California police, traffic stops law, disclosure

by Rafael Pena

December 31, 2023

Police In California Will Be Required By Law To Disclose Reason For Traffic Stop

This mandate eliminates police asking the common phrase 'Do you know why I pulled you over?'

As California gears up for the new year, a series of new laws will come into effect, including one that changes the dynamics of traffic stops. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, police officers in California will be required to inform drivers of the reason for pulling them over before initiating any questioning, per Assembly Bill 2773 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022, according to ABC10.

The new law aims to curb situations where minor traffic violations are used as a pretext for investigating other potential offenses. This requirement forces officers to document the stop and communicate the reason to the driver upfront, eliminating the common phrase “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

Assembly member Chris Holden, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of equity and accountability during a 2022 hearing, stating, “I believe that the confrontation between law enforcement and the public begins because people of color are being asked to surrender their civil rights and they do not even know why they are being stopped. But they are forced to comply.”

While the law is considered a step toward accountability, some critics say it may not be a significant game-changer. Community activist Berry Accius acknowledged the law’s impact but expressed concerns about its effectiveness, saying, “Tiny steps in the right direction, but what is the direction? Because there are too many gray areas. How am I going to be able to dispute that this officer was pulling me over illegally?”

The legislation makes an exception, allowing California police to withhold the reason for a stop if it is deemed necessary to protect life or property from an imminent threat.

Community activist Accius points out that while the law addresses a part of the issue, there is still room for bias during traffic stops, emphasizing the need for more specific laws to tackle this concern.

Sacramento law enforcement agencies have already incorporated the law into their training. A spokesperson from the Sacramento Police Department stated, “We believe in providing great customer service, and that is why we have implemented this into our academy and department training.”

However, the California State Sheriff’s Association, in a 2022 hearing, deemed the law strict, arguing that it prohibits officers from asking questions or making requests before disclosing the reason for the stop. As these changes come into effect, California anticipates increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions with the public.

Paula Abdul, American Idol, sexual assault

by Mary Spiller

December 30, 2023

Paula Abdul Sues Nigel Lythgoe For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Her As A Judge On ‘American Idol’

The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles court detailed two separated incidents of alleged assault.

Paula Abdul has lodged a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe for allegedly sexually assaulting her while she was a judge on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” under him as an executive. In court documents obtained by “Page Six” from the Dec. 29 filing, she claims Lythgoe forced himself on her on multiple occasions, and the details were revealed to a Los Angeles court.

Abdul, 61, opened up about the first alleged assault that occurred during the audition stages of “one of Idol’s initial seasons.” She recalled that Lythgoe allegedly pushed her against a hotel elevator wall and forcefully fondled her while trying to initiate a kiss.

“Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat,” the court documents stated. “Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doors to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her hotel room. Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to inform them of the assault.”

The entertainer and judge said she refrained from continuing to push her allegations of the incident because she was worried Lythgoe would retaliate by firing her from the show.

The “Opposites Attract” singer continued to claim that the now-74-year-old executive sexually assaulted her again in 2015 after she asked for a deal to be a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.“

In her lawsuit, Abdul said Lythgoe invited her to his home after hours under the guise of discussing further career opportunities for her, and she went because she thought it would be for work.

However, “Toward the end of the evening, Lythgoe forced himself on top of Abdul while she was seated on his couch and attempted to kiss her while proclaiming that the two would make an excellent ‘power couple.’ Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was uninterested in his advances, and immediately left.”

by Mary Spiller

December 30, 2023

‘The Book of HOV’ Jay-Z Exhibit Sets Record For Attendance At The Brooklyn Public Library

'The Book of HOV' brought in over 600,000 visitors during its stint being displayed in the BPL.

Jay-Z’s tribute at the Brooklyn Public Library raked in record attendance numbers. BPL has been bustling with business after the immersive “Book of HOV” exhibit went live. The New York native set a record in engagement for the five-month period his exhibit was at the NYC borough’s central branch library.

According to the Brooklyn Paper, the Roc Nation-constructed tribute has transformed the library by artistically displaying some of Jay-Z’s most iconic lyrics, displaying a replica of one of Jay’s very first recording studios as well as never-before-seen photos of the rapper and his journey.

