by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 22, 2023

Racial Profiling Concerns Mount at Atlanta International Airport Amidst Lawsuit

The growing concern was sparked by a lawsuit from comedians Clayton English and Eric André.

The law enforcement at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is facing criticism for allegations of racial profiling and the harassment of Black travelers. This issue has gained increased attention, particularly in light of a 2022 lawsuit filed against the Clayton County police by comedians Clayton English and Eric André, shedding light on the racial composition of jet bridge stops.

Atlanta News First‘s investigative team has revealed that Black passengers along the jet bridge were the majority of those stopped by police officers, accounting for 67% of the 360 individuals logged from 2020 to 2021. The lawsuit by English and Andre also found similar statistics, citing a 2016 study that found only 8% of flyers were Black, yet also made up 56% of Clayton County police stops.

“When they stopped me on that jet bridge, I’m not saying that I saw everybody that went past me, but most of the other people that went past me seem to be, you know, white people,” English told the news outlet.

The lawsuit was dismissed on a federal level on the grounds the officers claimed the stops were consensual, but the comedic duo filed an appeal on the matter. English stated that although law enforcement states those stopped can refuse, his experience was the opposite, sharing that police surrounded him with no clear indication that he could forego the stop.

The research conducted by Atlanta News First also indicates that racial profiling remains a concern, as law enforcement confiscated over one million dollars in cash during the same period despite a relatively low number of arrests. Furthermore, the majority of individuals stopped did not possess any drugs. Operation Jetway, the training program started by the Drug Enforcement Administration for airport security, was exposed to have been undergone by Clayton County police as well, prompting their “random consensual encounters.”

People of color who are carrying luxury goods were also found to be a target by police stops, leading to the cash seizures that subsequently brought money into the police department and district attorney’s office. English also noted that an officer commented on his designer bag when initiating the stop.

“The only reason I can think is because [Black passengers] look like they’re not supposed to have something that nice, or you think that this person shouldn’t be able to afford this item based off their skin color,” shared English.

With the logs showing a disproportionate amount of minorities being stopped, the concern of racial profiling by the airport police and the financial incentives to do so is becoming more prevalent, say critics.

by Daniel Johnson

November 22, 2023

Derek Chauvin’s Appeal Refused By Supreme Court

Chauvin's lawyers attempted to argue that he didn't receive a fair trial because of the publicity the events received before the trial and a concern for potential violence in the wake of an acquittal.

On Nov. 20, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal brought by Derek Chauvin’s lawyers.

Chauvin’s lawyers sought to appeal their client’s conviction for the 2020 murder of George Floyd. According to the Associated Press, Chauvin was sentenced to serve a 22 1/2-year sentence following his 2021 trial.

The justices chose not to comment on the appeal. Instead, the magistrates rejected hearing the case, leaving the ruling from the State of Minnesota intact.

Chauvin’s lawyers attempted to argue that he didn’t receive a fair trial because of the publicity the events received before the trial and concern for potential violence in the wake of an acquittal. Chauvin is the Minneapolis Police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for nine and a half minutes for the crime of passing a counterfeit $20 bill. Floyd’s last minutes were captured on video by a bystander where he called out for his mother and said, “I can’t breathe.”

According to CNN, Chauvin was found guilty in April 2021 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin’s 22 1/2-year sentence exceeded the state sentencing guidelines. Judges generally have the discretion to consider various factors, including whether or not the defendant shows remorse and the nature of the crime. Chauvin also later pleaded guilty to federal charges of depriving George Floyd of his civil rights. He was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison, which will run concurrently with his state charges.

Floyd’s death touched off a firestorm of related protests, attempts to reckon with the racist past of various institutions in America, and created a cottage industry of diversity, inclusion and equity positions at employers in every industry.

Chauvin filed an appeal for his conviction on federal civil rights charges on Nov. 13, claiming that new evidence showed that Floyd’s death occurred because of an underlying medical condition.

