a resolution on the allegations that have cast a shadow over his post-NBA career.

by Rafael Pena

February 23, 2024

Vice Media To Undergo Major Overhaul: Hundreds Of Layoffs, Shift In Publishing Strategy

Vice Media, once hailed as a digital media powerhouse, is set to lay off hundreds of employees and halt content publication on its website.

In a seismic shift that underscores the turbulence in the media landscape, Vice Media once hailed as a digital media powerhouse, is set to lay off hundreds of employees and halt content publication on its website, according to CNN. Chief Executive Bruce Dixon announced this pivotal move on Feb. 22 in a memo to staff, citing “fundamental changes” in the company’s “strategic vision” under new private equity ownership.

Dixon acknowledged the gravity of the move, stating, “This decision was not made lightly, and I understand the significant impact it will have on those affected.” He revealed that Vice Media would no longer find it cost-effective to distribute digital content independently, opting instead to collaborate with established media entities for content distribution, marking a transition to a studio model.

The announcement also indicated that Refinery29, a women’s lifestyle-focused site, will continue operating independently, and Vice is in advanced discussions to sell the business. Dixon expressed confidence in the support of financial partners and their commitment to investing in the new operating model, anticipating that the company will emerge “stronger and more resilient.”

Inside Vice Media, the atmosphere before the official announcement was described as grim, with rumors circulating about the fate of the outlet. Employees likened the situation to “the violinists playing aboard the sinking Titanic,” reflecting the somber mood and uncertainty surrounding the future.

One employee, anticipating the outcome, remarked, “There are simply not enough lifeboats,” capturing the bleak outlook for digital news staffers. A senior Vice staffer described the news as “crushing,” particularly for a group of reporters who had made a significant impact globally.

Once a digital media startup valued at billions, Vice Media has faced substantial challenges in recent years. Acquired out of bankruptcy for $350 million last year, the company has experienced a series of layoffs, program cancellations, and executive changes. The latest move by Dixon marks a radical strategic shift and effectively signals the end of Vice Media as it was known in the industry.

While Vice’s news division gained acclaim for its impactful journalism, winning prestigious awards, the company grappled with business difficulties and leadership transitions. The digital media giant’s restructuring and workforce reductions aligned with broader industry trends, with other digital publishers also announcing painful layoffs amid shifting business models.

by Rafael Pena

February 23, 2024

Landmark Hearing Could Challenge Death Sentences Due To Racial Bias In Jury Selection

A court hearing has potential to change the fate of over 135 inmates facing death sentences, questioning racial bias in jury selection.

A pivotal court hearing set to commence next week in North Carolina holds the potential to reshape the fates of over 135 death row inmates, questioning the role of racial bias in jury selection for capital cases, according to NBC News. The lead case, centered on Hasson Bacote, a Black man sentenced to death by a predominantly white jury in 2009, will scrutinize the application of the state’s Racial Justice Act.

Bacote, now 37, seeks to challenge his death sentence under the Racial Justice Act of 2009, which allowed death row inmates to seek resentencing if racial bias was a factor in their cases. Although repealed by then-Gov. Pat McCrory in 2013, the state Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling favored many inmates, allowing them to proceed with challenges.

The upcoming trial in Johnston County will be a battleground where Bacote’s legal team, including ACLU lawyers, aims to present statistical evidence demonstrating the enduring impact of discrimination in jury selection. Henderson Hill, senior counsel with the ACLU, emphasized, “We think the statistical evidence will be powerful and demonstrate the lasting impact of discrimination.”

The case alleges that local prosecutors in Johnston County were disproportionately excluding people of color from jury service. Bacote’s legal team contends that in his trial, prosecutors were over three times more likely to strike prospective Black jurors than white jurors. They plan to call historians and social scientists to establish a history and pattern of discrimination in both Bacote’s trial and Johnston County.

The evidence includes assertions that the death penalty was significantly more likely to be sought and imposed on Black defendants and minorities in Johnston County. References made by prosecutors about Black jurors’ physical appearance in other capital cases in North Carolina are expected to strengthen the argument.

It's shameful that my primary opponent AG Stein is trying to keep a Convicted Black defendant from getting his long-awaited day in court before early voting begins because Stein doesn't want Black voters to know his (Stein's) argument in this high-profile case which is that the…
— Michael Morgan (@MorganForGov) February 19, 2024

In a surprising move, the office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein seeks to delay the hearing, challenging the reliability of claims based on a Michigan State University study. Stein’s office acknowledges the abhorrence of racial bias in jury selection but argues that a claim of discrimination must be proven and cannot be presumed.

The hearing’s significance extends beyond Bacote’s case, intersecting with broader debates on the death penalty in North Carolina. With gubernatorial, attorneys general, and state Supreme Court elections looming, the hearing comes amid a politically charged environment. Anti-death penalty advocates have called on Gov. Roy Cooper to commute the remaining death sentences.

Cassandra Stubbs, director of the ACLU’s Capital Punishment Project, highlighted the broader implications, stating, “There’s no question that our evidence in Hasson Bacote’s case goes to this broader conversation that’s happening in North Carolina over whether we should keep the death penalty or if the governor should commute the row.”