“The Book of HOV” opened over the summer and included a slew of interactive displays and a new take on Jay-Z’s story. It also brought about a 74% increase in attendance at the branch. The exhibit brought in over 600,000 visitors up until its Dec. 4 closing.

Linda E. Johnson, president of the BPL, said, “This exhibition is a testament to Jay-Z’s global impact, and to the dynamic energy and spirit of Brooklynites and hip-hop fans.”

She added, “We look forward to welcoming back our new patrons and cardholders who, thanks to ‘The Book of HOV,’ have already begun enjoying all of the materials, services, and programming the library has to offer.”

Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, praised the BPL and the exhibit for highlighting Brooklyn culture while still telling Jay-Z’s story. Perez told the outlet, “What began as a seed of an idea grew to one of the most culturally significant events of 2023.”

According to reports, “The Book of HOV” tribute brought many people who have been longtime fans of Jay-Z to the city.

Jared Tennant, a Pennsylvania native, said, “I started listening to Jay-Z in the ’90s when he released ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and was instantly a fan. Jay-Z and Nas have been my two favorite MCs as far back as I can remember, and I’m a huge hip-hop fan, especially ’90s and 2000s hip-hop, so there was no way I would miss out on an exhibit like this.”

Drew Ogletree , arrest, domestic violence

by Mary Spiller

December 30, 2023

Indianapolis Colts Player Drew Ogletree Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges

Ogletree turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued for him.

Indianapolis Colts player Drew Ogletree was arrested on Dec. 29 while in Indiana. The tight end is now facing two felony charges.

Ogletree, who’s been playing for the Colts for two years, has been charged in an alleged domestic battery incident that allegedly took place in front of a minor. Avon, Indiana, police revealed that the domestic incident resulted in some bodily injury.

Fox 59 reported that the incident in question occurred on Dec. 26 and came to light when Indiana police responded to reports of a physical altercation between two people — one of which allegedly was Ogletree, the other a woman. Drew was detained on scene, and the victim of the fight was taken to the hospital for her injuries. Due to the severity of the assault, an arrest warrant was issued the next day, and Ogletree turned himself in to the authorities soon afterward.

Allegedly the 25-year-old slammed the victim onto the ground after she tried to hit him. Ogletree claimed that he body-slammed her in self-defense, according to police. The victim admitted that she tried to slap Ogletree during the altercation after she looked through his phone and discovered that he was cheating on her.

The affidavit stated that officers discovered the woman on the ground, in pain and immobile.

The player’s team released a statement shortly following news of Ogletree’s arrest going public. The Colts said, “We are aware of the disturbing allegations involving Drew Ogletree. The team takes these matters seriously. We have notified the NFL and are in the process of gathering more information. We will have no further comment at this time.”

Ogletree has been playing with the Colts for two seasons after being picked up as a 6th-round draft pick. He’s been active this season, playing in 12 games and getting two touchdowns of nearly 150 yards.

business, law, Corporate Transparency Act

by Rafael Pena

December 30, 2023

This New Law Will Impact Small-Business Owners As Government Targets Financial Crimes

The Corporate Transparency Act is a new law set to impact numerous small-business owners, aiming to combat money laundering, and tax fraud.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act is set to impact numerous small-business owners, aiming to combat money laundering, tax fraud, and terrorism financing. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the legislation requires certain companies to fill out a Beneficial Ownership Information report and submit it to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

The BOI report necessitates information on individuals exercising “substantial control” over a reporting company or owning/controlling at least 25% of its “ownership interests,” as outlined in a compliance document by FinCEN, AfroTech reports. Domestic and foreign reporting companies must adhere to these regulations, while 23 specific entity types are exempt.

For companies established before Jan. 1, 2024, the initial report deadline extends to Jan. 1, 2025. Conversely, entities formed on or after this date must provide their information within 30 days of the creation’s effective notice or the secretary of state’s initial public notice.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce outlines the mandatory details reporting companies must provide, including legal name, trademarks, current U.S. address, taxpayer identification number, and jurisdiction of establishment or registration. Failure to comply with the report submission can result in civil and criminal penalties.

