February 7, 2024

Former Employee Settles Wrongful Termination Suit Against Yeezy

Maya Stewart accused Yeezy Gap of wrongful termination after she complained about conditions at work, including having to work between 50 to 80 hours weekly with no overtime pay.

One less thing for Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, to worry about! According to Radar Online, the lawsuit filed against the eclectic fashion designer that accused his company, Yeezy, of wrongful termination has been settled.

The suit from former employee Maya Stewart was filed last year after she claimed she was terminated from her position after complaining about work conditions. The Gap was also named in the lawsuit.

Court documents obtained by Radar Online revealed Stewart and her former employers went into mediation on Jan. 19. The parties reached an agreement suggested by the mediator “and are now in the process of finalizing and circulating a long-form settlement agreement for signature.” With the deal reportedly set, Stewart said she was prepared to file a motion to dismiss the suit soon.

Stewart was hired in January 2021 as an accessories developer. In her lawsuit, she claimed that she worked between 50 and 80 hours per week but never received overtime pay. She also said the company violated meal and rest break violations in spring 2021.

After bringing those concerns to various executives, Stewart also said that her pay was reduced from $60 per hour to $50 per hour, and that during her last week at the company she had to work 21 hours a day.

In Stewart’s lawsuit, she asked for unspecified damages for the humiliation, shame, despair, embarrassment, depression, mental pain, and anguish she suffered because of the firing. In response, The Gap denied all allegations of wrongdoing and asked that Yeezy be solely responsible for any judgment that may be awarded to Stewart. However, Ye’s company stated that all actions taken against Stewart were “justified” and asked that her claims be dismissed.

“Defendants did not authorize, direct, or ratify any alleged wrongful conduct,” a Yeezy attorney stated. “[Stewart’s] claims are barred for the reason that the alleged conduct of Defendants was at all times undertaken in the good-faith exercise of a legitimate business purpose.”

Yeezy also requested that Stewart cover its legal fees.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2024

In The Black Network Launches ‘ITBN Africa’ To Amplify Content From African Creators

In the Black Network is kicking off Black History Month by making history of its own with the launch of an expansion: ITBN Africa.

In the Black Network (ITBN) is kicking off Black History Month by making history of its own with the launch of an expansion. Enter ITBN Africa.

The new network includes 70 hours of original programming devoted to showcasing the dynamic creative voices that embody the richness of African cultures. Launched on Feb. 5, the network includes a slate of rich independent TV series, films, and documentaries including A Light Through Coloured Glass, GOBE, My Bald Self, Mummy Dearest, and Bachelor’s Eve.

“At ITBN we’re not just about adding more titles. We aim to celebrate the black diaspora and be a tribute to the diverse stories and rich heritage that resonates globally,” James DuBose, founder and CEO of In the Black Network, said in a press release.

“Africa’s storytelling tradition is as historic as time, filled with narratives that inspire, entertain, and educate.”

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A post shared by In The Black Network (@intheblacknetwork)

The new network debuts at a pivotal time, as major networks face criticism for the drawback of diversity pledges made during the heightened racial tensions of 2020. As diverse programming begins to decrease, African filmmakers have criticized prominent streaming platforms for actively withdrawing financial support for their content.

With more creators calling for dedicated hubs devoted to showcasing the tapestry of stories originating from Africa to global audiences, ITBN seeks to fill the void. DuBose’s new network aims to make sure these narratives don’t go unnoticed, as many other streaming networks are not embracing content from African countries.

ITBN Africa highlights a diverse lineup, including original series, documentaries, and movies spanning genres from drama to comedy, with a goal to connect, promote understanding, and introduce global viewers to the beauty and complexity of Africa.

You can watch a full highlight reel for the new network here.

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police

by Rafael Pena

February 7, 2024

65-Year-Old Woman Forced To Retire Wins $105K In Age Discrimination Lawsuit

A Louisiana-based manufacturing company has agreed to settle an age discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Entrepreneur reports that J&M Industries Inc., a Louisiana-based manufacturing and distribution company, has agreed to settle an age discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The case involves allegations that the company terminated an employee shortly before her 65th birthday due to age-related biases.

