trade workers
by Iman Milner

November 16, 2023

Detroit Black Business Alliance Speaks Out Against City Ordinance That May Affect Black Contractors

Various Black contractors in Detroit believe city leaders have already proven to not have their best interests at heart.

The Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance held a press conference on Nov. 14, publicly opposing a city council ordinance it claims could negatively affect Black contractors, specifically those based in the city. The group’s president and CEO, Charity Dean, argued that the proposed plan would give suburban companies priority in landing big contracts, Fox 2 reports.

“What that ordinance stood to do is absolutely change the way in which the city does procurement the way it does it’s spending when it comes to contractors,” she said. Dean also claims that the council failed to honor an agreement that prohibits passing ordinances that may largely affect local Detroit residents without community involvement.

“The changes would give large suburban contractors priority over Detroit-based contractors,” she said. “In October of 2020 [the] city council unanimously passed the Community Outreach Ordinance that requires community engagement on major decisions that impact Detroiters. This new ordinance that’s before city council received no community engagement.”

City Council President Mary Sheffield disagreed.

“This is really an employee-driven ordinance really elevating the voice of everyday workers to ensure they are properly trained, paid right, and are not subjected to unsafe working conditions,” Sheffield said. “We’re saying we’re going to incentivize your bid with the city if you invest in your employees. Again, it’s not a mandatory requirement — it’s just saying we want the lowest and most responsible bidder.”

The two leaders agreed to have a sit-down to discuss how the ordinance could better serve Black-owned businesses in Detroit and keep them from being shut out of large projects. “Let’s come together,” Sheffield said. “Let’s get in a room and let’s get it done.”

Still, Black contractors worry that city leaders have already proven that they don’t have their best interests at heart.

“This ordinance has the potential to greatly affect my business as well as my fellow contractors — by giving equalization credits that would potentially put companies outside of Detroit ahead of us,” said Joe Bowman, owner of Humble Brothers Construction.

In a city that has spent the last decade offering massive tax incentives to billionaire developers, some say this has made areas unaffordable for many residents. Black Detroiters say they have good reason to fear this move by city officials, considering it the latest in a concerted effort to gentrify the former “Black Bottom.”

RELATED CONTENT: Detroit Artists Overlooked For White International Talent For City’s Murals

cassie, diddy, lawsuit, settlement
by Derek Major

November 16, 2023

Sean ‘Love’ Combs Accused Of Rape and Years of Abuse By Ex-Girlfriend R&B Singer Cassie

In her lawsuit, Cassie named additional defendants who she said assisted Combs in controlling her.

R&B singer Cassie, who was once signed to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy record label, has accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse in a lawsuit filed in federal court.

The New York Times reported that Cassie, full name Cassandra Ventura, filed the suit in Federal District Court in Manhattan and alleged that not long after meeting the hip-hop music mogul and Revolt owner in 2005, when she was 19, he began a pattern of control and abuse against her that included plying her with drugs, physically beating her, and forcing her to have sex with a group of male prostitutes while he filmed the encounters.

Additionally, the suit stated in 2018 Combs forced his way into her home and raped her.

“After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” Ventura said in a statement.

According to the suit, Combs not only controlled her career but paid for her car, apartment, and clothing. He also had access to her personal medical records, including an MRI scan she had that went directly to the music producer.

The suit also stated the Bad Boy founder provided Ventura with “copious amounts of drugs” including ecstasy, and urged her to take them. Allegedly he was often violent, beating her “multiple times each year.” Ventura never went to the police, fearing it would give Combs even more incentive to hurt her.

Combs’ attorney Ben Brafman denied the allegations in a statement to the Times.

“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ventura, told the outlet that Combs offered the R&B singer eight figures to prevent her from filing this lawsuit, but she rejected the offer.

The lawsuit is one of several sexual assault civil suits filed recently against some of the most notable men in the music industry, including Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler; music executive and LaFace Records co-founder, L.A. Reid; and Neil Portnow, who once headed the organization behind the Grammy Awards.