Sexyy Red Responds To Teacher Condemning Kids Listening to ‘Poundtown’

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 22, 2023

Sexyy Red Responds To Teacher Condemning Kids Listening to ‘Poundtown’

The rapper offered a solution for the young teacher.

Sexyy Red is inserting herself into the conversation surrounding the impact her songs have on younger listeners. After a ballet teacher went viral for noting that kids are growing up too fast and should not be exposed to songs such as Red’s “Poundtown,” the rapper responded to the critique on her music being too inappropriate.

The Shade Room reposted the clip of a ballet teacher named Sai, who is in her mid-twenties, stating that her 5-year-old students “don’t respect” her as an adult figure or their classmates.

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“I’m calling out all the parents,” shared the 22-year-old student at Morgan State University. “Having to teach and work with you guys’ children has been the most traumatic experience of my life. I teach 5-year-old girls ballet. I have a class of 1- students. They don’t respect any authority.”

She then relayed how unruly her students are, expressing that even if she confronts the parents, they condone the misbehavior and argue further.

“And another thing that is heart-wrenching and horrifying…Your 5-year-old daughters are asking to listen to ‘Poundtown’ and ‘Skeeyee,'” she tearfully explained, referring to two of Sexyy Red’s hit songs. “You guys’ daughters are twerking at [age] five. Where is the parenting? Y’all are not helping your kids. You’re hurting them.”

After Sexxy Red received word of the viral clip, the rapper took to X and expressed her solution to the “raunchy, sexual music” she was ascribed to.

Ima make some kidz bop songs for yall fr 🫶🏾
— Sexyy Red (@SexyyRed314_) November 21, 2023

“Ima make some Kidz Bop songs for yall [for real],” stated the soon-to-be mother of two. Sexyy Red has gained infamy for her explicit lyrics and sexual nature being considered negative for the community.

While she did not confirm if she agreed that her songs were a bad influence on younger fans, the St. Louis native did appear to want to make things right with the flustered teacher.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 22, 2023

Ohio Barber College Owner Says Denial Of Funding Is Racial And Political

Akron At-Large Councilman-elect Eric Garrett has been denied funding for his barber school. He feels the decision is based on political reasons.

A barber school in Akron attempts for funding has been denied by the mayor, prompting speculation from the school’s owner, a soon-to-be councilman, that rejection is politically and racially motivated.

According to The Akron Beacon Journal, At-Large Councilman-elect Eric Garrett received a letter from Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan stating that funding for his Beyond Expectations Barber College has been denied to avoid the “perception of impropriety.” Horrigan also raised concerns about the sustainability of Garrett’s businesses, which include the barber college.

Council President Margo Sommerville requested an explanation after City Council heard from students asking why the funds were blocked to defray tuition costs attending the Black-owned barber college.

Garrett said the amount requested is less than 10% of the college’s operating cost.

“It’s just an attempt to smear and deflect from the real issue at hand,” Garrett said. “My businesses have nothing to do with this. It’s just totally about assisting the students.”

Garrett claimed Horrigan’s critique was just “another attack on an African-American business owner” and that no one questions the caucasian leadership of the University of Akron or Stark State when these institutions are given grant funding.

Garrett put in the application before deciding to run for political office.

“Despite the absurd allegations that the City Administration has some ill will toward Mr. Garrett and his businesses and has denied funding in a punitive way, a review of the City’s past actions is revealing,” Horrigan responded, according to the Beacon-Journal.

He mentioned that Beyond Expectations received money in previous years: $31,500 in 2022, $31,500 in 2021, $15,000 in 2020, and $15,000 in 2019, totaling $93,000. The mayor said Garrett’s businesses are too reliant on fund money, a problem because the goal of giving the grant is to create “self-sustaining small businesses.”

Horrigan said “within the last five years, the City has provided Mr. Garrett with $135,250 in grant monies and $50,000 in loan funds, for a total of $185,250 in total funding support.

