50 Cent Confirms Proceeds From Unnamed Diddy Documentary Will Be Donated To Sexual Assault Victims

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 9, 2023

50 Cent Confirms Proceeds From Unnamed Diddy Documentary Will Be Donated To Sexual Assault Victims

The film will be produced by 50's production company, G-Unit Film and TV.

What may have begun as a trolling episode from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson on all his social media accounts is turning into a real project, according to Variety.

Ever since Cassie, the former Bad Boy recording artist and former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, filed a federal lawsuit (which was settled within 24 hours) accusing Combs of sexual misconduct and repeated physical abuse, 50 Cent has been trolling the former Bad Boy founder on his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Ever since numerous people went public to speak up about Diddy’s alleged behavior over the years, 50 has acted like a roving reporter with each new allegation.

Now, after teasing his followers about doing a documentary on the alleged misdeeds of Diddy, word is out that 50 is making a documentary about his hip-hop rival.

A video clip with former Bad Boy recording artist Mark Curry posted on 50’s X and Instagram accounts said that all proceeds from the project will go to the victims of sexual assault and rape.

🚨 G-Unit Film & Television proceeds from this Documentary will go to victims of Sexual Assault and Rape ! pic.twitter.com/nNqdFKHACp

— 50cent (@50cent) December 7, 2023

The film will be produced by 50’s production company, G-Unit Film and TV. A statement about the documentary released to Variety read: “The untitled ‘Diddy’ documentary is in development through G-Unit Film and Television with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson serving as executive producer, proceeds from this documentary that G-Unit Film & Television receives will go to victims of sexual assault and rape.”

Diddy finally responded publicly to the latest allegations against him in a recent Instagram post:

“Enough is enough.

“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.

“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LOVE (@diddy)

Meanwhile, a young woman has come forward accusing Diddy of similar allegations previous women have lodged against the No Way Out producer, according to NBC News.

The “Jane Doe” alleges that Diddy, former Bad Boy president Harve Pierre, and a third man gang-raped her and used her in a sex trafficking scheme in 2023, when she was 17 years old.

Lucy McBath, Atlanta, remapping, atlanta, Gwinnett, Fulton, district 1

by Stacy Jackson

December 8, 2023

Rep. Lucy McBath Targeted By Republicans’ Proposal For New Districts In Atlanta

The proposal would result in a court-ordered new Black majority district. But it could eliminate Rep. McBath’s district.

Republicans targeted U.S. Democratic Representative Lucy McBath with a proposal on Dec. 1 to redraw Atlanta’s congressional district lines in favor of a 9-5 Republican congressional majority.

The change would target Rep. McBath’s district in a way that would call for a complete transformation, The Associated Press reported. The proposal would result in a court-ordered new Black majority district. But the result could be a total elimination of Rep. McBath’s district.

McBath, who represents the suburbs of Atlanta, including Gwinnett and the north part of Fulton Counties, previously won an election in a majority-white suburb, according to AP. In 2021, Republicans in the state of Georgia separated the district into majority Republican and Democratic areas to target Rep. McBath’s position at the time. However, in 2022 the Black Democrat came out on top when she moved into the new district that was democratic and won in a primary against Democratic incumbent Carolyn Bordeaux.

Jake Orvis, McBath’s campaign manager, said in a statement, according to AP, “Georgia Republicans have yet again attempted to subvert voters by changing the rules. We will look to the ruling from Judge Jones in the coming weeks before announcing further plans.”

Orvis continued, “Regardless, Congresswoman McBath refuses to let an extremist few in the state legislature determine when her time serving Georgians in Congress is done.”

Kareem Crayton, who examines redistricting for the Brennan Center at New York University, commented on the potential wipeout of Rep. McBath’s district. “Is it appropriate to dismantle that district in order to create another one? That’s an important question.” Crayton advised, “If I were the legislature, I would proceed with great caution if I were trying to make that one-for-one switch.”

