• Legal

by Stacy Jackson

July 3, 2024

Valerie Vie Replaces Judge Booted Off The Bench, After Nightclub Arrest

The Georgia Supreme Court removed Probate Judge Christina Peterson from her position.

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In the wake of Probate Judge Christina Peterson’s removal following her arrest outside an Atlanta nightclub, attorney Valerie Vie has stepped into the role of probate judge, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Vie, who secured the Democratic primary in May, will serve the remainder of Peterson’s term until Jan. 1, 2025. This decision, made by the Judicial Qualifications Commission, cited “systemic incompetence” and found 12 of the 30 counts serious enough to warrant disciplinary action, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered.

The Georgia Supreme Court’s decision to remove former probate judge Peterson was based on a pattern of judicial misconduct, as reported by the ABA Journal. This pattern included several “troubling” incidents, notably Peterson’s decision to sentence a woman to jail or a fine for listing an uncle instead of her estranged biological father on a marriage license application, despite the woman’s attempt to correct the error. The woman faced a 20-day jail sentence or a $500 fine.

Additionally, Peterson’s actions included summoning sheriff’s deputies for after-hours courthouse access, triggering a panic button over a tardy deputy, and allegedly attempting to use her position to influence a personal lawsuit against her homeowners’ association by proposing a special election in exchange for dropping the case. Throughout the ethics proceedings, Peterson’s testimony was criticized as “disingenuous, if not outright dishonest,” further solidifying the court’s decision to remove her from office.

Peterson, who broke barriers as Douglas County’s first Black female Democrat probate judge, saw her career derailed following her June 20 arrest outside the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge on Peachtree Road. Footage from the incident showed the 38-year-old attempting to break up a fight between a woman and a man before an Atlanta officer approached Peterson and she allegedly struck him in the head.

The repercussions for Peterson extend beyond her current position, as she is now barred from holding any judicial office in Georgia for the next seven years. Despite this setback, her legal team remains hopeful. Attorney Marvin Arrington Jr. confidently stated that Peterson would be “completely exonerated,” characterizing her actions as those of a “good Samaritan” attempting to protect an assault victim.

RELATED CONTENT: Axed Georgia Judge Releases Cell Phone Footage After Arrest For Allegedly Assaulting Officer

• News

by Daniel Johnson

July 3, 2024

NYC Subway Station Honors LGBTQ+ History With Name Change To Christopher Street-Stonewall Station

The riots near the Stonewall Inn in 1969 are widely considered the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

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On June 28, one of New York City’s historic subway stations in Lower Manhattan got a new name. The Christopher Street-Sheridan Square station on New York City’s 1 subway line was officially renamed the Christopher Street-Stonewall station, in honor of the riots at the nearby Stonewall Inn in 1969. The uprising is widely considered the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

As Gothamist reported, the official renaming of the station was made possible after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and state Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who both represent Manhattan.

On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, was raided by police. Patrons chose to resist the police and the incident sparked five days of rioting that forever altered the landscape of gay and lesbian rights and culture.

According to a statement released by Hochul, “New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and has always been a leader in advancing equality and justice for all Americans. As elected officials in other states are using their powers to take those rights away, I am proud to sign legislation to uplift LGBTQ+ history.”

After the name change was approved, Hoylman-Sigal proclaimed on X that “This change will memorialize the history of the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement and inspire NY to demand justice and equality for all.”

Not far from the subway station, leading Democrats, including President Joe Biden, attended the opening of a new visitor center, which also commemorated the events at Stonewall Inn. According to Gothamist, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is intended to serve as a hub for LGBTQ+ history. 

As Voice Of America News reported, in addition to Biden, pop stars Katy Perry and Elton John also attended the center’s opening. John performed a few songs from his extensive catalog, ending his set with “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” John, a gay man, told the outlet that being present at the opening was “one of the biggest honors of my life.” 

The original Stonewall Inn became a national historical landmark in 2000. One of Stonewall Inn’s two buildings currently houses an updated version of the bar. The other building contains the visitor center, which is overseen by the National Park Service. It is the first center managed by the NPS that exclusively focuses on LGBTQ+ history. 

