Virginia birthing center, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Doula Services, Black Maternal Mortality Rate

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

January 2, 2024

Midwife Turned Entrepreneur Opens Virginia’s First Black-Owned Birthing Center

The newly opened facility is designed to be a welcoming haven for expanding families.

This news was first reported on blackbusiness.com.

Meet Racha Tahani Lawler-Queen, a fourth-generation midwife turned entrepreneur who founded Gather Grounded Midwifery, the first and only Black-owned Virginia birthing center. The newly opened facility is designed to be a welcoming haven for expanding families.

Lawler-Queen embarked on this journey earlier this year, driven by her passion for providing care that resonates with the community.

“I got on a Zoom call with Black birth workers in RVA, and they were just telling me about what they were facing in regards to the lack of representation in birth, especially out of hospital birth,” Lawler-Queen told WTVR.

With the community’s support, Lawler-Queen initially planned to transform a Richmond home into a birthing center. However, she faced challenges with city permits that restricted the center’s growth in the area. Determined to make a difference, she found a new location in Chesterfield County, Virginia, which officially opened its doors in August.

Gather Grounded Midwifery offers intentional spaces for expectant mothers, featuring a family room and birthing room accommodating diverse families. Lawler-Queen emphasized the importance of families having care that reflects and supports their unique identities, allowing them to experience pregnancy without fear or unnecessary interventions.

“It’s meant to feel like a place where people see themselves, they feel seen, they feel safe,” she said.

With over $30,000 raised on the birthing cottage’s GoFundMe page, Lawler-Queen acknowledged the diverse support, including money, art, toys, and diapers. She credits the community’s enthusiasm for the center’s success, emphasizing that it enables her to support families during one of their most significant life moments.

“It really gives them even more power and a greater voice and provides them an opportunity without fear to birth in freedom to give birth in a way that affirms them and their family and how they want to move forward after they have this baby,” she said.

Learn more about the Virginia birthing center via its official website at GatherGroundedMidwifery.com

David Tepper, Carolina, Panthers, drink, Brian, McCarthy, stands, NFL,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 2, 2024

Carolina Panthers Owner David Tepper Caught On Video Throwing Drink Toward Jacksonville Jaguars Fans

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated that the league is "aware of the video" and has "no further comment at this time."

It looks like a big fine may be on the way for an NFL owner after the league acknowledged a misdeed at the end of a recent televised football game.

ESPN reports that although there’s been no official comment from the National Football League, it is aware that David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, was seen allegedly throwing a drink into a crowd while his team was visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 31. The incident took place as the Panthers lost to the Jaguars in a 26-0 shutout.

A video showed Tepper, who looks unhappy, emptying the contents of his cup in the direction of some fans who were seated outside the suite he was occupying during the game at EverBank Stadium.

A bit different of a mood from him after the game https://t.co/DP68vKx1U5 pic.twitter.com/llOqHXS4yI

— Med (@Kahuna_Med) December 31, 2023

A spokesperson for the Panthers declined to comment. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said that the league was “aware of the video” and had “no further comment at this time.”

It is unknown what in particular caused Tepper to make such a drastic move, but his team has the worst record in the league as the season winds down. The Panthers are now 2-14 after losing this contest.

Tepper fired Frank Reich, the Panthers’ head coach who started this season with the team, once the Panthers had a record of 1-10. Last season, he fired head coach Matt Rhule after the team started the season with a 1-4 record. In less than six years of purchasing the team, Tepper has also fired Ron Rivera and interim coaches Perry Fewell, Steve Wilks, and Chris Tabor.

To make matters worse, the Panthers won’t even have the No. 1 draft pick, handing over so much to the Chicago Bears in order to obtain its current quarterback, Bryce Young.

by Rafael Pena

January 2, 2024

Transgender Boxers Allowed To Fight For USA Boxing Under New Conditions

USA Boxing has introduced a policy allowing transgender boxers to compete in the category of their choice under specific conditions.

TalkSport.com reports USA Boxing, the national governing body for amateur and Olympic-style boxing in the United States, introduced a new policy on Dec. 29 that allows transgender boxers to compete in the category of their choice under specific conditions. The move is in alignment with the November 2021 International Olympic Committee Framework on Fairness, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations.