Under the new law, individuals must provide personal information for reporting a business that was created or registered on or after Jan. 1, 2024. While individuals can fill out the report independently, the option becomes available from Jan. 1, 2024. Despite the autonomy, experts recommend seeking guidance from an adviser, attorney, or accountant to ensure adherence to FinCEN standards.

Roger Harris, president of Padgett Business Services, expressed concerns about the potential oversight by small business owners due to the law’s additional administrative burden. He suggested seeking legal counsel for any ambiguous aspects of the law to ensure compliance. Harris stated, “There are some issues in the law that could require an interpretation of certain facts to determine who is a beneficial owner that must be included in the filings.”

The CTA reflects a broader governmental effort to enhance financial transparency and accountability, requiring businesses to navigate new compliance measures in the year ahead.

Fantasia, The Color Purple, Financial Struggles

by Stacy Jackson

December 30, 2023

‘I Lost Everything’: Fantasia Opens Up About Financial Struggles Amid Rise To Fame

"The Color Purple" star said she was "very, very green" and new nothing about contracts or managing her money.

The Color Purple star Fantasia Barrino-Taylor recently opened up about the financial struggles she experienced following her rise to fame.

“I lost everything,” the Grammy winner told People in an interview. The 39-year-old, who gained stardom after winning Season 3 of “American Idol” in 2004, shared that her pockets did not match up to the level of fame she reached.

The star attributed her struggle to being “very, very green” as she was learning to maneuver through the industry and adapting to being in the Hollywood limelight. “You have to become a businesswoman and you link up with great business partners, but it doesn’t have a lot to do with love. It took me a long time to figure that out,” she admitted.

The mother of three said she knew nothing about contracts or how to manage her money to make sure she was getting what she was owed. “I just trusted and believed everybody that came into my life,” she said.

As she recounted her life struggles, she compared them to the role she plays as Celie in The Color Purple.

“Celie and I have a lot in common when it comes to family situations, losing things and feeling ugly and unseen,” the actress said. In 2010, Barrino-Taylor survived an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid. Four years prior, the star was hit with a lawsuit from her father over his portrayal in her memoir Life Is Not a Fairy Tale.

Despite life’s challenges, the “Lose to Win” singer said she feels like “God’s promises” are “coming to power,” and referenced the Book of Job, which tells the story of a man who lost everything, as one of her favorite books from the Bible. The singer seems to be reaping her harvest these days. Barrino-Taylor joined The Color Purple cast on Broadway three years after her “American Idol” win. The role, which landed her a Golden Globe nomination, led to her casting in the new film adaptation of the Broadway musical. As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the singer who proclaimed she was now “ready for Hollywood” has also earned her sommelier certification to begin her career in the wine industry.

The Color Purple earned the title of being the second highest-earning film on its Dec. 25 release day.

by Lauren Nutall

December 30, 2023

Massachusetts Becomes Latest State To Propose Baby Bonds

The initiative would help low-income families and possibly diminish the racial wage gap in Massachusetts.

The state of Massachusetts is considering a government program that invests in every child from the moment they’re born, according to The Boston Globe.

Called “baby bonds,” the groundbreaking proposal would create a savings account for every eligible child. Upon reaching 18 years old, each recipient would gain access to the account and be able to use the funds as they choose, be it to purchase a house, attend university, or any other goal. As it currently stands, the legislation would allow beneficiaries to have their accounts until they turn 35 years old, with the expectation that they continue to live, work, or pay taxes within the state.

Connecticut was the first to propose the concept of baby bonds, and the idea has since gained traction in other states, including California, Vermont, and New York. Now, legislators in Massachusetts are pushing this initiative, which would help low-income families and possibly diminish the racial wage gap.

“You have this inequality, but also a state that’s been at the forefront of innovative power-making,” said Darrick Hamilton, an economist who helped devise the baby bonds idea. “It’s a prime place to [implement baby bonds].”

The state commission estimated that with an initial deposit of $6,500 in an account, the funds could accumulate to over $15,000 by the time the recipient turns 18 years old, with the possibility of even more growth. Experts predict that roughly 8,000 infants would be eligible per year, costing about $52 million annually. Though the state has yet to determine where the funds would come from, private donors can make financial contributions on top of state financing.