AP reported that it isn’t certain Rep. McBath would move districts to overcome being a target for Republicans and their district lines this time around.

by Iman Milner

December 8, 2023

Public PDA Sparks New Romance Rumors For Lupita Nyong’o And Joshua Jackson

The pair previously denied rumors of their relationship.

It seems that newly single Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o has already found a new beau, as photos of the actress holding hands with actor Joshua Jackson have made their way around social media. People reports that the pair previously denied rumors of a relationship but seem to have forgone secrecy with their PDA.

The unofficial confirmation of their coupling arrived after the two were spotted walking in Joshua Tree, California.

Both Jackson and Nyong’o are recently separated, with the former in the midst of a divorce from his wife of four years, actress Jodie Turner-Smith. Nyong’o publicly announced her breakup with TV host Selema Masekela in a series of Instagram posts, and hinted at deception in their relationship.

“At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust,” she captioned a post.

“I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, ‘Whatever, my life is better this way,’” she continued. “But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.”

The 40-year-old actress ended the post with “#Breakup” and later shared a photo of the cat she’d adopted to keep her company through the rough time.

Jackson and Nyong’o were spotted together in Los Angeles on Dec. 5, arriving in the “Dawson’s Creek” actor’s car before entering a store separately. The Black Panther actress attempted to hide from cameras upon arrival, according to TMZ.

Alvin Kamara Gifts Signed Ball And Jersey To Injured NFL Official

by Rafael Pena

December 8, 2023

Alvin Kamara Gifts Signed Ball And Jersey To Injured NFL Official

Nick Piazza faces a long road to recovery, but he appreciates Alvin Kamara's gesture.

NFL official Nick Piazza suffered a serious leg injury when New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara plowed into him during the third quarter of the Saints’ Dec. 3 game against the Detroit Lions. In a bid to lift Piazza’s spirits, Kamara sent him a signed football and jersey, along with a note expressing his well wishes.

Piazza, who received the gifts on Wednesday, expressed his appreciation for Kamara’s thoughtful gesture. A photo shared by NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan captured Piazza posing with the signed memorabilia. The Saints’ owner, Gayle Benson, personally reached out to Piazza and ordered food for his family. The Chicago Bears are also sending a care package, according to Bleacher Report.

Piazza, a teacher, has worked the chains at Saints games for nine years.

This sideline worker’s leg did not look good after Alvin Kamara ran into him. Prayers up 🙏
https://t.co/P6KYgKQty2
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 3, 2023

“I really appreciate the messages, care packages and medical treatment,” Piazza told Duncan. “And, if you see Alvin, please tell him thanks. He signed a football and jersey for me. Very nice.”

Piazza faces a long journey to recovery. Doctors informed him that he had torn ligaments in his knee and a fractured fibula. Major surgery, scheduled for Friday, is required. Piazza is expected to be on medical leave for a couple of months, meaning his work with the NFL this season is done.

Piazza told Duncan he knew he was injured immediately. “Shocked, scared, nervous, I was all those things,” he said. “I knew, this is not something that I can just get up and shake off.”

My column on Nick Piazza, and the head-spinning events that changed his life on Sunday…

Injured Saints chain crew member discusses his recovery, Alvin Kamara's gift, more https://t.co/rM0mPpsAAF
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 7, 2023

Kamara is the starting running back for the New Orleans Saints. He played for the University of Tennessee before being drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has played seven seasons for the Saints and has been selected for five Pro Bowls.

abortion, Black women, election, abortion rights

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 8, 2023

Report: Rate Of Out-Of-State Abortions Have Doubled, Due To Roe V. Wade Reversal

Illinois has seen the highest number of out-of-state patients who live in bordering states with strict bans.

Since the Supreme Court reversed the Roe v. Wade ruling in 2022, the number of persons traveling out of state for abortions has doubled, News Nation reports. The Guttmacher Institute found that close to 1 in 5 abortion patients traveled out of state during Q1 and Q2 of 2023, in comparison to 1 in 10 during the same time in 2020. States that saw the largest increases in out-of-state patients include Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, Florida, and Ohio, some of which have passed stricter abortion laws or have had them banned.