After not receiving the funding, Garrett said, “The students walked around with their heads down. I told them to lift their heads up because they’ve already won. Whether or not they get this $30,000 grant from the city, they’ve won because they didn’t quietly submit.”

by Iman Milner

November 21, 2023

Brother Of Former Lakers Star Michael Cooper Murdered In Park Where They Spent Their Childhood

The brother of Lakers great Michael Cooper was gunned down in a Pasadena park where the two once played basketball.

The brother of NBA champion and Lakers great Michael Cooper was shot and killed on Saturday, Nov. 18, at a Pasadena park where the two honed their basketball skills as children, The Los Angeles Times reported. A 24-year-old suspect has been arrested in the death of the victim, 64-year-old Mickey Cooper.

Aaron Miguel Connell was detained for an unrelated crime by law enforcement, who felt he posed a threat to the public and suspected he was involved with Cooper’s death.

“Believing this person posed an immediate threat to the public, detectives coordinated an arrest operation with members of the U.S. Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce, PPD SWAT, and PPD K-9 Unit,” the Pasadena Police Department said. Connel was subsequently charged with murder on Monday, Nov. 20. Police have not established the motive for Cooper’s death, TMZ reported; however, they are asking for anyone with information to reach out to the department.

Law enforcement responded to shots fired at 4 a.m. in the 700 block of East Washington Boulevard, and upon arrival, found the 64-year-old unresponsive and riddled with gunshot wounds.

Cooper, who played with the Lakers during their storied “Showtime” era and won five championships, confirmed the death of his brother to KABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News as well as the park’s significance to their shared history. Since leaving the NBA, the 67-year-old basketball icon has enjoyed both a successful coaching and sports analyst career.

Cooper led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships and finished with a 72-57 record as the University of Southern California’s Women of Troy Basketball Team’s head coach. He also acted as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets in 2004 before becoming the team’s talent scout. Cooper is regarded as one of the league’s most elite defenders and was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team five times throughout his career. He was also named Defensive Player Of The Year in 1987.

Business Magnate Trisha Bailey Discusses Journey To Success In Memoir

by Lauren Nutall

November 21, 2023

Business Magnate Trisha Bailey Discusses Journey To Success In Memoir

"Unbroken: The Triumphant Story of a Woman's Journey" details Trisha Bailey's rise in business.

“In every stage of entrepreneurship, there’s hardship, and at the start is the greatest hardship.” Those are the words of athlete-turned-business magnate Trisha Bailey as she discussed her new memoir Unbroken: The Triumphant Story of a Woman’s Journey with CBS News. The entrepreneur recounted her path to becoming CEO of more than a dozen companies in her book, which was released in early June 2023.

Bailey’s story has not been without hardship. The Jamaican-born woman first arrived in the United States at 13 years old, where she lived with her mother and sexually abusive stepfather. Throughout high school, she found her niche as a track star and eventually brought her talents to the University of Connecticut. However, following graduation, she took a different route and became a stockbroker, a job that ultimately altered the course of her life for the better.

“It built my foundation of financial literacy,” Bailey said about the career move.

“I already had the discipline from my childhood so, being a stockbroker, I was able to build my company within the organization of Salomon Smith Barney, which is Dean Witter now, so having that financial literacy embarked me into an amazing trajectory because I was able to invest the money that I have saved.”

She has since built an empire, owning 15 companies and acquiring stakes in different investments. Now, she is considered the wealthiest Jamaican-born woman in history.

Bailey achieved her goals through dedication and hard work, even working 20 hours a day. “I was giving everything I had because I knew that’s the only way that I would actually truly be successful in becoming a successful entrepreneur. So financial literacy in touch with the work discipline launched me to where I am today.”

