William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police
(Photo: Getty Images)
by Daniel Johnson

July 9, 2024

Miami Gardens Family Searches For Answers After Police Kill Man In Backyard

Daniel Lewis’s family continues their search for answers after the 27-year-old Lewis was shot and killed during a shootout involving ATF agents and the Miami Gardens Police Department on June 31.

Daniel Lewis’s family continues their search for answers after the 27-year-old Lewis was shot and killed during a shootout involving ATF agents and the Miami Gardens Police Department on June 31. It is currently unclear whether Lewis actually fired a shot or even presented a threat to officers; no shell casings matching his gun were found at the scene. 

According to NBC Miami, during a press conference on July 2, Lewis’ mother wanted to know why her son was killed. “I watched my son take his last breath, and that’s the hardest thing a mother could ever do, from the first to the last,” Angela Lewis said. “Nobody will understand what was taken from us, and all we want to know is why, why, why did it have to happen?”

Chris Lomax, one of the attorneys representing the family in a lawsuit to be filed against the Miami Gardens Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, a federal agency, said, “The answer to her question, ‘Why did this have to happen?’ is it did not have to happen, it absolutely did not have to happen, Mr. Lewis should still be here today.”

Another attorney for the family, Ariel Lett, told the outlet that the police did not identify themselves in any way. “Not once did anyone yell police, stop, police, freeze. Instead, what they did was they gunned down a law-abiding citizen in his backyard, on his back doorstep, without a warning.”

According to NBC Miami, Lewis was a father of two with no criminal record and had a permit to carry a firearm. He was at home on June 31 when his cousins were tailed by an unmarked car, which they allegedly believed were gang members. When Lewis stepped outside to investigate what was happening, he was shot.

Christopher Robinson, the special agent in charge of the ATF’s office in Miami, issued a statement to NBC Miami, declaring that some people shot at both his agents and members of the Miami Gardens Police Department, and fire was returned, resulting in the death of Lewis. “Unfortunately, some individuals discharged firearms at some Miami Gardens detectives as well as some of my agents, gunfire was returned, one individual struck, and he’s unfortunately deceased.” 

Lewis also told the Miami Herald, “My son went outside to see what was going on, and they shot him five times. They didn’t say anything to me. They didn’t tell me why,” Angela Lewis said. “No one tried to administer CPR. No one tried to help him. They just stood over him.” 

Although Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt told the Herald that it was currently too soon in their investigation to determine exactly who fired weapons, she indicated to the outlet that no officers had been injured. She also issued a warning at the scene of the shooting. “If folks are brazen enough to fire at our officers…they will be dealt with accordingly.”

Louis Vuitton, Pusha T
Pusha T. (Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 9, 2024

Pusha T Is Newest House Ambassador For Louis Vuitton

'Pusha T’s role as House Ambassador underscores Louis Vuitton’s vision of bringing together diverse cultural influences to build powerful storytelling within its storied menswear universe.'

As recording artists Clipse prepares the finishing touches on their next album, group member Pusha T has been announced as the latest House Ambassador for the Louis Vuitton fashion house, according to Billboard.

An Instagram post from Louis Vuitton reveals the Virginia rapper wearing some of the latest from the brand.

“Pusha T for Louis Vuitton. The Maison and Men’s Creative Director @pharrell are pleased to welcome the artist as the newest House Ambassador, beginning a new chapter of Louis Vuitton’s longstanding commitment to the musical arts.”

The announcement comes after Pusha T and his brother, No Malice, appeared at the company’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2025 Show in Paris. The duo also released a new single that debuted at the fashion show. “Birds Don’t Sing,” featuring John Legend, played during the outing. It’s the Clipse’s first recording together since 2009.

Their long-time producer, Pharrell Williams, is also producing their latest project and is Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director.

“His ambassadorial nomination at Louis Vuitton is a testament to his commitment to artistry and a strong personal style, both echoing  Maison’s own dedication to unique expression across fashion and culture,” according to an LV press release. “Pusha T’s role as House Ambassador underscores Louis Vuitton’s vision of bringing together diverse cultural influences to build powerful storytelling within its storied menswear universe. The Maison looks forward to this exciting collaborative journey ahead.”