Ventura named additional defendants in the suit who she said helped Combs control the “Long Way 2 Go” singer by threatening to suppress her music. 

Combs and Ventura separated in 2018, and eight months later she started a relationship with personal trainer Alex Fine. In June 2019 the couple announced they were expecting their first child. Two months after that, the couple announced their engagement. They welcomed their second child in 2021,

The suit seeks unspecified damages.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy’s Battle With Diageo Will Resume In 2024

CMPD Chief Addresses Video Of Black Woman Punched On The Ground By Police
by Stacy Jackson

November 16, 2023

CMPD Chief Addresses Video Of Black Woman Punched On The Ground By Police

Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP President Corine Mack said the video was triggering and reminded her of George Floyd's incident.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has addressed a viral video circulating on social media of a Black woman being beaten and held down by North Carolina police officers.

According to WCNC Charlotte, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings spoke to reporters on Nov. 15 to acknowledge concerns about the Instagram video, which shows a white CMD officer who appears to be repeatedly punching a woman lying on the ground as four other officers hold her down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWbWLuedY4M

Jennings, who described the video as “hard to watch,” said, “To everyone and to our community, I get it.”

He continued, “I understand the outrage; I understand the emotions that come when you look at a video that involves an officer who is punching a female who we’re trying to make the arrest and subdue. I understand that.”

CMPD released a statement on Nov. 14 that claimed one of their officers was allegedly assaulted by the female subject after police caught her and a male smoking marijuana. The woman was struck in the thigh several times as she resisted arrest. She took seven strikes to the knee by an officer and 10 closed fist strikes to her peroneal nerve. The male was arrested and found carrying a 9mm handgun.

“I had the opportunity to view this video, and it is not easy to watch,” Jennings said in a statement, according to WCNC Charlotte. “I never want to see an officer, much less one of my own, involved in a situation like this.”

The incident, which occurred near South Tryon Street and West Arrowood Road after 2 p.m. on Nov. 13, involved Anthony Lee, 37, and Christina Pierre, 24, NBC News reported. Lee and Pierre were charged with simple possession of marijuana and resisting an officer. Lee was also charged with carrying a concealed firearm and Pierre with assault on a government official. According to Citrus County Chronicle, Bojangles Vice President of Communications Stacey McCray confirmed that the subjects were employees of Bojangles who had clocked out for the day and were away from the premises. Chief Jennings is working to release bodycam footage, which the officer claimed fell off during the skirmish.

Internal Affairs is leading an investigation.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Women Allege Kansas City Police Officers Raped Black Women With Impunity

Alabama
by Stacy Jackson

November 16, 2023

Elderly Black Woman Pushed To Leave Alabama Home Potentially Worth $20M After Relatives Sell Property

The 84-year-old woman never attempted to purchase the property by the court's deadline because she thought she already owned it. Now, it is too late to try.

Corine Woodson, 84, who has lived at her property in Alabama for 60 years, is being forced out of her home by family members and investors as they sell the 40.7-acre farm.

Woodson’s family members sold 49% of the Auburn, Alabama property to Cleveland Brothers Incorporated. According to the Daily Mail, the land, located on Hamilton Road, has risen in value since its purchase more than 100 years ago by her husband’s family. The property, which was left to dozens, including 23 great-grandchildren of the original owner, may now be worth nearly $20 million.

As luxury developers build in the area and the Auburn University college town evolves, Woodson is being forced to move from her longtime residence since the land is divided by percentage ownership rather than into parcels. The scheme, called “tenants in common,” forces everyone to sell if one owner decides to sell.  

The family has spent decades fighting over the property.

In 2018, AL.com reported that Doctor, the youngest son of Ben Woodson, who is the grandson of the patriarch Ben W. Woodson, tended to the property for the family. Ben W. purchased the property on January 2, 1911. After Ben and his wife, Alice, died without a will, Doctor allegedly tricked members of the family to sign over their 4.1 acres of ownership to him in the 1960s.

