Marc Spears
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 2, 2024

Store Owner Apologizes After ESPN Writer Marc Spears Says He Was Racially Profiled

The co-host of the Hulu series, “The Conversations Project,” Marc Spears took to social media to discuss a recent brush with alleged racism

The feeling of being racially profiled is never a good experience, and it doesn’t matter your income level. A Black co-host of the Hulu series The Conversations Project and a sports writer at ESPN, Marc Spears took to social media to discuss a recent brush with racism when he visited a store in California‘s Bay Area.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Spears wrote on his social media profiles on Instagram and Facebook that, while at Anthem Interiors, a home furnishing store, he was allegedly racially profiled as he shopped at the store located in Healdsburg. He stated that he and several friends, who were all Black, entered Anthem Interiors and immediately felt the cold stares.

He wrote on his Instagram page, “On this night, however, while enjoying Healdsburg, my friends and I, all African-American, were racially profiled at a store in Healdsburg called @antheminteriors by the two employees. When things like that happen, I get angry inside and feel pressure to buy something expensive to prove my worth and they’re wrong. After refraining from the urge, I tried to give the lady that worked there the benefit of the doubt by asking if she knew where the nearest bathroom was.”

At this point, he explains that she directed him to the police station across the street and added, “It will be OK. They won’t arrest you.”

After hearing that response, he stated they immediately left and found another store that allowed him to use the restroom.

The media outlet also stated that the owner of the store, Janelle Loevner, responded privately to Spears to apologize for what took place, but she also didn’t think it was based on racial profiling. “I’m deeply sorry that was his experience.”

“I worked really long and hard to build a solid business. I care deeply about the community, my employees, about all of it — so for this to happen, it’s just devastating,” Loevner said.

Spears felt that her apology was sincere.

Loevner also wrote a response to Spears’ post and explained that they send all customers who want to use a restroom to the police station, so it wasn’t an isolated incident directed specifically at Spears and his friends.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marc Spears (@marcjspears)

Spears accepted the apology and advised Loevner to have her employees make guests feel welcome “upon entrance.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Shoplifting Though?’ Bed Bath & Beyond Under Fire For Racial Profiling Of Black Couple

project 2025
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 2, 2024

Pastor Accused Of Trying To ‘Deep Fry’ McDonald’s Cook For Disrespecting Wife

A North Carolina Pastor has been charged with assault following his alleged attempt to deep fry a Mcdonald's cook for disrespecting his wife.

A North Carolina pastor has allegedly tried to deep fry a cook at McDonald’s because he allegedly ‘disrespected’ his wife. Dwayne Waden was arrested on assault charges for allegedly attacking the employee at the High Point location, where his wife is also a manager.

According to the police report obtained by the Mirror UK, Waden’s wife, 44-year-old Latoya Gladney, spoke to her husband about the disrespect she encountered from her staff. The husband allegedly pulled up to the McDonald’s to confront one of the alleged culprits, Theodore Garlington. Waden allegedly punched the cook numerous times before attempting to plant his face into the deep fryer, holding him by his neck. However, other employees got involved to stop Waden. The police document detailed witness accounts of what happened.

“The listed witnesses advised that the offender came into the McDonalds on S Main Street, walked around the counter and placed his hands around the neck of the victim, pushing his head toward the deep fryer,” as explained by the report. “The offender also punched the offender several times on the face and did not stop until several employees pulled the offender off of the victim.”

After forgoing an ambulance to be taken to the hospital by relatives, the 34-year-old McDonald’s employee was recorded having a “large contusion to the forehead and right eye, along with scratches on his neck.”

However, the details of the disrespect against Gladney, which prompted the alleged assault, remained unclear.

Waden was subsequently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of assault after the local police reviewed the security footage depicting the ordeal. The 57-year-old man of God is a pastor at Elevated Life International Ministries in Thomasville, North Carolina, and he also works as a semi-truck driver. His bond was $1,000, with an expected trial date of Jan. 22.

Legends of the game, Ray Rice, Ravens, domestic violence, NFL, football, dolphins, Baltimore
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2024

Ray Rice Named ‘Legend Of The Game’ By Baltimore Ravens After 2014 Cut Due To Domestic Violence

The Baltimore Ravens decided to honor Ray Rice with the "Legend Of The Game" title at the team's game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens decided to honor its former running back Ray Rice with the “Legend Of The Game” title at the team’s game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Rice received the game day tradition that the city of Baltimore gives on New Year’s Eve to recognize a former player for their accomplishments both on and off the field , NBC Sports reported. However, considering the nature of Rice’s domestic violence past which got him cut from the Ravens back in 2014, many are confused about why he was selected to receive the honor.