The new policy, aimed at ensuring fairness and safety for all boxers, acknowledges the unique nature of each sport and grants the authority to individual sports and their governing bodies to determine eligibility criteria. Given that boxing’s International Federation has not yet specified transgender eligibility, USA Boxing underscores its commitment to prioritizing safety and fair competition in the absence of specific guidelines, the outlet reports.

The policy outlines specific conditions for transgender boxers seeking to compete in their identified gender category:

“The athlete, for a minimum of four years after surgery, has had quarterly hormone testing and presents USA Boxing documentation of hormone levels. The athlete must demonstrate that her total testosterone level in serum has been below five nmol/L for at least 48 months prior to her first competition.”

The requirement for any longer periods is to be based on a confidential case-by-case evaluation, considering whether or not 48 months is a sufficient length of time to minimize any advantage in women’s competition: “The athlete’s total testosterone level in serum must remain below five nmol/L throughout the period of desired eligibility to compete in the female category.”

Conversely, female-to-male transition boxers must declare their gender identity as male, undergo gender reassignment surgery, have quarterly hormone testing for a minimum of four years post-surgery, and maintain a total testosterone level above 10 nmol/L throughout the desired eligibility period, according to TalkSport.com.

Boxers under the age of 18 must still compete according to their birth gender, and the new policy emphasizes ongoing monitoring of them. Hormone testing and documentation, along with case-by-case evaluations, are intended to ensure that eligibility conditions are consistently met and minimize any potential advantages in competition.

The introduction of this policy reflects an ongoing effort within the sporting community to strike a balance between inclusivity and fair play. The evolving landscape of gender identity and the diverse needs of athletes have prompted organizations to reassess and adapt their policies to create a more equitable playing field.

As the sports world continues to grapple with questions of inclusivity, this move is likely to fuel broader conversations about transgender participation in various athletic disciplines.

by Rafael Pena

January 2, 2024

Nurse Said To Kill Patients By Replacing Medication With Tap Water At Oregon Hospital

A criminal investigation is being conducted into the deaths of multiple patients after a nurse allegedly switched medication with tap water.

On Dec. 29, authorities began a criminal investigation into the deaths of multiple patients at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (RRMC) following allegations that a nurse there switched medication with tap water, according to KOBI5. The incidents, said to have occurred in the Oregon hospital’s intensive care unit, have sent shockwaves through the medical community and raised concerns about patient safety.

Recent reports emerged that police were probing at least one patient’s death at RRMC. Asante sources disclosed that nine or 10 patients succumbed to infections resulting from the improper administration of medication. According to insiders, a nurse allegedly substituted pain medication, specifically fentanyl, with non-sterile tap water.

Medford police confirmed an ongoing investigation but refrained from disclosing further details.

The use of non-sterile tap water led to pseudomona, a type of infection that can pose severe risks, especially in individuals with compromised health conditions. Dr. Robin Miller, the host of KOBI5’s “Docs on Call,” expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It could cause sepsis and pneumonia; it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection.”

Asante, the healthcare organization overseeing RRMC, acknowledged the matter in a statement to NBC5. A statement read, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.” The board chair of Asante declined further comment, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Fentanyl, a commonly diverted drug, has been subject to misuse across hospitals nationwide. Miller noted the phenomenon of “drug diversion” and expressed surprise at the medical professionals engaging in such a practice. “You don’t think of medical professionals doing this, but 10% of medical professionals divert drugs. 10%… That’s a lot,” she said, emphasizing that sterile alternatives should be readily available to ensure patient safety.

Drug diversion cases are often investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA, but their involvement in this specific case remains unconfirmed.

As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further information on the extent of the alleged misconduct, the identity of the nurse involved, and potential charges.

Claudine Gay, resignation, Harvard University

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 2, 2024

BREAKING: Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amid Plagiarism Scandal

Harvard President Claudine Gay officially steps down from her role, as stated in a letter to the school.

Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned amid another round of plagiarism accusations. Gay had the shortest tenure in the university’s history.

Gay released a letter on Jan. 2 to the Harvard faculty, staff, and community that stated her decision to resign, noting the racially motivated attacks on her character and academic morality.

“It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” shared the alum.

Gay expressed that her wishes were in the “best interest” of Harvard as scrutiny on her previous academic work intensified.

She also opined that racial bias was at play within the accusations.