Earlier this year, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, a French native, was also named as a house ambassador for the Louis Vuitton brand. Other notables associated with the brand include Tyler, the Creator, who debuted his capsule collection on Feb. 21. Deion Sanders’ sons, Shedeur and Shilo, modeled for an LV fashion show in Paris in January. Even a pregnant Rihanna was spotted in a commercial for the summer 2024 collection of the popular fashion house.

RELATED CONTENT : Wyclef Jean Releases Song With Pusha T, Flau’Jae, Lola Brook To Combat Retirement Wealth Gap

Texas, Hurricane Beryl, electricity, power outage
(Photo: Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Louisiana State University/flickr)
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 9, 2024

Hurricane Beryl Wreaked Havoc On Texas, May Take Days To Regain Power

Hurricane Beryl broke records fueled by soaring sea temperatures

Following Hurricane Beryl, widespread and ongoing power outages are exacerbating the grave situation as temperatures soar in Texas this week.

The hurricane ripped through Texas on July 8. The calamitous storm caused at least six deaths, and approximately 2.7 million customers were left without electricity. As of Tuesday morning, more than 2.2 million people remained without power. Authorities warn that the blackouts could persist for days to weeks, leaving residents without air conditioning amidst triple-digit heat indices.

“The lack of proper cooling, combined with many people outdoors cleaning up after Beryl, could produce dangerous heat conditions,” the National Weather Service (NWS) stated this morning.

The outages are concentrated in southeast Texas, where the heat index — a measure of heat and humidity — is expected to exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this level typically doesn’t warrant a heat advisory in the region, the absence of air conditioning after a major storm significantly changes the situation.

Public Utility Commission of Texas chairman Thomas Gleeson mentioned in a press conference yesterday that it could take “a few days” to restore power, with some areas in hard-hit Galveston potentially remaining without electricity for up to two weeks.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, power outages in the U.S. have increased over the past decade, mainly due to “major events” like hurricanes and winter storms.

These prolonged blackouts heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially as rising global temperatures, driven by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, lead to more frequent and intense heat waves. Higher temperatures also intensify storms, which gain strength from heat energy at the sea surface.

Hurricane Beryl broke records fueled by soaring sea temperatures. It became the strongest tropical storm on record to develop in the Atlantic this early in the hurricane season. By July 2, Beryl intensified into a monstrous Category 5 storm, causing destruction across the Caribbean and Mexico before weakening to a Category 1 storm and striking Texas. Despite lower sustained wind speeds, Beryl delivered over 10 inches of rain along parts of the Texas Gulf Coast and caused a storm surge of up to six feet.

Beryl’s impact is a grim indicator of what’s predicted to be a severe Atlantic hurricane season this year. Though the storm has weakened, it is expected to remain “a prolific heavy rain producer” as it moves northeast this week, according to the NWS.

NFL, Cameron Sutton
Photo By Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 9, 2024

NFL Player Cameron Sutton Suspended For 8 Games After Domestic Battery Arrest

An investigation into the matter led the league to determine that he violated its personal conduct policy.

Earlier this year, former Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton surrendered to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida, after he accusations of domestic violence. The NFL announced on July 8 that Sutton had been suspended for eight games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

After Sutton turned himself in, he reportedly entered a pretrial diversion program on misdemeanor battery charges. An investigation into the matter led the league to determine that he violated the personal conduct policy, leading to his suspension. After being released by the Lions, Sutton signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran minimum and will be eligible to play when the team plays against the New York Giants in Week 9.

Sutton was charged with misdemeanor battery after turning himself in on March 31. He was initially wanted for domestic battery by strangulation, a felony, but prosecutors stated that he had been formally charged with misdemeanor battery. If convicted of this charge, he would have faced a maximum of one year in jail.