Rice’s NFL career came to an end a decade ago after elevator surveillance caught him punching his then-fiancée, now wife, so hard that he knocked her out and dragged her unconscious body out of the elevator. After his arrest for the assault, the NFL faced backlash when they decided to suspend him for just two games.

In September 2014, the Ravens cut him from the team. But nearly a decade later, the franchise believes Rice should be honored for becoming a changed man.

“Rice is being recognized for the player he was, and for the redemption he has worked towards,” the team wrote on its website. “Out of the public eye, Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community.”

The Ravens continued, “Rice helped the Ravens win their second Super Bowl in 2013. He totaled more than 2,000 total yards in two seasons and topped more than 1,000 rushing yards in four straight years (2009-2012).”

Rice followed up with his own statement affirming how much he’s changed in the nearly 10 years since being cut from the Ravens.

“I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed. But hopefully people can see where I’m at now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That’s just not who I am,” Rice said.

“Every time I stepped on the field, I gave it my all. But I couldn’t say the same for life. Now I’m trying to be the best version of me.”

Since ending his NFL career, Rice and Janay Palmer tied the knot and welcomed their two children Rayven (11) and Jaylen (7). The family also moved back to Baltimore, where Rice coaches two youth football teams, the 13U and 7U Pikesville Wildcats. He also launched a nonprofit called Pipeline 2 Prosperity where he helps underprivileged kids in Baltimore and in his hometown of New Rochelle, NY, by providing them with toys, sports equipment, peer-to-peer mentoring, and other resources.

He was inspired to launch the organization after visiting a group home where the correction officer told him that the kids there were often on a pipeline to prison.

“Raising my kids here, I can’t call it a Super Bowl, but it will be a surreal moment,” Rice said of his return to Baltimore. “I want people to really see me. I’m still standing. I’m still going to be strong. I’m still going to help as many people as I can. I’m still going to be a man in the community.”

However, social media had much stronger responses to Rice being honored by the Ravens, due to his violent past.

“Reminder that Ray Rice knocked out his fiancée and then drug her unconscious body out of the elevator and back to their hotel room,” one person tweeted.

https://twitter.com/HaloWarsEnjoyer/status/1741537252956623024

There are also many who defended Rice being honored, including sports journalist Jemele Hill who feels the NFL champion has “done the work” since his infamous domestic violence incident.

“I’ve done A LOT of reporting on Ray Rice over the years and it’s very few situations in which I’d say this: He’s truly done the work. He’s a good person who had a horrific moment, but has done so much to educate young boys and men about domestic violence,” she wrote. “His advocacy work isn’t for show. He is proof of the power of growth and healing.”

RELATED CONTENT: Does Ray Rice Deserve Due Process?

Tasha Cobbs
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 2, 2024

dReam Center Church Of Atlanta Saved Souls And Swag Surfs Into 2024

The dReam Center Church of Atlanta is going viral for its New Year's Eve worship service after attendees were seen doing the "swag surf" dance at the religious event.

A church in Atlanta brought in the new year with prayer and a party. Footage of the dReam Center’s New Year’s Eve service is going viral as attendees are seen swag surfing at the religious event.

Footage of the unorthodox gathering was posted during the Dec. 31 service, showing hundreds in the crowds taking part in the “swag surf” dance, in which participants join together to sway from left to right. However, the dance is usually conducted at more secular events. Despite this, the church did not let its typical uses stop its congregation from having fun as they brought in the new year. The Neighborhood Talk posted the viral clip to its social media.

“Okayyy! They lit in Jesus name!” shared the platform.

However, the contemporary church did more than just dance the night away for the Lord, including a custom sneaker decoration as well for its prayerful guests. The church is led by Lead Pastor William Murphy III and his wife Danielle Murphy.

In response to the backlash, with naysayers commenting that the song itself is promoting lifestyles in conflict with the Church and taking away from the religious teaching, dReam Center claimed that they are “still building” something greater.

“This is bigger than 30-second clips, followers, or clickbait. We’re still building something that matters,” said the church, with its post noting that 150 people became dedicated to Christianity and new members on that night. One supporter, Jesseca Harris-Dupart, defended the church and its intentions with the untraditional service.

“If [you] don’t understand it cool, it’s [definitely] come as you are and just reassures you that EVERYONE can have a relationship w/ God no matter where you are on your journey,” shared Harris-Dupart, who is married to female emcee DaBrat. “So many people have left church / religion [because] of all the restrictions when you are supposed to welcome the sinner and GUIDE them.”