“Our position is that [the siblings] were under a ‘mistake of fact’ when they signed the deed,” said Yashiba Glenn Blanchard, attorney for Dorothy Burgess, another great-grandchild of Ben W. “He was like, ‘Sign over to me and I’ll hand you a deed to your potion after. That was the vessel used to get their trust. But he was tricking them and hoping to get a profit. He was hoping they would forget about [the deed] or die off and at that time he could dispose of the land how he wanted to.”

Cleveland Brothers purchased 4.1 acres in 2005 from two of Woodson’s in-laws, Mary and Catherine, the Daily Mail reported. The purchase for the two properties averaged $150,000. The company has continued to purchase percentages of the land from other relatives over time, which resulted in the 49% ownership. 

“[Ben W.] bought in an ideal spot,” Ben told AL.com in 2018. “Mansions are going up all around it. When I was living there it was just woods. Now, you wouldn’t believe it.” Between 2002 and 2004, the property was valued at $1.2 million.

At the completion of a court-ordered appraisal, the Cleveland Brothers can purchase the Woodson land, KKTV 11 News reported.

“We were, I guess, naïve or not up to par on the law based on that timeframe, but it’s happening right before our eyes,” said Corine’s daughter, Melissa Woodson. “The sad thing is there is very little we can do about it.”

The court said it is too late for Corine Woodson to try to purchase the Alabama property. Bill Cleveland of Cleveland Brothers has agreed to allow her to stay in her Hamilton Road home for one year after the purchase is completed.

RELATED CONTENT: Elderly Black Women Forced To Leave Home After 3-Year Battle With Texas Transit Department

'Ol Dirty Bastard Mural, Rap album Cover
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

NYC Council Votes to Turn Nov. 15 into Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day

The New York City Council has voted to approve a resolution officially making Nov. 15 “Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day.”

One week after NYC Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed Nov. 9 as “Wu-Tang Day,” the city is dedicating Nov. 15 as a day to celebrate the late Russell Tyrone Jones – better known as “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” – a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan who died in 2004, City and State reports.

Introduced by City Council Member Chi Ossé, 25, the day falls on ODB’s birthday and was announced ahead of Lincoln Center’s celebration to honor his work and legacy in music.

“It being the 50th year of hip-hop, I wanted to recognize some of my personal favorite artists and contributors to the culture,” Ossé said. “My dad really liked him. I remember listening to a lot of Ol’ Dirty Bastard in the car on the way to school.”

While Wu-Tang Clan is synonymous with Staten Island, New York, which the group shouted out as “Shaolin Land” and has since had an intersection renamed “Wu-Tang Clan District,” some of the group’s members were from Brooklyn, including ODB, who proudly repped his Brooklyn roots on his song “Brooklyn Zoo.”

The late ODB now joins his groupmate Ghostface Killah, real name Dennis Coles, in having his own day. Last year, Mayor Adams proclaimed May 9 as “Ghostface Killah Day” after attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new coffee shop Coles opened in Staten Island.

Ossé hopes to honor more Wu-Tang members with their own days despite the difficulty of securing the honor for figures who are still living, according to the outlet. Other Wu-Tang founding members who could receive their own day in the future include Robert Diggs (better known as “RZA”) and Gary Grice (“GZA”).

Wu-Tang’s founding members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. ODB passed away in November 2004 at 35. Wednesday would’ve been his 55th birthday.

Related: FOUNDER, CEO OF WU-TANG MANAGEMENT UNVEILS LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF WU-TANG LEGACY BOOK

Jolie, Angelina Jolie,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Zahara Joins Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. At Spelman

Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt is getting the full HBCU experience after proudly crossing into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Angelina Jolie’s daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt is getting the full HBCU experience at Spelman after proudly crossing into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Spelman sophomore introduced herself as the Number 7 of her Fall ’23 line on Nov. 15, in a video captured by Essence. Zahara, 18, is seen matching her line sisters in a black dress, black gloves, black heels, and a neck full of pearls.

“My name is Zahara Marley Jolie,” she shouts while shaking her hair and throwing up her Ivies. “Coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California … I am this line’s number seven.”