In a press release, Glick thanked Hochul for her support of the name change of the station. “I want to thank the Governor for supporting this important recognition of the Stonewall National Monument by changing the designation of the Christopher Street station to the Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument station. It’s not only a notable symbolic recognition but will also aid visitors from all corners of the country and the world in finding their way to this significant Monument honoring the struggle for LGBTQ rights.”

RELATED CONTENT: Marlon Wayans Responds To ‘Hate Mongers’ Who Unfollowed Him After Celebrating Pride Month, ‘If I Lost You… GOOD’

by Daniel Johnson

July 3, 2024

Florida Gov. DeSantis Vetoes Bill Easing Restrictions On Ex-Offenders Seeking Cosmetology And Barber Careers, Sparking Outrage

The bill, SB 42, previously passed unanimously through the Florida State Legislature.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have eased restrictions on ex-offenders interested in pursuing careers as cosmetologists or barbers despite SB 42 passing unanimously through the Florida State Legislature.

DeSantis’s decision to veto the bill has been met with criticism, both from barbers and state representatives who see it as problematic for those who have already paid their debts to society.

As WTSP reports, Craig Latimer, a barber who runs Lat & Son’s Barbershop, is concerned that Gov. DeSantis’ decision will discourage those who have already been practicing barbering while incarcerated from using their skills to remain gainfully employed.

“For you to discourage someone for something I have paid my debt for, where’s the encouragement?” Latimer told the outlet. 

Latimer continued, “It hurts because where is my retirement? I would have to get young blood in here, young guys in here to take over the craft to take over the shop, but if they’re being denied because of a mistake they’ve made, I’m also being punished. Do I go back to what put me in jail? Governor, what is my option now?”

Latimer also told WTSP that cosmetology and barber school programs can cost as much as $25,000, representing a significant financial burden for someone recently released from prison. 

The new version of the bill would have cut the period of time allowed for review of criminal history from five years down to three. It also maintained the requirement that violent offenders or sex offenders would not be eligible to become barbers or cosmetologists.

Rep. Kevin Chambliss told WTSP that he sees it as the responsibility of the state legislature to preserve the ability of the formerly incarcerated to contribute to society when they are released. “It is our responsibility to make sure that when I come back that they have the best pathway to productive career to take care of their families.”

According to the bill, it was aimed at barring a past conviction from keeping barber or cosmetology licensure from being approved by the Florida State Board governing the approval of the related licenses.

However, DeSantis, per a letter he sent to the Florida Secretary of State, believes that the board should be able to review the criminal histories of potential applicants, which contradicts language already present in the bill.

The original draft of the bill reads, “A conviction, or any other adjudication, for a crime more than 5 years before the date the application is received by the applicable board may not be grounds for denial of a license specified in subparagraph (a). This paragraph does not limit the applicable board from considering an applicant’s criminal history that includes a crime listed in s. 775.21(4) (a) or s. 59 776.08 at any time, but only if such criminal history has been found to relate to the practice of the applicable profession. The applicable board may consider the criminal history of an applicant for licensure under subparagraph (a) if such criminal history has been found to relate to good moral character.”

RELATED CONTENT: DeSantis Defunds Diversity Programs at Florida Public Colleges

• Money

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 3, 2024

Celebrate Personal And Financial Freedom This 4th Of July

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Originally Published Jul. 4, 2014.

Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the nation’s freedom. This is also a great time to take charge of your money in an effort to gain financial independence. There are many ways to take control of your finances. Looking into retirement options, assessing and taking control of your debt, or creating a budget are all ways to start your personal financial liberation. Here are a few first steps to get you moving in the right direction.

Pay more than the minimum on credit cards:

When you just pay the minimum on your cards, you’re not effectively chipping away at the debt. This approach will just prolong repayment and result in paying more interest. Here’s a great example:

With a $10,000 credit card debt at 18% interest, even if a person never adds any purchases or fees to the account, and makes a monthly on-time payment of 2% of the balance, it will take them 48 years to become debt-free. Further, that original debt of $10,000 will cost them $36,825, with $26,825 going toward interest.