“Amidst all of this, it has been distressing to have doubt cast on my commitments to confronting hate and to upholding scholarly rigor —two bedrock values that are fundamental to who I am — frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus,” wrote Gay.

The news followed the university’s newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, publishing an op-ed urging the Ivy League institution to “Let Gay Go” after additional claims of plagiarism emerged.

Gay became president of Harvard in a historic appointment as the first Black woman to take on the role, embarking on the role in July.

However, her tenure had grown scandalous in the past few months. Her comments on anti-semitism within Harvard’s campus during a congressional hearing, in light of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, drew significant criticism. While Gay subsequently apologized for her remarks, a push by conservative lawmakers to remove her and other university presidents who’d expressed similar statements began.

While Harvard’s faculty expressed their public support of Gay, multiple accusations of plagiarism continued, leading to her resignation.

Notorious, BIG, arcade, game, 2-d, juicy, debut, single, met averse, single, hip-hop, 50

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2024

Celebrate The Notorious B.I.G.’s Hip-Hop Debut In The Metaverse

The Sandbox and Warner Music Group are collaborating to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut single "Juicy."

The Sandbox and Warner Music Group are collaborating to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single “Juicy.”

Released in August of 1994, “Juicy” was the first single on Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die.” The song’s “rags-to-riches” subject matter has made it one of the most referenced and regarded songs of all time.

Now in a nod to hip-hop’s continued prominence in the last 50 years and since Biggie’s 1994 debut, Sandbox and WMG are coming together to bring the iconic hip-hop artist to life in today’s virtual world through a Metaverse experience called “Breakin’ B.I.G.”

Their innovative partnership will allow fans to fully immerse themselves in Biggie’s world and create new memories in his honor through a virtual reality experience that serves as a nod to the beloved side-scrolling games of the 1990s. “Breakin’ B.I.G.” takes players through a neighborhood ruled by The Notorious B.I.G.

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

This fresh game pays homage to the era when Biggie conquered the airwaves, offering today’s music enthusiasts a unique experience that highlights his beloved Brooklyn origins and the inception of Junior M.A.F.I.A. The playable “Breakin’ B.I.G.” experience invites players into a 2D arcade-style world set in the music-driven 1990s Brooklyn where they become an up-and-coming rapper who interacts with Biggie and completes quests to earn his respect.

Among the respect-earning challenges include revitalizing Brooklyn neighborhoods, confronting those who dare to challenge Biggie’s influence, and assisting the hip-hop legend in achieving even greater success.

An Avatar Collection allows you to customize your digital self with exclusive Biggie-themed avatars and showcase your love for the rap legend. The freshly revamped Warner Music Group social hub is where you can connect with fellow fans and explore more music-related experiences.

“Our goal has always been to find unique ways to enhance the legacy of Christopher Wallace,” Elliot Osagie, Chief Strategy Officer of The Notorious B.I.G. Estate, and Founder and CEO of Willingie and Benin City told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Our challenge, along with other Estates of artists who are no longer with us, is to utilize traditional and new forms of media, art, culture, entertainment and tech to continue to put their art in front of new generations and new audiences.”

With the evolution of technology moving toward virtual reality, the Biggie estate has been hard at work finding ways to keep the iconic rapper’s memory alive through a new generation of consumers.

“The evolution of Web products now allows us to not only achieve that, but to also do it in an interactive way that gives users the opportunity to experience the artist in ways that emulate the experiences that would be possible if they were still here,” Osagie says. “Our concert with Meta, which is nominated for an Emmy this year, and this partnership with The Sandbox, intertwining the vintage 90s style side-scrolling video game phenomenon with Web3 technologies — in addition to other innovative experiences and projects yet to come in Web3, all give us an opportunity to show new generations and new audiences the marvel of Biggie and extend his legacy even further.”

The “Breakin’ B.I.G.” experience is just the beginning for the late rapper, as his estate continues to roll out tech-focused projects aimed at keeping new generations of music lovers aware of Biggie’s impact on hip-hop culture.

“We have a few innovations coming to market next year that accompany new music from Biggie,” Osagie said. “It’s better than anything we’ve ever done before and the focus is global, so stay tuned for that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Swizz Beatz & Timbaland Tease ‘Verzuz’ Return At BET Hip Hop Awards

Health, Office, Hazards, avoid, airborne hazards, fatty foods, asthma,

by Janell Hazelwood

January 2, 2024

3 Health Hazards In The Office And How To Avoid Them

Check out these three health hazards that might present themselves in the office and how you can avoid or combat them completely.