“The persistent racial wealth gap and increased economic inequality present serious risks to the state’s economy,” wrote Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg in a findings report from 2022. “By creating a Baby Bonds initiative, Massachusetts can address the unique needs of our residents and our economy. The recommendations provided by the Task Force will reach children across the state who suffer from generational poverty.” If implemented, Goldberg’s office would oversee the program. The program would also have an advisory panel and a community advisory committee that would oversee a trust fund.

The idea for baby bonds in Massachusetts came to be in 2015, after the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston published its “Color of Wealth” report which revealed a stark financial disparity between Black families and white families in the state. According to the publication, Black households had a median net worth of $8, whereas white households maintained a median of $247,500. Additional research uncovered the same discrepancy, confirming that Black families in Massachusetts were significantly financially disadvantaged compared to their white counterparts. Baby bonds are an effort to minimize this racial wage gap in the state and challenge cyclical poverty in the United States. If effectively executed, the program could drastically alter the socioeconomic conditions of thousands of Massachusetts residents.

NIA, Kwanzaa, purpose, essay, pan-African

by Atiya Jordan

December 30, 2023

Nia, Kuumba, Imani: Future Of The Pan-African Art Movement

The new era of the Pan-African art movement continues a legacy of promoting shared African identity and creativity.

In the spirit of Kwanzaa, artists and creators worldwide document and define Pan-African liberation. From poets and filmmakers to sculptors and multimedia visionaries, the Pan-African art movement of the early 20th century has inspired a new generation of artists exploring themes related to African culture and history.

Harnessing the power of nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith), the Pan-African movement “seeks to unite African cultures and promote a sense of shared identity, history, and creative expression,” according to MoMAA.

The era saw the emergence of African art festivals such as the first-ever World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal, in 1966 and the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977. Notable key figures of the time include Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, whose artistic style incorporated elements of Cubism, Surrealism, and African artistic traditions; Ghanaian artist El Anatsui, whose innovative sculptures made from discarded materials are exhibited worldwide; and Ethiopian artist Gebre Kristos Desta, whose abstract paintings explore Ethiopian history and culture.

This era of the movement continues a legacy of promoting shared African identity. Here are three creatives who immortalize the successes of the past and build the modern Pan-African movement.

MELEKO MOKGOSI

Botswana-born artist Meleko Mokgosi is praised for his multimedia works that embody complex views of history and influential critiques of Pan-Africanism and current postcolonial moments. In his “Pan-African Pulp” exhibit, for instance, Mogosi explores the history of Pan-Africanism and Detroit’s deep history of activism, where organizations such as the Black Nation of Islam, The Republic of New Afrika, Shrine of the Black Madonna (Black Christian Nationalism), Pan-African Congress, and United Negro Improvement Association were organized.

Meleko Mokgosi explores gender equality and the role of women in Botswana circa 1981 in, "The Ease of Fiction.” #nowonview pic.twitter.com/MQ8YARMl7z
— California African American Museum (@CAAMinLA) January 29, 2017

KADIJA GEORGE SESAY

Of Sierra Leonean descent, Kadija George Sesay is a British scholar, literary activist, editor, and publisher. She is the founder/publisher of SABLE LitMag and SABLE LitFest, founder of the the AfriPoeTree app, and publications manager for the Inscribe imprint of Peepal Tree Press, which publishes work by Black British writers. Sesay is the author of the poetry collection Irki; her forthcoming collection is called The Modern Pan-Africanist’s Journey. Her ambitious efforts of curating experiences are showcased in her establishment of the Mboka Festival of Arts, Culture and Sport in Gambia. Sesay, who is on the board of African Studies Association (UK) and is chair of the Yaram Arts, is highly sought after to judge writing competitions.