“After weeks of evading law enforcement, this man has finally made the right choice to turn himself in,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister at the time of Sutton’s surrender. “Domestic violence has no place in our community, and no one is above the law here in Hillsborough County. My thoughts are with this woman as she continues to heal from this man’s gruesome actions.”

Last year, Sutton signed a $33 million, three-year contract with the Lions after playing the first six years of his career with the Steelers. He was instrumental in helping the Lions win the division title this past season, the team’s first in 30 years. Sutton started every game while playing for Detroit, getting one interception, a forced fumble, and 50 tackles.

RELATED CONTENT: NFL Legend Barry Sanders Speaks On Heart-Related Health Scare

Brett Favre, Shannon Sharpe, Lawsuit
(Photos from left: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM; Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
by Daniel Johnson

July 9, 2024

The Caucasity: Brett Favre To Ask Judge To Reinstate Defamation Lawsuit Against Shannon Sharpe

After a federal judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe in October 2023, disgraced Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is set to request a federal appeals court to reinstate the lawsuit on July 9

After a federal judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe in October 2023, disgraced Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is set to request a federal appeals court to reinstate the lawsuit on July 9. The lawsuit was originally thrown out due to a judge’s determination that Sharpe’s comments on a television broadcast were within the bounds of constitutionally protected free speech. 

According to The Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett wrote in his 2023 decision that it was unreasonable to believe that Sharpe’s comments during a segment on Skip and Shannon: Undisputed should be taken literally. “Here, no reasonable person listening to the Broadcast would think that Favre actually went into the homes of poor people and took their money — that he committed the crime of theft/larceny against any particular poor person in Mississippi.”

Favre’s lawyers, meanwhile, argued in a brief that the ruling was a misinterpretation of Sharpe’s comments. “Here, a reasonable listener could and would have interpreted Sharpe’s repeated statements to the effect that Favre ‘stole money’ from ‘the underserved’ as factual assertions about Favre.”

Sharpe’s attorneys argued in their own legal brief that the judge’s ruling was correct, writing that Sharpe’s words were “loose, figurative language between media commentators about a significant public controversy important to the discourse of our nation.”

According to The AP, Favre has paid back the $1.1 million that he originally improperly received from a non-profit organization for work Favre performed on behalf of the organization, but still owes $729,790 due to accrued interest on the payments, according to Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.

During White’s investigation, he uncovered that between 2016 and 2019, the State of Mississippi misallocated over $77 million in funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, meant to go to some of the nation’s poorest inhabitants. According to The Mississippi Free Press, part of that misallocation was an incident which involved a scheme initiated by Nancy New, the operator of the Mississippi Community Education Center, the non-profit organization which paid Favre and former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director John Davis to divert $5 million to a volleyball stadium project Favre wanted at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater. 

New also diverted millions in funds from the TANF program to a pharmaceutical company Favre maintained an investment into, Prevacus. Unlike Favre, however, the founder of Prevacus, Jake VanLandingham, Davis, and New are all facing criminal charges related to their actions. According to The Free Press, the State of Mississippi is still trying to recover funds from Favre, which are related to both Prevacus and the University of Southern Mississippi’s volleyball project, through a civil lawsuit that is targeting dozens of organizations and individuals that the MDHS believes took the misused TANF funds. 

According to the civil lawsuit, “Favre understood that the TANF Funds that MCEC paid to the Foundation were “grant funds” that were paid on his behalf.  Favre knew that John Davis was providing grant funds from MDHS to MCEC for construction of the volleyball facility, and he knew that MDHS is Mississippi’s “welfare agency.” Favre discussed the source of the funding — MDHS — with Jon Gilbert. And Favre texted Jake VanLandingham regarding Nancy New: “She has strong connections and gave me five million for the Vball facility via grant money.”   

RELATED CONTENT: Shannon Sharpe Signs Multiyear Deal With ESPN After Leaving FS1 Less Than A Year Ago

Family Feud, tablet, show
(Photo: freepik)
by Stacy Jackson

July 9, 2024

‘Family Feud’ Appoints First Black Woman Showrunner, Myeshia Mizuno

The position with Family Feud makes Mizuno the first Black woman ever appointed as a prime time showrunner.