According to the federal age discrimination lawsuit, the employee, who served as a purchasing agent for nearly two decades, faced persistent inquiries regarding her retirement plans in the months leading up to her 65th birthday. The EEOC complaint states that she was repeatedly approached by J&M Industries managers, including her direct supervisor, with questions such as “When are you going to retire?”, “Why don’t you retire at 65?”, and “What is the reason you are not retiring?”

The employee was subsequently terminated after affirming her decision not to retire at 65. The EEOC contends that J&M Industries replaced her with a younger male employee less than a month after her dismissal.

The company initially cited “economic uncertainty” as the reason for eliminating her position in May 2020. However, the complaint highlights the swift replacement of the terminated employee with a 39-year-old male, raising suspicions of age discrimination.

In response to the EEOC’s complaint, J&M Industries denied terminating the employee based on age. The company argued that the replacement hiring was justified, saying the new employee had “broader, more significant duties” than his predecessor.

The settlement, announced by the EEOC on Feb. 1, involves J&M Industries agreeing to pay the former employee $105,000 in back pay and liquidated damages. The resolution addresses the company’s violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, a law safeguarding individuals aged 40 and older from age-related discrimination in the workplace.

Rudy Sustaita, a regional attorney for the EEOC’s Houston District Office, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, “This resolution serves the public interest. It provides relief for the former employee and will help protect others from age discrimination.”

As part of the three-year consent decree settling the case, J&M Industries commits to training employees, revising company policies, regularly reporting to the EEOC, and prominently posting notices emphasizing compliance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Peter Theis, a senior trial attorney for the EEOC’s New Orleans field office, emphasized the broader implications, saying, “Age discrimination is wrong, and employers that discriminate against older workers violate the law.”

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2024

Music industry Vet Deb Antney To Host ALLBLK Reality Show To Find Female “Rap Prótegé”

“I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm—one centered around personal growth and self-competition,"

With the rise in recent years of female recording artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Scarlip, and Ice Spice, the time for a reality competition show featuring female emcees has arrived.

ALLBLK, AMC Networks’ streaming service for Black television and film, will debut an unscripted series, Deb’s House, hosted Deb Antney, this summer.

Antney, who is affectionately known as “Aunt Deb,” is the mother of hip-hop recording artist and reality TV star Waka Flocka Flame, and has her own management company, Mizay Entertainment. The entertainment manager and founder/CEO has managed the careers of several high-profile artists, including Gucci Mane, French Montana, and Nicki Minaj.

“I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm—one centered around personal growth and self-competition,” said Antney in a written statement. “Collaborating with (co-creator and co-EP) Rasheed to bring this vision to life has been an incredible journey. Witnessing the music industry veer away from artist development towards a focus on superficiality and explicit content prompted my desire to return to the core values of true lyricism and mentorship. The search for the next female rap sensation in “Deb’s House” is my way of reigniting that passion.”

“Deb Antney is no stranger to the AMC Networks family, appearing on popular WE tv series Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta, Waka & Tammy, and executive producing the upcoming scripted series Bev Is Boss,” said Brett Dismuke, head of content for ALLBLK and WE TV. “Ms. Deb is a pioneer and influential voice across the music industry who has discovered, established, and guided the careers of some of hip-hop’s most prolific and successful artists. We cannot wait for our ALLBLK audience to join the search and ultimately see who Ms. Deb crowns as the next iconic female MC.”

Deadline reported that the series will showcase eight female artists trying to mark their mark in the industry who will move into a house to compete to become Antney’s next “rap protégé.”

kanye west, bill Maher, antisemite, jewish community, jew, interview

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2024

Bill Maher Axed Two-Hour Kanye West Interview Because ‘He’s A Very Charming Antisemite’

Bill Maher decided to scrap his entire interview with Kanye West due to the rapper's "charming" antisemitic rhetoric.

Bill Maher sat down with Kanye West for a two-hour interview as part of his podcast. But the political talk show host decided to scrap the entire interview due to Kanye’s “charming” antisemitic rhetoric.

On Monday, Feb. 5, Maher appeared on an “TMZ Investigates” episode centered around Kanye. While there, he revealed his recent sit down with the rap/fashion mogul as part of his “Club Random” podcast that won’t see the light of day due to Kanye’s bigoted views against the Jewish community.