Some states have made exceptions, such as when the mother’s well-being is in jeopardy; for victims of rape, activists continue to advocate to clear up the loopholes that patients face when hospitals are apprehensive about moving forward with the procedure. Colorado and New Mexico allow abortions with no restrictions based on gestational age. Ohio requires counseling before a person is allowed to abort, up to 22 weeks.

According to ABC News, Illinois has seen the largest increase in patients traveling from other states. The state allows abortion up to the point of fetal viability, normally seen around 23 weeks of pregnancy. It is surrounded by Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, where abortion is banned.

“Illinois is bordered by three states that ban abortion as well as the restrictive states of Iowa and Wisconsin — in 2020, 21% of the abortions that occurred in Illinois were to people coming from out of state; this increased to 42% in the first six months of 2023,” said Rachel Jones, principal research scientist at Guttmacher.

The data also showed the impact of bans going into effect, such as in South Carolina. Within its formal healthcare system, the number of abortions decreased 79% — from 750 in August 2023 down to 160 — just one month after the state enforced a ban after six weeks gestation.

Abortion has been a major topic of conversation in the 2024 presidential campaigns. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, both Republicans, have signaled that they are open to compromise on the issue. In contrast, other Republican leaders continue to push for a ban on a national level.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 8, 2023

NYC MTA Board Approves Manhattan’s Controversial Congestion Toll, Charging Commuters $15

Cars will be charged $15 and motorcycles will have to pay $7.50.

Things are about to get hectic in New York City. CBS News reports that the MTA Board gave the thumbs up to a proposal to charge commuters to drive into Manhattan’s Central Business District. With a vote of 9 to 1, the board approved the Traffic Mobility Review Board’s recommendations, charging commuting workers high fees to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street. The new charge is added on top of what several commuters from outside suburban neighborhoods have to pay. Cars will be charged $15, and motorcycles will have to pay $7.50. The price goes up for those driving trucks, with small ones being asked to pay $24 and big trucks looking at a charge of $36.

The only leader to issue a “no” vote was David Mack of Long Island’s Nassau County, as he feels there are other ways to go about it. “I cannot vote for it. Maybe there’s other ways — tolls, federal government, other subsidies, other taxes,” Mack said. “I just think that this is just an added burden.”

Some board members have their eye on NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ requested exemptions — like people coming into the city for medical appointments, school buses, and cab drivers. Those who take cabs would be forced to pay an additional $1.25. Board member David Jones feels exemptions are necessary, particularly for the school systems. “I think it’s essential to provide some exemption, particularly those with public school children,” Jones said. “I don’t want to add another burden to the public education system and the charter schools.”

Cars will only be charged once per day and won’t face exit charges, according to NorthJersey.com. Commuters who live on a lower income qualify for a 50% discount if they register with the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Chair and CEO of the MTA, Janno Lieber, described the plan as “essential to the city’s future” on an economic level. “This is that rare moment when business and environmentalists actually come together,” Lieber said.

“They’re frequently at loggerheads, they’re frequently at each other’s throats even, and on this issue, they’ve come together because there is a consensus that has developed.”

The approval will go through a 60-day public comment period, and to date, MTA has already held close to 25 public outreach events and hearings, responding to 70,000 comments from residents. Lieber says the board is “taking the public comment process very seriously,” but doesn’t believe any changes will occur.

by Rafael Pena

December 8, 2023

High School Baseball Player Declared Brain-Dead, Family Decides To Donate Organs

Jeremy Medina, a member of the Gainesville High School baseball team, has been declared brain-dead after a batting incident.

According to 11Alive, Jeremy Medina, a senior and integral member of the Gainesville High School baseball team, has been declared brain-dead after a batting incident that occurred just over two weeks ago. Doctors at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center delivered the devastating news on Dec. 6, revealing that Medina’s family has made the courageous decision to donate his organs.