The iconic game show “Family Feud” has welcomed a groundbreaking new showrunner, Myeshia Mizuno, who now oversees both the syndicated version and ABC‘s prime time “Celebrity Family Feud.”

Mizuno’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Black woman to helm a prime-time game show. The game show fanatic spoke to Variety about her approach to the role concerning the show’s legacy. “It’s daunting, but definitely what I’m up for,” she stated, likening her job to “adding some oil to the spokes” of an already well-oiled machine. Her vision includes subtle enhancements to both game show versions, such as introducing vacation packages as prizes and creating a cozy backstage area for celebrity contestants.

With a rich background in television production, Mizuno brings a wealth of experience to “Family Feud.” Her diverse career spans from producing “Judge Judy” to developing court shows and working on ABC‘s “Supermarket Sweep” revival. This varied expertise positions her well to steer the beloved game show into its next chapter. Steve Harvey, the charismatic host of “Family Feud,” expressed confidence in Mizuno’s capabilities. “She just fell right into place,” he remarked, praising her management skills. Harvey emphasized the importance of her role, noting, “This show is iconic…You don’t want to come in and mess it up…All eyes are on her.” The comedian is confident in Mizuno as the new showrunner, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered, the host has already worked with her on ABC‘s Emmy-nominated “Judge Steve Harvey.”

The upcoming “Celebrity Family Feud” season promises an exciting lineup of stars, including Megan Thee Stallion, Ne-Yo, and various sports figures. Other notable matchups feature Meghan Trainor vs. Tori Kelly and a special “Golden Bachelor” face-off. Further into the season, episodes will feature Daughtry vs. Papa Roach, Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The War & Treaty, Fat Joe vs. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, and David Foster/Katharine McPhee vs. Clay Aiken.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u26uBgUE8Zw

“Celebrity Family Feud” enters its tenth season, premiering July 9 with a two-hour special. Stay tuned throughout the holidays for a special episode featuring Shaquille O’Neal vs. Sherri Shepherd.

Georgia Power, Hurricane Beryl
(Photo: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 9, 2024

Georgia Power Crews Head To Texas In The Wake Of Hurricane Beryl

Georgia Power is sending crews to Texas as part of a state-to-state mutual aid agreement.

Georgia Power crews headed to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl to help restore power for those impacted by the storm.

Twenty vehicles filled with personnel left July 8 to aid victims, according to WSB-TV. Although downgraded to category one by the time it reached Texas, Hurricane Beryl still wreaked havoc among many populated areas, including Houston and cities along the coast.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 3 million homes and businesses lost power. At least three people were killed. The storm moved east and later weakened to a tropical depression, the National Hurricane Center told AP on Monday.

As for Georgia Power’s participation, the mission is part of a state-to-state mutual aid agreement among utility companies. “When we need assistants with additional crews, they come to us and vice versa,” explained Georgia Power’s CEM, Marie Bertot, in a statement.

Flooding and strong winds left many without power as the storm moved through the state. Even Texans who live further away from the coastline lost power.

“I first lost power about 9 a.m. Just getting ready for work, and everything went dark,” explained Shane Mecke, who lives in Houston. “You might hear some of the generators in the background. The majority of them, I would say are without power.”

Mecke appeciated the interstate support.

“It feels good that crews from other states and other towns are willing to come out to help us get power back. I know it’s a lot of work for our crews here, so any help is greatly appreciated.”

As Georgia Power rushes to the impacted area, many residents and businesses remain without power. However, Georgia’s main power company did note that enough personnel are still in the state should weather impact its operations.

Given the mutual aid agreement, other state crews are on call as well for a worst-case scenario.

RELATED CONTENT: Hurricane Sandy Anniversary: A Primer on Catastrophe Tax Deduction

Amber Rose, Republican National Convention
(Photo: Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 9, 2024

Newly Conservative Amber Rose To Speak At Republican National Convention

Rose recently made headlines this year after publicly showing her support for Trump.