While the comedian and Real Time with Bill Maher host thought the interview would be a “learning moment,” the only knowledge he acquired from the two-hour chat was how strongly Kanye feels about Jews.

“We were here for two hours. By the way, we had an amazing, fun time,” Maher said. “He’s a very charming antisemite. And by the way, he’s not the only one in America who feels that way. It’s not like the Jews are universally loved except for Kanye West.”

Kanye saw a drastic fall from grace in 2022 after making a series of antisemitic remarks in interviews and on social media. As a result, Kanye lost a reported $2 billion in one day after Adidas, Balenciaga, and Gap severed their ties with the rapper. Several other businesses ended deals with the “Stronger” rapper, as well as his alma mater, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which rescinded the honorary doctorate he was awarded in 2015.

In the year since the fallout, Kanye has teased his return to music with performances and songs released as part of his upcoming collaboration project with Ty Dolla Sign. All the while, Kanye’s fanbase remains intact despite his controversial behavior, which most recently includes parading around public with his barely-clothed wife, Bianca Censori.

Maher thinks that as long as Kanye appeals to young audiences, his antisemitism will go unnoticed by his fans.

“The problem, I think, is that he appeals mostly — of course, he’s a rock star — to young people,” Maher said. “They don’t know much, and they surely don’t know much about the Middle East or Jews. So the combination of Kanye out there — I feel like he was helpful for spreading the fertilizer, and I do mean fertilizer, for this idea that Israel and the Jews are the worst people in the world.”

TMZ founder Harvey Levin likened Kanye’s power to that of Adolf Hitler in how it could encourage younger people to express their antisemitic views.

“A lot of people were thinking what he was thinking, but in Kanye’s case, the fact that he’s saying it out loud gives other people permission to say it too, right?” Levin asked.

“Yes, exactly,” Maher said. “That’s why I wouldn’t air that episode, because I’m not going to contribute to this.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kanye West Berates Paparazzi Who Asks Him If His Wife Has ‘Free Will’

Tracy, Trayvon, Martin, Afrofuturist, Afrofuturism,

by Rafael Pena

February 7, 2024

Smithsonian’s Afrofuturism Exhibition Will Feature Trayvon Martin’s Flight Suit

Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures offers an immersive exploration of Afrofuturist expression and its impact on various facets of culture.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has unveiled its latest exhibition, “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” offering an immersive exploration of Afrofuturist expression and its impact on music, activism, art, and various facets of culture, according to Essence. The exhibition, which commenced on March 24, 2023, will continue to captivate audiences until August 2024 in the museum’s Bank of America Special Exhibitions Gallery.

Announcing the exhibition via Instagram in November 2022, the NMAAHC highlighted its breadth, encapsulating the historical journey from enslaved individuals seeking freedom through cosmic inspiration to contemporary influences from science fiction that resonate with Black astronauts. The post underlined the multifaceted nature of Afrofuturism, encompassing influences from musical luminaries such as Sun Ra, OutKast, and P-Funk.

At the heart of the 4,300-square-foot temporary exhibition is the iconic Black Panther suit worn by the late Chadwick Boseman in the groundbreaking 2018 film Black Panther. This artifact, a symbol of cultural significance, anchors the exploration into Afrofuturism’s intersection with cinema and pop culture.

According to Essence, the exhibition extends its narrative with an array of noteworthy artifacts, including author Octavia Butler’s typewriter, Nona Hendryx’s space suit-inspired outfit, and Nichelle Nichols’ “Star Trek” uniform. Each item is a testament to the diverse ways Afrofuturism has manifested in different realms of creativity.

One poignant inclusion is Trayvon Martin’s flight suit, echoing a dream tragically cut short by terrestrial violence. Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, expressed the significance of Martin’s story, stating, “Trayvon Martin’s flight suit tells the story of a dream of space flight ended tragically by earthbound violence.” The flight suit, worn during Martin’s attendance at Experience Aviation in his early teens, holds sentimental value for his family, embodying his aspirations within the aviation field.

Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father, shared, “It was a badge of honor for the students to have the flight suit with the patches on it. It was part of their uniform for the program. He loved it. He loved it.”