Surgeons provided an update on Medina’s condition, describing it as “neurologically dead.” The hospital has arranged for an honor walk, a poignant moment for friends and family to bid farewell as Medina is prepared for organ donation surgery.

The incident that led to his hospitalization unfolded on Nov. 20 when Medina, a dedicated player who excelled as both pitcher and catcher, was accidentally struck in the head with a bat during hitting drills at the team’s indoor facility. The unforeseen accident has left the community mourning, particularly his classmates at Georgia’s Gainesville High School.

Medina was not just an athlete but a leader both on and off the field, as described by his father in a previous statement. Recalling his son’s achievements, he shared, “And every time I will tell him, ‘You know that not everyone can be like playing sports, working, and doing what you do and be able to keep up the grades. Do you know that?’ (He says) ‘Dad, I don’t know, I’m just being me.'”

The devastated father highlighted his son’s dreams of becoming a professional baseball player and a youth minister. The family has requested continued prayers for their beloved son. Despite their sorrow, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time.

As the Gainesville High School community rallies together to remember and honor Medina, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one young soul can have on an entire community.

financial literacy, oneunited, bank, kids, bank, money, stock, brokerage, savings, bills, pay

by Ashley M Fox

December 8, 2023

3 Incredibly Easy Ways To Teach Your Kids About Money

Even if we do not have a lot of money, we are still equipped to teach the younger generation. Here are three simple ways to teach your kids about money.

Originally Published Mar. 28, 2017

Unfortunately, as adults, we learn more about money after the mistake is made. We often find ourselves saying, “Why didn’t I learn this in school? I wish someone would have taught me this at a younger age.” We sometimes find ourselves blaming the school system, but in order for the Black community to build wealth, WE must depend on ourselves.

Financial education starts at home, and as a community, we must uplift and educate our children. Changing the financial legacy of our families starts with YOU.

If you are not the wealthiest person walking, it is perfectly fine. It is OK if you have debt; it is even OK if you are not able to save a lot of money. You do not need to be a Certified Financial Planner to educate our youth. Yes, there is always room for improvement, and that, I know, you will soon experience. However, here are three easy ways to teach your children about money.

Take your child to the bank once a month

If you have a bank account, your child should, too. If you have deposited money into your account (whether it’s direct deposit or manually), your child should, too. Some parents open bank accounts for their children but fail to involve them in the process. Allow your child to learn by doing.

Once a month, bring your youngster to the bank to make a deposit or a withdrawal. Something small like $10, may not seem like a lot to you, but it could mean the world to a child. Give them a tour of the bank. Let them know what goes on in the bank, and how they play a part in it all. Allow your child to visit the teller and make his or her own deposit. It makes their experience with money real, and they will have a better understanding of money as they get older.

Allow your child to help you pay bills

When we were younger, we knew Mommy and Daddy paid bills, but did we really know ALL the bills they had to pay? We knew Mommy and Daddy went to work, but we didn’t know all their monetary responsibilities. When you’re younger, you really have no idea how many bills you are responsible for as an adult.

Allow your child to get a better understanding of their potential tasks as an adult. Show them how you plan your money, and share the dates your bills are due. Choose a bill that you always pay on time and show them the process of making a payment. You will be surprised at how well kids handle technology in this day and age. It could save you some time, and it will better prepare them for what’s to come.

Buy stock for your children during the holidays and on birthdays

During a time when our community is being the consumer, teach your child how to be the owner. Let them know that it is acceptable to spend money, but that building wealth requires them to keep and invest their money. Buying stock in a company doesn’t have to cost you millions of dollars. There are brokerage accounts that do not require a minimum balance, and there are many companies whose shares cost less than $100.

If your child turns 6, on their birthday, why not buy them six shares of their favorite toy company? What about their favorite social media, favorite clothing store, favorite game company, or their favorite computer device? As we spend our money with these companies, we are continuing to help them stay rich. By investing in stock, we are helping our offspring build wealth. Empowering our children is teaching them more than just math and reading skills. It is about teaching them the skill-sets that can financially strengthen the Black community.