Originally Published Jun. 20, 2016

The average morning commute to the office can be a walk on the wild side for any CEO or entrepreneur with today’s traffic conditions, especially in major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Hazards might abound even before you get to the office, but what about those present once you arrive?

With some entrepreneurs spending at least 62 hours per week working – and some burning the midnight oil past 70 hours – it’s evident how vital it is to have a healthy daily workplace experience.

Check out three health hazards that might present themselves in the office, and how you can avoid or combat them:

1. Joint Conditions

Experts say repetitive movements can cause discomfort or even injury from conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and sitting all day can cause stiffness, pain, or even blood clots.

The Solution?

The National Institute of Health recommends participation in on-the-job conditioning, performing stretching exercises, and taking frequent rest breaks. It also suggests having workstations, tasks, tools, and tool handles redesigned to enable your wrists to maintain a natural position during work.

2. Airborne Hazards

According to the CDC, more than 25 million adults in the U.S. have asthma (including allergic asthma). Indoor triggers of asthma include dust mites, mold, and insects.

These triggers also affect those without asthma, causing breathing issues and skin irritations. The CDC indicates that indoor environmental air quality at your workplace can be affected by various factors; from caulks, sealants, and coatings, to air fresheners and other scented products. Potential health issues related to these factors include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

The Solution?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends to avoid blocking air vents with office furniture, complying with (or enforcing) a company smoking policy to only smoke in designated office areas, and disposing of all garbage promptly in the proper receptacle.

Employers are also encouraged to create additional policies that protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, enforce rules on trash disposal, keep up with HVAC system updates, and maintain great pest control practices.

Using environmentally friendly cleaning products, office supplies, and even furniture can do wonders as well. If you have asthma or allergies, be sure to keep a supply of the necessary medications at the office for emergencies.

3. Fatty Food Temptations

This doesn’t have a direct link to immediate health emergencies, however, over time, multiple trips to the vending machine for sugar- and fat-filled snacks definitely doesn’t help in reaching wellness goals.

The Solution?

Drink lots of water throughout the day and keep a stash of your own healthy snacks at the office. Experts tout the benefits of drinking a full glass of water before eating to avoid overindulging. Also, the more healthy snacks you invest in to munch on at your desk, the less likely you’ll spend the extra dollar or two on that bag of chips, chocolate bar, or soda.

Donald, Glover, Awaken My Love, Childish Gambino, model, residuals, cover

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2024

Donald Glover Announces New Childish Gambino Album Amid Rumors He Refuses To Pay Model

Donald Glover has new music on the way but no response to claims of low-balling the Black model who appeared on his 2016 album cover.

Donald Glover has new Childish Gambino music on the way, but no response to claims of low-balling the Black model who appeared on his 2016 album cover.

TMZ caught up with Glover outside the Greenwich Hotel in New York on Thursday, Dec. 28, where he teased that “another album” was on the way “soon.” It’s great news for Childish Gambino fans who haven’t received any new tunes from the musician since his 2020 release 3.15.20.

In 2023, Gambino collaborated with KIRBY on an EP as part of his psycho-thriller Swarm with Janine Nabers. The multi-faceted entertainer has been busy with his onscreen appearances and production work and hasn’t released as much new music.

But his Grammy-winning album Awaken, My Love! recently became a topic of discussion over reports surrounding the model who appears on the cover. Identified as Giannina Otero, according to UpRoxx, an alleged Facebook post from Otero claims that she never received the residuals she was promised for appearing on the album cover.

“We received low pay but were promised residuals but never received anything… The only person who received residuals was a white woman who created the headpiece even though she was not on set to work on this (but she also deserves it),” she allegedly wrote.

“After years of lies and silence then finding out statute of limitation complications… it’s been an exhausting, emotional, and overall sad thing to deal with.”