The exhibition “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” unfolds as a comprehensive journey, weaving together the threads of historical struggles, creative expression, and dreams of a liberated and socially equitable future. NMAAHC welcomes visitors to delve into this enriching experience that pays homage to the impact and resonance of Afrofuturism across generations.

“For those seeking to explore the intersection of culture, creativity, and Afrofuturism, the exhibition beckons with its diverse array of artifacts and narratives.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2024

Auburn Basketball Player Pushes Morgan Freeman’s Hand Away Before Realizing Who He Was

“But I realized it was him and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan. I’m sorry,’ said Auburn forward Johni Broome

During a basketball game, fans on the sideline often try to distract opposing players. On the other hand, some fans just want attention and/or acknowledgment from the athletes they cheer on. Yet, one Auburn player got a surprise when he batted away a person’s hand before realizing that the spectator was Morgan Freeman.

According to CNN, during a recent contest between Auburn University and the University of Mississippi, Auburn forward Johni Broome felt a tug on his basketball jersey, and without hesitation or merely because of reflexes, he swatted that fan’s hand away from him, thinking it was a Mississippi fan trying to rattle him. After glancing back, he then realized that it was not an ordinary fan; it was the legendary actor.

“I thought it was an Ole Miss fan grabbing my jersey, holding on to me,” Broome said to reporters after the game was over. “I kind of got his hand off. I saw who it was, and I’m a big movie guy. I probably watched one of his movies on the plane coming here.

“But I realized it was him, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan. I’m sorry.’ He said, ‘Just keep playing.’”

Broome said that after the revelation that it was Freeman, he had to go back and apologize again.

“I came back out there again, and I’m just like, ‘I’m sorry, again’” Broome said. “He said, ‘You all good. Just keep playing.’”

Oh! And Morgan Freeman’s biggest fan pic.twitter.com/gXRqMUhlIx

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) February 4, 2024

Maybe Freeman was that fan trying to get Broome off his game. After all, Broome, who scored 15 points (all in the second half), grabbed nine rebounds, dished out seven assists, and had three blocks for his team, which helped them pull out the victory by winning 91-77. The defeat snapped Ole Miss’ unbeaten streak of 14 games at home.

Danielle Brooks And Halle Bailey To Be Honored At Essence Black Women In Hollywood

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2024

Danielle Brooks And Halle Bailey To Be Honored At Essence Black Women In Hollywood

"Radiant Power" is the theme at the 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards ceremony where stars like Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey will be honored.

“Radiant Power” is the theme at the 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards ceremony where stars like Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey will be honored.

Rapper/actor Cliff “Method Man” Smith will serve as host at the star-studded event honoring Black women with noteworthy achievements in film and television, Variety reports. The ceremony is slated for Thursday, March 7, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and will honor Brooks, Bailey, writer/producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and President of Original Programming at Starz Kathryn Busby.

The event will spotlight the “strength, grace, and influence” of Black women in media in the wake of an unprecedented year in Hollywood that included historic writers and actors strike. Brooks’ award comes at a pinnacle in her career as she earned her first Academy Award nomination for her reprised Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning performance as Sofia in “The Color Purple” musical.

Bailey is a six-time Grammy-nominated singer and leading actress who took her acting career to new heights starring as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” and portraying a young Nettie in “The Color Purple.” She also just received her first solo Grammy nomination after receiving her first five alongside her sister in their group Chloe x Halle.

“The intersection of joy and justice is where community thrives. We don’t ever need to diminish our collective power and accomplishments; due to the work we are still doing to exist equitably,” Essence Ventures president and CEO Caroline Wanga says of the honorees.

On the television side, Carroll is an acclaimed screenwriter & showrunner of the hit CW series “All American” and “All American: Homecoming,” and NBC’s “Found.” Over at Starz, Busby has overseen the continued expansion of the network’s hit “Power” franchise and green-lit the upcoming “Outlander” prequel “Blood of My Blood.”

“The past year tested this intersection within one of our most sacred cultural realms, when the entertainment industry faced the gridlock of stakeholder value and worth. Livelihoods and legacies were at-risk as the fight for economic inclusion mandated resolution,” Wanga said.