So if you don’t want to end up in a situation like that, strive to pay more than the minimum. You’ll be happy you did.

Track spending:

How can you know what to cut back on unless you’re aware of what your spending? Note what you buy (and how much you pay for each item) in a notebook or Excel spreadsheet. Do this for at least a month. This will show you where you need to cut the fat.

Keep tabs on your credit report:

Make an effort to regularly check your credit report for errors. You are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) once a year. You can get your free reports at annualcreditreport.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Use Financial Literacy Month To Get Those Finances In Order

• Black Lives Matter

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 3, 2024

College Students Tasered By Atlanta Police During 2020 George Floyd Protest Get $2M Settlement

The city council emphasized that the settlement does not admit liability by the officers or by the Atlanta Police Department.

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The City of Atlanta has approved a $2 million settlement for two college students who were shocked with a Taser while stuck in traffic during a 2020 protest over George Floyd’s killing. The City Council agreed to the resolution July 1.

On May 30, 2020, Atlanta police pulled over the plaintiffs, Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim, in downtown Atlanta. Body camera footage revealed the officers smashing the driver’s side window of the vehicle before using the Taser on the former HBCU students and forcibly removing them from the vehicle.

The footage, released to the public a day later, went viral, fueling the tension already brewing between BLM supporters and police. Young recorded the ordeal on his phone while urging officers to release another man who pleaded his innocence despite being detained. Officers overheard saying, “he’s got a gun” about Young, proceeded to use the Taser and zip-tie him.

However, police reports did not list any gun found on his person or in the vehicle, as confirmed by the Associated Press. The council emphasized that the settlement does not admit liability by the officers or the Atlanta Police Department.

“This traumatic incident has left a permanent mental and emotional scar on both of these young adults,” Pilgrim’s lawyers, Dianna Lee, L. Chris Stewart and Justin Miller, said in a statement. “This case has been a roller coaster of emotions for two innocent college students who were the victims of unjustifiable excessive force by officers of the APD.”

Young’s lawyer, Mawuli Davis, added, “The resolution of the civil case will allow these young people and their families to continue healing from this traumatic experience. It is important for them to help the community to remember that the fight to prevent police brutality continues.”

In an initial response to the cops’ actions, then-mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and then-Police Chief Erika Shields announced the firing of two officers, with three more placed on desk duty. Six officers in total received arrest warrants for the excessive force documented that night.

However, in February 2021, the Atlanta Civil Service Board overturned the firings, citing that the city did not follow its personnel procedures for handling dismissals. A special prosecutor adropped the charges against all officers in May 2022.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Mayor Fires Two Police Officers Who Tasered Black HBCU Students On Live TV

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 2, 2024

Angela Simmons Apologizes For Bringing Gun-Shaped Purse To BET Awards

Simmons explained on social media her reasoning behind bringing the provocative clutch to the June 30 event.

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Angela Simmons apologized for parading her gun-shaped purse while posing on the BET Awards red carpet. The accessory sparked controversy for its insensitivity toward gun violence.

“When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique, and made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty,” Simmons wrote to her eight million Instagram followers. “I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence.”

Simmons explained her reasoning behind bringing the realistic gun purse to the June 30 event on social media. The Neighborhood Talk re-shared the story post to its Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The father of Simmons’ child, Sutton Tennyson, was fatally shot in the driveway of his Atlanta home in 2018. Her personal history with the issue made commenters question why she brought the gun purse to the awards show. In light of the backlash, Simmons reiterated her commitment to reducing gun violence in the country.

She added, “I understand the pain and hurt this has caused, especially to those who have been directly impacted by gun violence. For my entire life, I have always exemplified peace, unification, and the resolution of gun violence in America. I have personally lost my partner, the father of my child, to gun violence, and I have witnessed its devastating impact on my community in Southeast Queens.”

Gun violence remains a critical issue in the U.S., particularly for the Black community. Between 2017 and 2021, Black individuals accounted for 60% of firearm homicide deaths each year, according to Brady United, a nonprofit advocating for gun control. Gun violence continues to impact Black Americans disproportionately, a fact that many felt was trivialized by Simmons’ gun clutch.