Childish Gambino accused of not compensating team that worked on cover for his album "Awaken, My Love!" Model Giannina Antonette Oteto says Gambino has been dodging contact for years and the statute of limitations has now expired. pic.twitter.com/kqTnItWF32
— 👑Divided We Fall👑❤🖤💚 (@YtH8r) December 27, 2023

Many have been questioning the validity of the claims and Glover’s recent spotting might’ve been the perfect opportunity to ask him about it. But with all the paparazzi that were hounding him, it seemed impossible to address. At least we know there’s new music on the way.

by Derek Major

January 2, 2024

Bat Used By MLB Hall Of Famer Roberto Clemente Could Net More Than $250K At Auction

A bat used by MLB Hall Of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente during the 1971 season is set to be auctioned off and could net as much as $250K.

A bat used by MLB Hall Of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente is about to be auctioned off and could net over $250,000.

TMZ reported the Hillerich & Bradsby signature model U1 bat that Clemente used during the 1971 season is being auctioned by Heritage Auctions in February.

The 36-inch, 35.5-ounce bat has been photo-matched and is signed by the former Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder. The inscription on the bat, which Clemente made out to memorabilia collector Carey Diab, reads, “To my friend Carey, Best Wishes Always, Roberto Clemente.”

According to Heritage Auctions experts, the bat is expected to net up to $250,000 or more when it sells.

“It is one of a tiny handful of known photo-matched Clemente gamers,” an auction expert told TMZ.

Clemente, who was born in Puerto Rico in 1934, was one of the first Latin American MLB stars. He played his entire 18-year career with the Pirates and has a litany of accolades to his name. The two-time World Series champion was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, four-time National League batting champion, and was named the 1966 National League Most Valuable Player.

The former Pirate had a career batting average of .317 and amassed 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI, and 83 steals during his career.

Clemente, who spent much of his off-seasons doing charity work, passed away on New Year’s Eve in 1972 when a plane on its way to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, which was affected by a massive earthquake, crashed.

The outfielder organized three flights to Managua after the earthquake. However, the flights were diverted by corrupt officials and never reached the victims of the quake. That led Clemente to accompany the fourth flight himself.

Clemente was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973 as voters waived the five-year requirement.

Boosie, lesbians, The Color Purple, movie

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 2, 2024

Boosie Walks Out of The Color Purple Screening For Being ‘Gay Love Story’

Boosie details why he had to walk out of The Color Purple with his daughters due to the film depicting a same-sex romance.

Boosie is not having it with the inclusive narrative found in The Color Purple. Despite the latest 2023 adaption remaining faithful to the source material by featuring the romantic relationship between two female characters, Boosie shared why he had to walk out with his daughters due to the depiction of a gay coupling.

Boosie tweeted in the morning of Jan. 2 on his experience seeing the film. The rapper claims that he and other elderly couples walked out of the theater after witnessing the love scene between Celie and Shug Avery, who kissed and sang a loving duet in the film. However, their relationship proved to be too much for Boosie, who has proclaimed that he will not be letting his daughter watch due to this.

I HAD TO WALK OUT THIS COLOR PURPLE MOVIE ( N TWO OTHER OLDER COUPLES WALKED OUT ALSO.) 🍿BECAUSE I HAD MY LITTLE GIRLS WITH ME N IT SEEMED LIKE A 🌈 LOVE STORY‼️GOOD ACTING BUT WHOEVER WROTE THE SCRIPT IS PUSHING THE NARRATIVE HARD ‼️AS A PARENT I WILL NOT LET MY LITTLE GIRL…
— Boosie BadAzz (@BOOSIEOFFICIAL) January 2, 2024

“I had to walk out this color purple movie ([and] two other older couples walked out also.) Because I had my little girls with me [and] it seemed like a [gay] love story,” wrote the hip-hop artist. “Good Acting, but whoever wrote the script pushes the narrative hard. As a parent, I will not let my little girl watch this film.”

Boosie was unaware that both the 1985 film and the original 1983 novel by Alice Walker featured the romantic interaction between the characters of Celie and Shug Avery, played by Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson, respectively, in the musical film adaption. While the movie’s subject matter also deals with serious topics such as rape and domestic abuse, Boosie only found issues with the depiction of lesbian characters.

However, this commentary from the 41-year-old rapper is on-brand with his past remarks against the LGBTQIA+ community, despite his daughter coming out as gay in January 2023, as confirmed by The Source. The rapper’s values are in such disagreement with the gay community that he turned down a $250K offer to perform at an LGBTQIA+ event back in September. According to the rapper, he does not agree with the lifestyles of gay people and thus apparently does not want it to be included in the content he watches either.