By implementing these small steps, you are instilling a value system. How we value money is how our children will value money. What we teach our children is what they will teach their children. If our children see us invest, they will invest. Financial habits are passed down just like skin tone, eye color, and body features. The legacy that we leave our children, whether it is money, investments, real estate, etc., is what they will continue to leave for their families. Although our monetary situations may not be the best, that doesn’t mean our children don’t deserve the financial best. We are creating a cycle of change, and remember the change starts with YOU!

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Tips for Raising Money-Smart Kids

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 8, 2023

Stephen A. Smith Gives ‘First Take’ On Preference Between BBL Or Natural

"What would I prefer? Well, natural. I would like to state this because it's very very important."

ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith rarely shies away from any topic and definitively responded to one inquiring about his preference regarding women.

On Smith’s latest podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” he took a brief break from speaking about sports, politics, and the daily news. An X user asked the commentator for his “Fast Take” on “bbl or natural” when it comes to the backside of women. Without missing a beat, he explains what the person was referring to before he answered.

He then says, “What would I prefer? Well, natural. I would like to state this because it’s very, very important. It’s no secret what I have a proclivity for. That has been the case all my life, my adult life, that is. Um, I have no desire to be with any woman as flat as me.”

He then breaks down that although people have their preferences, and he states, “to each his own,” he goes on to express his need for some curves and a woman having more “ass and t**s and for a woman to have “a lot back there.”

“But, if I got more As and Ts than you, nah. I’m on YouTube, I can say ass and t**s but I just didn’t feel like it. But if I got more of that than you, I don’t need you. I really, really don’t, I’m sorry, I just don’t. Some level of voluptuousness has to exist. I want curves. I mean, you can have some up here, I prefer a lot back there, no doubt about it.”

https://t.co/iQ8OlIM7yb pic.twitter.com/FILbKyvNyO

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 7, 2023

That was his public service announcement for the day. You can catch him and his unadulterated views on his YouTube channel, The Stephen A. Smith Show. At other times, he can be viewed on his popular sports show on ESPN, “First Take,” for two hours daily between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. or on the ESPN YouTube channel.

by Iman Milner

December 8, 2023

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley Joins Other Lawmakers To Present Bill Allowing Prisoners The Right To Vote

The 49-year-old Ohio native spoke of her father Martin Pressley's struggle with drug addiction that often led to prison time.

Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Peter Welch presented a new bill on Dec. 6 that, if passed, would grant the right to vote to those formerly incarcerated and those currently behind bars. The proposed legislation aligns with decisions made by several states to loosen restrictions on voting for those currently serving sentences, Reuters reports.

With a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a Democratic majority in the Senate, the bill could have a hard time passing through Congress; however, Pressley and Welch believe it is a crucial step to further strengthening the nation’s democracy.

“The right to vote is sacred in America and it’s essential to citizenship, and all citizens deserve a voice in our democracy,” Pressley said. In Vermont, where Welch presides, voting rights are not stripped from those imprisoned; only Washington, D.C., and Maine have set similar precedents. “There is resistance. We know that,” Welch said.

For Pressley, the new bill has more personal ties. The 49-year-old Ohio native spoke of her father, Martin Pressley’s struggle with drug addiction that often led to prison time. After overcoming his substance abuse issues, the senior Pressley became both an author and professor, proving both rehabilitation and redemption to be possible.

Across the country, the decision to revoke voting rights from those previously or currently incarcerated, whether temporarily or permanently, has been a state-by-state choice. In 23 states, felons are only barred from voting while imprisoned and have their rights restored automatically upon release, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. However, in some states, voting rights remain suspended even after a felon’s sentence is completed. It may require an additional waiting period, a governor’s pardon, or additional actions to be determined by the state.

The proposed bill would have a disproportionate effect on Black communities as Black Americans are still imprisoned five times more than white Americans, according to the Sentencing Project.