Bailey also touched on her quest to heal from past trauma, revealing that she underwent talk therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The experiences were life-changing for Bailey and served as a catalyst for her to finally share her story.
Bailey’s memoir offers an intimate look into the philanthropist’s life, revealing her ultimate challenges and darkest experiences. However, it also tells a story of growth and perseverance. To read more about the book, visit here.

‘Converse Conductor’ Kicks Off Directorial Debut At Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 21, 2023

‘Converse Conductor’ Kicks Off Directorial Debut At Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Heyward is known for wearing his red Chuck Taylors to performances.

Jonathon Heyward, known as the ‘Converse Conductor’ for frequently donning the famed sneakers, is making history as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s musical director. The cellist is now the first Black person and the youngest to hold the esteemed position.

Picking up a cello at 10, as explained by NBC News, his mastery of the instrument led him to a renowned career in music, earning him the historic appointment to lead the Maryland city’s orchestra.

“I picked up the cello in the fifth grade and instantly felt a part of something. You are creating something bigger than one person. I think that’s the beauty of the unity that you get from that classical music form,” shared the 31-year-old conductor.

As for his signature sneaker look, his unconventional attire happened accidentally after forgetting his formal shoes for The Hallé orchestra concert in Manchester, England. Knowing the show must go on, the assistant conductor performed while wearing his red Chuck Taylor Converse. As the crowd loved the pop of color, Heyward decided to continue with style choice, noting its more excellent comfortability as well, and has since been known as the ‘Converse Conductor’ to his growing fanbase.

In his new role, Heyward is breaking color boundaries beyond his shoes. With nearly 62% of Baltimore’s African American population, Heyward believes having a person in this role reflect most of its community is a much-needed step in the right direction.

“In the year 2023, I didn’t think I would be saying that: ‘the first African American music director. It’s a testament that work needs to be done,” shared Heyward.

His work to connect with the community through music extends to the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Orch Kids program in Baltimore, as introducing the youth to a potential love of classical music reminds him of his own childhood. Heyward has already commenced his five-year-tenure with a three-concert tour back in September, and with his red shoes and passion for the genre in tow, he is leading the BSO on a vibrant start.

support your girlfriends, powher experience

by Ida Harris

November 21, 2023

Support Your Girlfriends Pow(H)er Experience And Award Ceremony Was A Star-Studded Affair

It was not lost on attendees and award winners alike that Nikkia McClain is the real MVP

In its fifth year, Tene Nicole Agency’s Support Your Girlfriends’ Pow(H)er Experience and Award ceremony has put together two-day programming that empowers Black women and women of color who are embarking on entrepreneurship or standing up in established businesses—followed by an honorific evening that celebrates women who have shown excellence in the respective industries. On Nov. 15, veteran journalist Charreah Jackson led a fireside conversation on “Advocating for Women in Business.” Other panels included discussions on “Entrepreneurship in the Digital Landscape,” and how to “Survive and Thrive As an Entrepreneur,” and were well-attended by over 200 women.

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Day two, the Pow(H)er award ceremony went down at Manhattan’s Dream downtown hotel, and was preceded by a swanky, VIP cocktail hour inside the boutique hotel’s lounge Bodega Negra. Lyndsay Levingston, host and founder of SurviveHer, provided opening remarks and opened the floor for the event sponsor Camus Cognac to present the first award. Honors were given to awardees who are fiercely unapologetic. Award-winning journalist Nicole Johnson received an award for unapologetic journalism. Legendary photographer Rowena Husbands —who was supported by news anchor Sade Baderinwa and Myrdith McCormack, editorial director of World Bride Magazine—took home the Unapologetically Her Award for visual storytelling.

Angela White, formerly known as Blac Chyna, received the Unapologetically Her Award in Entrepreneurship, Breakfast Club host Charlemagne took home the inaugural Pow(H)im Award from social justice advocate Tamika Mallory for giving back and his spirit of community service. Other honorees included Lucinda Cross, Modupe Congleton, Dr. Angela Anderson, and fashion designer Samantha Black among others. Monique Glover and Nadirah Taylor were both Power Up Award winners recipients.