Despite the backlash, the New Year’s Eve Worship experience at dReam Center Atlanta has started the church off on a high note for 2024.

RELATED CONTENT: Why The New Year’s Eve ‘Watch Night’ For Black Americans Remains Prevalent

Kid Capri, cancer free, year long battle, 50, Hip-Hop, DJ
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2024

Kid Capri Reveals ‘Very Happy’ News About His Recent Cancer Diagnosis

Legendary hip-hop DJ Kid Capri is finally opening up about his year-long health battle now that he is cancer-free.

Kid Capri is finally opening up about his year-long health battle now that he is cancer-free.

The legendary hip-hop DJ took to Instagram on New Year’s Eve to share a post from the hospital announcing his cancer-free diagnosis.

“God is great! 3 days ago, I found out that I’m cancer free!” he wrote in the caption.

“Been dealing with it all year while I was doing everything I was doing for hip hop 50! I had 2 surgeries and never said anything publicly about what I was going through, I’m not an attention whore, so I didn’t want to say anything, so that it didn’t look like i wanted pity, but now that it’s over, I figure I let my fans and friends know, I’m very happy, this year I did a lot, but come 2024, I’m getting even crazier than I did in 2023!! Thank you God!”

Kid Capri had been in high demand throughout 2023 celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. All the while, the New York native was battling for his health behind the scenes.

It was likely his passion for hip-hop that kept him going when it came to his nonstop live shows as well as repeated visits to the doctor’s office.

“I genuinely love what I do. I know that me being a DJ in this business was always an uphill battle,” he told UpRoxx in July.

“They always look at DJs as the bottom of the totem pole, except when hip-hop first started, DJs were the front guy; records came in, and the rapper had to be the front guy.”

“They pushed the DJs to the back,” he added. “So that’s when I became my own one-man band and didn’t need anybody in front of me. I could do every[thing] myself and I just needed the world to see it.”

RELATED CONTENT: Rapper Scarface Gets Kidney from His Son, Warns Fans of Dangers of COVID-19

Monica, singer, passed out, carried out, stretcher, angel of mine, song, show, Houston, Washington D.C.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2024

Monica Carried Out On Stretcher After Seemingly Passing Out During Houston Show

Monica had a rough end to her latest live show in Houston where she appeared to be carried out on a stretcher.

Monica had a rough end to her latest live show in Houston, where she appeared to be carried out on a stretcher.

The “Angel of Mine” singer was performing the song in Houston on Saturday, Dec. 30, where minutes later, she was seen passed out on the side of the stage, TMZ reports. A crew member can be seen carrying the singer off the stage.

One Twitter user shared a video from the live show with reports of Monica, 43, being carried out by an ambulance.

“They say she came out late; 10:35 and people were walking out by 11:05… concertgoers do say something seemed off,” they wrote.

Fans expressed their concerns for Monica’s health in the comments section, as the singer isn’t known not to complete a live show.

“I hope it’s just exhaustion and she just needs rest smh praying for Monica 🙏🏾💕,” one person wrote.

“Praying for her! I remember her talking about her health issues in her TV show,” added someone else.

Monica has been open about her health conditions. In 2016, she spoke with the Huffington Post about her mitral valve prolapse diagnosis at age 18. The condition results in the flap that separates the upper and lower chambers of the heart not closing properly.

The singer happened to be singing the same song, “Angel of Mine,” in Washington, D.C., when she started to lose consciousness.

“Everything in front of me basically began to go from color to black-and-white, fading in and out,” she said at the time. “I walked to the side of the stage to ask for help and collapsed into one of our staff people’s arms.”

The “Boy Is Mine” singer has also been hospitalized for high blood pressure, a condition that she works to try to control, and she has received multiple surgeries for endometriosis.

les mccann, Jazz
by Rafael Pena

January 2, 2024

Jazz Pioneer Les McCann Who Was Sampled By Dr. Dre Passes Away At 88

Legendary pianist and vocalist Les McCann known for his influential role in soul-jazz and iconic performances passed away Dec. 29th.

According to NBC News, legendary pianist and vocalist Les McCann passed away on Dec. 29th. Known for his influential role in soul-jazz and iconic performances like “Compared to What,” he succumbed to pneumonia in a Los Angeles-area hospital, according to his manager, Alan Abrahams.