Simmons went on to emphasize that the “misstep” does not define her character while also reaffirming the validity of the Black community’s experience with gun violence.

“It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence. To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies,” concluded Simmons. “Moving forward, I will continue my dedication to making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America who, like mine, have been directly impacted…”

RELATED CONTENT: BET Awards Brings On Star-Studded Performances As Taraji P. Henson Returns As Host

• Entrepreneurship

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 2, 2024

Atlanta’s New Black Wall Street Founder, Bill Allen, Dies At 80

Allen first launched the New Black Wall Street in 2021 within the Atlanta suburb of Stonecrest.

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Lecester “Bill” Allen, the founder of the New Black Wall Street in Atlanta, has died. His family confirmed his death at age 80 occurred at the end of June.

Allen first built the Black-owned market space in 2021 within the Atlanta suburb of Stonecrest. He sought to recreate and embody the success of the famed Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon his death, Allen’s family released a statement about the “truly remarkable” businessman and his legacy.

“As a staple and beloved figure by the constituents of Stonecrest, GA., Mr. Lecester “Bill” Allen was a pioneer and iconic businessman who served as an inspiration for countless entrepreneurs throughout the state of Georgia and across the nation,” shared the family in a statement obtained by Fox 5. “Known locally as “The Wiz,” Mr. Allen was a visionary who saw potential when others saw obstacles. He created many platforms for African American and minority entrepreneurs to build and grow their businesses, foster economic independence and develop community resilience.”

They also detailed his other business endeavors, including the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute. The organization sought to help underrepresented groups with resources, mentorship, and networking events. He also contributed over $100 million to students at HBCUs.

Moreover, Allen died as the largest commercial landowner in Stonecrest. According to U.S. census data, the city hosts a Black population of over 90%. His establishment of New Black Wall Street was a testament to his dedication to Black entrepreneurs in the area. His family hopes his support of their ambitions continues.

“While the loss of our loved one is deeply felt, we are determined to run with his same spirit as his dream is truly becoming a reality,” continued the statement. “Now is the time for an amazing shift, and no stones will be left unturned until the words and ideas of this great man become the footprint of the City of Stonecrest, Georgia, “Ownership, Ownership, Ownership,”

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 2, 2024

Nick Cannon Exposes Why His Private Parts Are Insured For $10 Million

Cannon maintains that he solely wants to protect the organs that helped him create 12 children.

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Why does Nick Cannon, the doting dad of 12, have a $10 million insurance policy out on his genitals?

“I had to insure my most valuable assets,” Cannon told Entertainment Tonight at his son’s Legendary’s 2nd birthday party. “Because you hear about, like, all these different celebrities insuring their legs… so I was like, ‘Hey, well, I got to insure my most valuable body part.'”

Cannon, 43, revealed the financial protection of his genitals in June. The move was made in collaboration with Dr. Squatch, a men’s personal care company. In the shared post, its “Ball Valuation” tool calculated Cannon’s testicular in the $10 million range.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Squatch (@drsquatch)

“Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest,” Cannon said in a statement. “But I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids. Shoutout to Dr. Squatch for giving my balls the credit they deserve and hooking me up with the protection I need to keep this family tree rolling!”

The policy is seemingly real, perhaps making his assertion that he has the “most valuable balls in the world” true. However, he maintains that he solely wants to protect the testicles that helped him create 12 children.

“[I’m] just making sure nothing goes wrong,” the Masked Singer host shared with the news outlet.

With his many children, Cannon already has plenty on his plate. However, Legendary’s mother, Bre Tiesi, reassured naysayers that the BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit 2024 Speaker makes time for it all.

“He manages it really well. I feel like that’s why no one ever hears anything because we’re all happy. We all make it work,” Tiesi, who also stars on Netflix’s Selling Sunset, told ET. “He’s such a good person, genuinely, and he really cares, and he does want to be there, and he’s never gonna blow anything off. It makes it easier when you’re doing things because you know he’s gonna make the effort, and he’s gonna show up.”