Behind this powerful event is Nikkia McClain, founder of Tene Nicole Agency and Support Your Girlfriends Initiative. It was not lost on attendees and award winners alike that McClain is the real MVP, bringing women—and now, men—together to celebrate themselves and shower them with much deserved flowers. McClain gets the unofficial award for her Pow(H)er moves and making it all possible.

by Stacy Jackson

November 21, 2023

Sonic Supervisor Charged After Allegedly Forcing Himself On Teenage Employee

Sonic is cooperating with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office as the teen's allegations are currently under investigation.

Humberto De La Cruz, a supervisor at an independently owned and operated Sonic restaurant in Bexar County, TX, has been charged with indecency with a child by contact and indecent exposure after a teen employee came forward about him allegedly forcing himself on her.

According to KENS 5, on Nov. 20, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the department became aware of the allegations after the 17-year-old informed her teacher. De La Cruz was allegedly “in a supervisory position over the victim” and committed acts of indecency when the victim was in smaller spaces. The supervisor was accused of following the teen into the restroom and “forced himself upon her” once they were closed in.

The suspect was involved in two incidents that Salazar said occurred in August and September.

“In some of those instances, [he was] removing articles of her clothing, obviously against her will, and other instances, removing his own clothing,” the sheriff said.

He commended the teen for reporting the supervisor. “This young lady [was] very brave. I am glad she let her educator know that had happened. She did let supervisors know that this had been occurring. She was asking her supervisors if anything was going to be done about this,” Salazar said.

According to Salazar, De La Cruz, who is registered as a sex offender after having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old in 2005, was reassigned to a different location.

The incident involving the teen’s allegations is currently under investigation.

“This occurred at an independently owned and operated franchised location, and the franchise group cooperates with local authorities. Since it’s an active investigation, we defer any further details of the case to the local police department,” Sonic’s corporate office stated. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 210-335-6000 or email bcsotips@bexar.org.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2023

A$AP Rocky Heading To Trial In Suspected Shooting Of Former A$AP Mob Member

Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar stated that A$AP Rocky would have to stand trial for allegedly shooting in the direction of A$AP Relli.

A judge has recently ruled that enough evidence has been presented for A$AP Rocky to go to trial for allegedly firing a weapon at former group member A$AP Relli.

According to The Associated Press, at a preliminary hearing, Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar stated that Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, would have to stand trial. He has been accused of shooting in the direction of his former friend, Terell Ephron, who goes by the moniker A$AP Relli. The incident allegedly took place in 2021 in Hollywood. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

Rocky is facing up to 24 years if convicted on the charges.

Villar expressed that “the totality of the video and testimony” reveals sufficient evidence for Rocky to go to trial. She also stated that the standard for evidence in a preliminary hearing is much lower than in a regular trial.

His attorney, Joe Tacopina, made a statement related to the decision. “We’re not disappointed, not surprised; we expected to go to trial; we’ve been planning for trial all along. Rocky is going to be vindicated when all this is said and done, without question.”

Last year, prosecutors arrested Rocky after saying that on Nov. 6, 2021, the Harlem-bred lyricist allegedly pointed a gun at Relli. During the confrontation, Rocky allegedly fired it twice toward Relli.

According to TMZ, Relli filed a defamation lawsuit against Rocky and his attorney in September. In the suit, Relli alleges that Tacopina called him a liar, a money grabber, and an extortionist at the direction of Rocky. He said that Tacopina told TMZ and other media outlets that “Rocky didn’t commit a crime. It was an extortion attempt by a former associate, who threatened to make false, criminal accusations if Rocky didn’t pay him.”

This matter is taking place about a month after Rocky was hired as a creative director in the partnership between Puma and Formula 1, as reported by USA Today.