Inscribe is a successful writer development programme aimed at writers of African and Asian descent and is run by co-directors Kadija George and Dorothea Smartt. Our new anthology of Black British poetry, #Filigree, is due to be published this autumn! #IWD2018 pic.twitter.com/fKvqTKM6Q9
— INSCRIBE Writers (@INSCRIBEWriters) March 8, 2018

AKINSANYA KAMBON

Akinsanya Kambon is a Pan-African artist, activist, former Black Panther, and co-owner of a Pan-African art studio and gallery. Having worked in clay for close to four decades, Kambon creates ceramic sculptures in the form of vessels, figures, and wall plaques. His works embody the voices of the Black diaspora: African histories and mythologies, and narratives of violence and revolution from throughout Africa and the Americas.

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by Stacy Jackson

December 30, 2023

Mom Fatally Shoots Boy, 14, Who Tried Breaking Into House Through Daughter’s Window

The incident came about after Aleah Wallace's house had already been targeted by burglars less than 24 hours earlier.

Aleah Wallace, a 25-year-old Texas mother of four, fatally shot a 14-year-old boy named Devin Baker when he tried breaking into her daughter’s bedroom window on Dec. 14. The incident came about after Wallace’s house had been targeted by burglars less than 24 hours earlier, according to the New York Post. Baker died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Wallace said she heard Baker attempting to lift the window at around 3 a.m. , and immediately fired the gun she had recently purchased to protect her family. Wallace said she made the purchase after multiple prior break-in attempts.

Though remorseful that Baker was only 14 years old, Wallace stated, “I had to think about my babies … I didn’t know he was 14 when he was on the other side of that window.” The mother continued, according to the New York Post, “All I knew was that somebody could come in and hurt me or my kids.”

Fort Worth police have not filed any charges against Wallace so far. However, she faces eviction from her subsidized housing for owning a gun, despite there being no laws or signs prohibiting it, the outlet reported. Wallace said, “The apartments called and told me that I was not supposed to have a gun at all … and I have 30 days to vacate.” She fears the eviction could prevent her from finding other housing.

Baker’s mother, Latoiya Landers, said her son had dreams of starting a clothing line. “He used to tell me, ‘Mama, watch. I’m going to make something of myself,'” she said. This tragic shooting highlights the complex legal and ethical issues around self-defense, gun ownership, and protecting one’s family.

Over 2,000 break-ins occurred in Fort Worth in 2023. A Texas grand jury will review the shooting.

Oprah Winfrey, The Color Purple, cameo, employees

by Stacy Jackson

December 30, 2023

Why Oprah Declined Cameo In ‘The Color Purple’: ‘I Just Think It’s More Special That It’s Just Whoopi’

Oprah Winfrey said she thought about having a cameo in the new film, but decided it would be distracting to Sofia's character.

Media icon Oprah Winfrey recently explained her decision not to cameo alongside Whoopi Goldberg in the latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s classic novel The Color Purple. While Goldberg, 68, who played the original Celie, makes a cameo, 69-year-old Winfrey, who portrayed Sofia in the first film, chose to pass on an onscreen appearance.

A cameo “would’ve been good in the church scene, but I thought it would also be distracting when Sofia is getting married,” Winfrey told The Hollywood Reporter. “Also, I just think it’s more special that it’s just Whoopi.” With COVID spreading at the time of filming, Winfrey added, “I ain’t sitting in that church all day anyway.”

Winfrey felt that keeping the focus on Goldberg’s cameo as a midwife was “more special” and allowed the scene to highlight Celie’s journey.

Though absent from the film, the media icon has championed its release as a producer. She recently told People, “It’s as big a miracle as my whole life has been.” Referring to the original 1985 movie that earned her an Oscar nod, Winfrey said it “continues to be a central theme in my life.” When she took on the career-defining role of Sofia, she’d had over a decade’s experience in TV news but no connections in Hollywood. “I didn’t know one single soul in the business,” she shared. The Color Purple marked her acting debut and first-ever experience on a movie set.

Now, nearly four decades later, the project remains deeply personal to Winfrey, and she still pays reverent homage to Steven Spielberg’s adaptation. She has supported the new generation of cast members through the entire process of the new production. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered the day she gifted the film’s cast members with purple Telfar bags filled with Fandango movie tickets. The Telfar brand appeared on the “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list, released in November 2023. The actress shared the surprise in a Dec. 1 Instagram post.

Winfrey starred in Spielberg’s 1985 film and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.