“In parallel, the assets that the industry creates as a direct infusion of joy that propels our community through the depth and breadth of life, were stagnated as a clear and just outcome stayed uncertain. While parts of the incongruence have stabilized, there is still significant work to be done to create sustainable change.”

The 2024 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards is produced by Essence Studios and Red Summer TV and will air on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and stream on Max/Discovery+.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2024

Morehouse Brings On Terance Mathis As Head Football Coach

His hiring comes a year after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Barely a year after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, former NFL player Terance Mathis was recently hired as coach of HBCU Morehouse College.

Morehouse College announced that Mathis will be the new head coach of the school’s football team. The Maroon Tigers’ record for the 2023 season was 1-9. They had a winless season until their last game, when they defeated the winless Clark Atlanta Panthers. The hiring of Mathis comes a year after Morehouse brought Gerard Wilcher on as head coach. He was terminated after the Maroon Tigers’ final football game of the season.

@Morehouse announces the appointment of Terance Mathis as the new head coach of the Maroon Tigers football team. A former NFL star and accomplished coach, Mathis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that will undoubtedly inspire the team to new heights. pic.twitter.com/TwISNE4zKC

— Morehouse College (@Morehouse) February 2, 2024

In a written statement, Morehouse College president, Dr. David A. Thomas said, “It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our new head football coach, former NFL pro and college football Hall of Famer, Terance Mathis, a leader who embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and excellence. I look forward to watching Coach Mathis take our program to new heights and establishing a winning football culture within Morehouse College athletics.”  

Mathis became a coach after playing in the NFL for over ten years with the New York Jets (1990-1993), the Atlanta Falcons (1994-2001), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2002). He was the Offensive Coordinator for Savannah State University and was the head coach at Pinecrest Academy from 2017 to 2019. This is his first head coaching position on the collegiate level.

“We are in a season of change and enhancement within Morehouse Athletics,” said athletic director Harold Ellis. “The College is known for producing some of the most skilled and gifted professionals across all industries, and that same spirit of excellence must be established within our athletic programs. I’m excited to welcome Coach Mathis to The House and look forward to partnering with him in taking the football program to the next level.”  

The newly hired head coach had his best playing years when he played for the Falcons. A Pro Bowl selection in 1994, he played in Super Bowl XXXIII where he led the team with seven receptions for 85 yards and caught a three-yard touchdown. Mathis became the team’s all-time touchdowns and receptions leader, according to Savannah State Athletics.

Brittany Griner, jersey, Baylor University, Russian, penal colony, coming home, Russia

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 7, 2024

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Announces New Memoir, ‘Coming Home’

Brittney Griner is sharing her story of being detained in a Russian prison through her new memoir, Coming Home, out this May.

Brittney Griner is reflecting on her experience of being detained in a Russian prison. The WNBA player announced the news of her upcoming memoir, Coming Home, to her Instagram on Feb. 6.

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A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

“COMING HOME is a story of hope and survival, of before and after,” wrote the 33-year-old athlete in the shared post with her professional league team, the Phoenix Mercury. “Before, on my way to Russia, a place I’ve called my second home, I was excited to win another title. For eight seasons, I played there, won there, and lived there for long stretches. A short time later and a world away, I woke up in an after I’d wish on no one. COMING HOME begins in a land where my roots developed and is the diary of my heartaches and regrets. But, ultimately, the book is also a story of how my family, my faith, and the support of millions who rallied for my rescue helped me endure a nightmare.”

Griner wrote the book with the additional authorship of Michelle Burford, detailing her experience and aftermath of her imprisonment in Russia from February 2022 until December of that year. While flying into Moscow to play for the UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA off-season, the athlete was arrested on smuggling charges for bringing cartridges containing medically prescribed hash oil, as cannabis is illegal in Russia.

She pleaded guilty in her trial in July, subsequently being sentenced to nine years in prison, although U.S. officials declared her “wrongfully detained,” as confirmed by The New York Times. However, the national outcry for her release, with the hashtag #FreeBrittney, led to her being granted freedom in a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer.

Upon her return to the U.S., Griner went back to playing professional women’s basketball with the Mercury, with another deal with Disney announced in December for her to produce projects centering on the ordeal. In the meantime, her debut memoir on the heart-wrenching story is set for release on May 7, 2024. Pre-orders are available now.