McCann, born in Lexington, KY, played a pivotal role in shaping the soul-jazz genre, bridging jazz with the counterculture’s protest music. Beyond his profound impact on jazz, McCann’s legacy extended to hip-hop, where artists like Notorious B.I.G., Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Warren G., Slick Rick, Dr. Dre, and A Tribe Called Quest found inspiration in his music.

“He brought something from the Black church to jazz,” remarked Abrahams, reflecting on McCann’s unique contribution to the musical landscape.

For Quincy Jones, a super-producer, Les McCann was a force of nature since the early ’60s. In the liner notes for the recent release Never A Dull Moment! – Live from Coast to Coast (1966-1967), Jones stated, “Whenever I heard him live or on record, he always did the unexpected.”

McCann’s musical journey began when he taught himself to play the piano, and after joining the Navy, he landed in Los Angeles, attending Los Angeles City College, the outlet reported. His breakthrough came in 1968 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where his performance of “Compared to What” with Eddie Harris propelled the album Swiss Movement to gold status.

McCann’s musical innovation continued with his recognition of the growing importance of electronic influences, as seen in his 1972 electronic opus Layers. Despite critical and commercial success, McCann was known as a fearless musician who embraced unfamiliar territory, touring the globe well into his retirement.

Even in the face of a stroke in 1995 that paralyzed the right side of his body, McCann displayed resilience with humor. Abrahams shared an anecdote where McCann, alongside jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, joked about touring together as one good piano player, according to the outlet.

McCann’s multifaceted personality extended beyond music. He captured jazz culture and Black history through his lens, producing the photo book Invitation to Openness: The Jazz and Soul Photography of Les McCann 1960-1980.

“He didn’t play it safe,” Abrahams emphasized, highlighting McCann’s adventurous spirit.

In the wake of his passing, discussions are underway to organize a celebration of life in the coming weeks, possibly at Los Angeles City College, a place cherished by McCann.

RELATED CONTENT: Jazz Legends McPherson, Abdullah, And Wilder Honored This July

IRS, Taxes, IRS tax, changes, deductions, 401k, IRA, paychecks,
by Derek Major

January 2, 2024

IRS Changes For 2024 Can Increase Paychecks, Lower Taxes For Americans

New IRS tax brackets and increased standard deductions that went into effect Monday could lead to bigger paychecks and lower taxes.

Americans across the country are still dealing with inflation and high prices, but IRS changes for 2024 could lead to larger paychecks and lower taxes for many, Axios reports.

According to the outlet, new IRS tax brackets and increased standard deductions went into effect on Jan. 1. Other tax inflation adjustments include the mileage rate increase and higher contribution limits for tax-deferred retirement plans.

The IRS has adjusted the tax brackets for the 2024 tax year. The marginal tax rate is 10% for individuals making $11,600 or less and married couples filing together making $23,200 or less. The highest rate is 37% for individuals making 609,350 or more and couples earning $731,200 or more.

The outlet reports that the changes attempt to stop what is known as bracket creep, which occurs when inflation pushes taxpayers into a higher income tax bracket without an increase in real income.

Additionally, the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly for the 2024 tax year will be $29,000, a $1,500 increase for the 2023 tax year. For single taxpayers, the deduction will be $14,600, a $750 increase from 2023. For heads of households, the decision is set at $21,900, an $1,100 increase from the 2023 tax year.

IRA and 401(K) contributions limits will also increase this year. The IRS announced that Americans can contribute up to 23,000 into their  401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans—a $500 increase from the 2023 limit. The limit on IRA contributions increased by $500 from 2023 to $7,000.

The outlet reports that the IRS raised the limit for contributions to health flexible spending arrangements to $3,200 in 2024, up from $3,050 for 2023.

The IRS is opening its pilot program for free, secure electronic tax filing run by the IRS this year. The pilot program will be limited to tax filers with relatively simple tax returns reporting only certain types of income and claiming limited credits and deductions. It will be eligible for residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

RELATED CONTENT: IRS Set To Rollout Free File Tax Return Pilot In January

California, High Schools, Fourth of July, raise money, grants, Businesswomen, Financial Literacy, broke
by Jeffrey McKinney

January 2, 2024

4 Ways To Change Financial Behavior And Establish Prosperity In 2024

New data shows that roughly 60% of Black Americans are not now saving for retirement, including 58% of non-retired respondents.

Shifting to a mindset of creating good financial habits could potentially help Black people take more control of managing their money and gain great value from doing it.