There is no word on whether Cannon plans to add any more little ones to his legacy. However, he will have the insurance money at the ready if anything thwarts his attempt to procreate.

• Uncategorized

by Stacy Jackson

July 2, 2024

Reesa Teesa Felt Lonely After ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’ Went Viral

"Who TF Did I Marry?" amassed millions of viewers and critics who judged Reesa Teesa about her appearance and weight.

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At the 2024 CAA Amplify Summit, TikTok phenomenon Tareasa Johnson, known as “Reesa Teesa,” captivated attendees with her poignant narrative during the initiative’s Storyteller Series.

The Amplify Summit provided a platform for Reesa, a recent CAA signee, to delve into the aftermath of her viral 50-part series, “Who TF Did I Marry?” Reesa’s TikTok saga, which unfolded over four days in February, unexpectedly thrust her into public scrutiny. Despite garnering millions of views and international attention, according to previous coverage by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Reesa revealed that the experience led to “one of the darkest and loneliest periods” of her life.

“It was a very difficult time,” the TikTok star confided to the Amplify Summit audience, describing the barrage of online attacks she endured, from ridicule about her appearance to people calling her ” big back” and a clout chaser. Her immediate circle’s unawareness of her viral predicament compounded the isolation.

“If you had asked me Feb. 13, ‘Reesa, what does your community look like?’ I would’ve said, ‘My community is my family, it’s my friends, it’s my crazy co-workers…it’s people who look like me…It’s people who I’ve been through stuff with…understand me, who get me,’ but I would’ve told you my community is small,” the “Who TF Did I Marry?” creator said.

However, amid the negativity, a turning point emerged after a single comment from a woman online read, “I am the one that you helped,” sparking a transformation in Reesa’s outlook.

This revelation at the Amplify Summit highlighted her expanding global support network. “My community is not the people who I see every single day. My community is actually made up of all shapes, colors, genders, [and] ethnicities.” She continued, “The people who will stand by you may not even be people you’ve ever met, but they identify with your story.”

The Amplify Summit presentation underscored Reesa’s newfound mission: to listen and stand with others sharing their stories.

She emphasized, “You never know whose life you may be changing or whose life you may be saving by giving your time and your energy to listen to their story.” Reesa painted a vivid picture of her global tapestry of support for “Who TF Did I Marry?” stretching from Asia to Africa and Australia.

Despite the vast distances separating her from these far-flung admirers, she expressed a deep sense of connection, feeling their unwavering solidarity across oceans and continents. Reesa issued a heartfelt challenge to the Amplify Summit audience, urging them to become active listeners, to pause, and genuinely absorb the narratives woven into the fabric of their immediate surroundings.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 2, 2024

Jamie Foxx Opens Up About Traumatic Health Crisis

'I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.'

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After suffering a major health scare last year, multi-talented entertainer Jamie Foxx finally opened up about what he went through during that scary time.

Although he doesn’t get into specifics about his condition, fans and media were left speculating about its seriousness at the time since there were no public responses to what was going on with him. The discussion took place in Phoenix, and the video clip was shared on TikTok by a user named Dr. Brenda Combs.

“April 11 last year, I had a bad headache and asked my boy for an Advil,” Foxx said. “I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.”

After snapping his fingers for emphasis, he then states, “So, I’m in Atlanta. My sister and my daughter took me to the first doctor. He said nah, gave me a cortisone shot. Next doctor said, ‘Something’s going on up there.’ I won’t say it on camera.”

The clip ends before he finishes the conversation with the people listening in.

@drbrendacombs Saw @Jamie Foxx ☑️ in downtown Phoenix today. He said April 11th 2023 he had a bad headache and asked a friend for an Advil. Woke up 20 days later with no memory of what happened😢🙏🏽His resilience is truly inspiring! 🙏#JamieFoxx #Inspiration #Hope #nevergiveup ♬ original sound – Dr Brenda Combs

In April 2023, the media reported that the In Living Color alum was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. His daughter, Corinne, posted on her Instagram account confirming that her father was recovering after the medical emergency. Word of his health scare surfaced one day after the comedian was photographed in Atlanta on the set for his Netflix film Back in Action.