Amber Rose is continuing her “MAGA” walk. The newly conservative media personality will speak at the Republican National Convention (RNC), which starts July 15.

Rose recently emerged as a Trump supporter and confirmed the convention appearance news to her X account on July 8. Her confirmation follows reports from CNN’s Kristin Holmes that Rose would take part in the political event.

“It’s true, I’m speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. #MAGA,” exclaimed Rose, reaffirming her support of Trump’s reelection campaign.

Rose made headlines in May with her right-leaning political view. The model quickly faced backlash after posting a picture with former President Trump and his wife, Melania, at a campaign event.

Despite the controversy, the Philadelphia native remained adamant in her new stance. She defended her choice, stating that Trump is the only candidate with a “reasonable compromise” on abortion.

“Y’all want biological men in women’s sports. Trump supports the most reasonable compromise on abortion,” she commented under a The Shade Room post about her, as reported by HuffPost. “Stop being brainwashed cuz WE’RE ppl of color. Make your own decisions.”

The 40-year-old added, “Lmaooo y’all think Biden cares about black ppl??? Sad. Do ur research. I did. I’ll ALWAYS put women first.”

In recent years, Rose became known for her advocacy for women’s rights. Most notably, she began leading the Los Angeles-based Slut Walk in 2015, an event that promotes sex positivity and denounce slut-shaming. Many consider her “MAGA” alignment to differ sharply from her past and more inclusive politics.

Rose initially garnered fame through her former relationship with Kanye West, currently known as Ye. She dated the rapper for approximately two years, beginning in 2008. She also shares a child with rapper Wiz Khalifa.

No further details were shared about when Rose will speak during the days-long convention. However, the event expects to host many conservative leaders across various industries.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump And Biden’s Records On HBCUs Fact-Checked Post-Debate

Disney Parkgoers Upset With New Disability Access Service
(Photo: Rebecca Bollwitt/Flickr)
by Stacy Jackson

July 9, 2024

Disney Parkgoers Upset With New Disability Access Service

A petition states that the new changes to Disney's Disability Access Service overlooks a wide range of disabled guests.

Disney’s recent modifications to its Disability Access Service (DAS) have sparked controversy among disabled guests and has prompted calls for change.

The revised policy now specifically targets “guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, cannot wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time,” as stated on both park websites.

This shift in DAS eligibility has left many disabled guests feeling excluded.

A petition started by DAS Defenders highlights how the changes, implemented in May and June at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, respectively, overlook a wide range of conditions, including cancer patients, veterans with PTSD, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and individuals with rare diseases.

“Disney is a dream destination for countless families…including children with illness and disabilities,” the petition argues, emphasizing that the new policy “sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be overlooked.”

The impact on disabled guests was brought to light when Charisma Mangahas, a 25-year-old with Guillain-Barre syndrome, shared her experience of being denied DAS at Disneyland, as it’s now reserved for “severely disabled or cognitively disabled” guests.

She proposed a discounted Lightning Lane service as an alternative, suggesting it could be an add-on to Magic Key passes. Mangahas’ video has garnered the attention of over 1 million TikTok users.

https://www.tiktok.com/@asymptomatic_/video/7385238759748439339?embed_source=121374463%2C121442748%2C121439635%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&refer=embed&referer_url=wdwnt.com%2F2024%2F06%2Ftiktok-user-denied-disability-access-service%2F&referer_video_id=7385238759748439339

Disney has also altered the DAS application process, Fox Business reported. At Walt Disney World, guests must now register via virtual video chat up to 30 days before their visit. Disneyland offers both virtual chat and in-person options for same-day requests. Disney has taken a hard stance against those who exploit the Disability Access Service.

In a stern warning issued this April, the entertainment giant declared that any individuals caught fabricating disabilities to secure DAS privileges would face permanent expulsion from all Disney theme parks.

RELATED CONTENT: Disney Dreamers Talk Business And Philanthropy