There are compelling reasons why such actions should be examined. Some 60% of African Americans are not saving for retirement, including 58% of non-retired respondents. And 54% of Blacks report they tend to spend more money than they earn. The findings are from Matt Brannon, author of this study. “I’d urge them to consider fixing that as soon as possible. You don’t want to let another year go by and start 2025 with the same problems you have now.”

Further, 84% of Blacks regret not doing more to improve their finances in 2023, 65% struggle to afford basic expenses, 61% say finances are the most stressful part of their lives, and 33% went deeper into debt last year. Some  41% contend money does buy happiness, and 29% say financial health is more important than personal health.

Now could be a good time for people to think in the longterm how they manage money, as inflation is not as high as a year ago, Brannon said. “That gives people more breathing room to be deliberate about saving and investing.”

An online real estate education platform, Clever Real Estate paid for multiple consumer surveys in 2023 to get a take on how Americans feel about their finances and the state of the economy,

Brannon shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE a few ways that people can improve their financial situation:

1) Make your money work for you

Too many people leave their money in savings accounts that earn little to no interest because moving that money seems inconvenient. If you have emergency savings or want to earn interest without playing the stock market, consider moving your money to a high-yield savings account (HYSA). You can earn hundreds of dollars over a year by simply letting it sit there.

     

2) Prioritize high-interest debt

If you have $12,000 in savings and no high-interest debt, then an HYSA is a great idea. But if you owe $2,000 in credit card debt, you should prioritize paying that off first because the annual interest rate (around 25%) is much higher than the yearly interest rate you get in a HYSA (about 4-5%). You still want to keep money around for emergencies, but try to pay down high-interest debt when possible.

   

3) Create a budget

If you’re looking to fix your finances, you need to figure out which of your expenses are wants and which are needs. Consider using the money you save by cutting down on “wants” to pay down debts or build what you save and invest. Don’t chase happiness by making unnecessary purchases. A recent study showed people who budget and save more are happier.

 

4) Increase your income

Unemployment is low right now, so take advantage of that. Not all available jobs are desirable, but some perhaps will fit your skillset. This applies to switching primary jobs to boost your income, as well as taking on a weekend job or some gig/freelance work.

RELATED CONTENT: Managing Your Finances With Multiple Streams of Income

Millions of Americans Will See An Increase In Social Security Checks, But At What Cost?
by Atiya Jordan

January 2, 2024

Millions of Americans Will See An Increase In Social Security Checks, But At What Cost?

According to the Social Security Administration, benefits will increase by 3.2% based on this year’s cost-of-living adjustment.

Marking the third consecutive year, 2024 is kicking off a favorable raise in social security check payments, thanks to inflation and tax adjustments.

According to the Social Security Administration, benefits will increase by 3.2% based on this year’s cost-of-living adjustment. But this is a much smaller increase than the whopping 8.7% and 5.9% upsurge seniors and other beneficiaries received in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The old-age and disability program said it intends to help alleviate the burdens of the high cost of living expenses. 

The new raise will hike the average monthly Social Security and Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which were about $1,711 and $674 in November, the SSA reported. Beginning in January, the average retirement benefit will increase by about $50 monthly. Recipients receiving Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see the increase reflected in their checks starting Jan. 10 and throughout the year.

For those who receive the maximum Social Security payout, their monthly checks will spike to $4,873 in 2024, according to the agency. This is an additional $170 monthly per paycheck compared to the current year. 

While these changes boost recipients’ monthly income, experts point out the misconception that Social Security recipients don’t pay taxes. But more Social Security beneficiaries could see a higher federal income tax bill in 2024 if they earn above a threshold that hasn’t changed since 1984. Experts emphasize that inflation is a significant contributor to the jump in taxes. As a result, in 2023, workers paid Social Security taxes on income up to $160,200, CBS News reported, and higher earners are likely to face higher Social Security taxes. 

For instance, individual taxpayers who earn between $25,000 and $34,000 in benefits may have income tax on up to 50% of their benefits. Over $34,000 and up to 85% of benefits may be taxable. On the other hand, joint filers who earn between $32,000 and $44,000 may pay taxes of up to 50% of benefits. Over $44,000 and up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.

The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, estimated a 3.2% increase. They warned that the increase still won’t maintain beneficiaries’ living costs.

“Because retiree costs are rising at a far more rapid pace than the COLA raises benefits, this study found that an SSI benefit of $1,969.80 per month in 2023 would have been required,” the league, as reported in a previous story by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

In 2021, nearly 11.2 million older adults were cost-burdened, as reported in a new study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University on housing America’s older adults. They spent more than 30% of household income on housing costs.

×