Zahara’s induction into the Mu Pi Chapter of the first historically Black sorority founded in 1908, with the Mu Pi chapter being established in 1979, highlights her strides since joining the HBCU last year. Jolie has been present and supportive of Zahara’s college choice and was even seen on the campus on move-in day in August 2022 and attended Spelman’s homecoming in October 2022.

The Maleficient star proudly announced Zahara’s decision to attend Spelman one month before she moved in, through a celebratory Instagram post.

“Zahara with her Spelman sisters! Congratulations to all new students starting this year. A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl,” Jolie captioned the post.

Brad Pitt has been estranged from the six children he shares with Jolie since their divorce, but did say it was “really beautiful” to see his daughter attending Spelman College, People reported.

“[Zahara’s] going to flourish even more at college. It’s an exciting and beautiful time to find her own way and pursue her interests. I’m so proud,” the Bullet Train star, 59, told Vanity Fair in August 2022.

“Where does the time go, right? They grow up too fast. It brings a tear to the eye.”

In addition to Zahara, Brad and Angelina share twins Vivienne and Knox, 15, Shiloh, 17, Pax, 19, and Maddox, 22.

RELATED CONTENT: Alabama Teacher Awarded  $1K  Grant By Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Diddy, Diageo
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 16, 2023

Diddy’s Battle With Diageo Will Resume In 2024

A panel of judges have granted a stay of Diddy's lawsuit against Diageo

The battle between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Diageo will officially continue in the new year.

According to Billboard, the entrepreneur’s lawsuit against Diageo will start again, possibly in the spring of 2024. Diageo is trying to have the case tried in private arbitration, while Diddy prefers it to be heard in a public courtroom. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, a panel of judges granted the spirits conglomerate’s request for a stay of the lawsuit. The attorneys for Diageo have asked the court of appeals to overturn a decision the court made earlier this summer.

In response to Diageo’s request, attorneys for Diddy have called it a “desperate attempt to delay judicial scrutiny for its discriminatory conduct.”

Diddy has accused Diageo of racism when it came to their marketing strategy. He sued them in May and claimed the company didn’t properly support the brand. He also stated that Diageo treated his product line “worse than others because he is Black.”

Diageo cited a provision in its agreement stating that private arbitration is required for disputes like this. The company said that if Diddy’s “inflammatory rhetoric” about racism were removed, the case would become nothing more than a “garden variety” business dispute that must go through arbitration. In September, the judge did not agree with Diageo’s theory.

The company then argued that if it weren’t given the stay, it would face “irreparable harm” as it would be forced to “arbitrate and litigate the same issues at the same time.”

Based on the recent decision, the court stated that the appeal must be “perfected for the April 2024 Term of this Court.”

Diddy’s attorney, John Hurston, told Billboard: “Once the appellate court considers the actual merits, we are confident that they will reach the same conclusion as two separate judges already: that Diageo can’t avoid a public trial.”

On Oct. 27, Diddy filed another suit against Diageo in the New York Supreme Court.

The entertainment mogul claims Diageo has blackballed him from the liquor and spirits industry. “Diageo has instructed distributors and retailers of DeLeón not to talk to Mr. Combs about his own brand. Diageo, with its massive power in the industry, is doing everything it can to send a message, not only to Mr. Combs but to others like him: Speak up and you will be punished.”

Beyoncé Performs Las Vegas Sphere, It Could Cost Up To $10M
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Beyoncé Performs Las Vegas Sphere, It Could Cost Up To $10M

The Las Vegas Sphere is the new hot spot for live shows. So of course, it wants to book Beyoncé at the venue.

If Beyoncé Performs At Las Vegas Sphere, It Could Cost Up To $10M

Beyoncé Can Earn $10M For Las Vegas Show

The Las Vegas Sphere is the new hot spot for live shows. So of course, industry powerhouses are working double time to book Beyoncé at the venue.

It’s said that wealthy businessman James Dolan is in talks with Queen Bey’s team to get the mega superstar to perform a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. Following the success of U2’s current residency, Dolan wants to keep the buzz around his new venue hot by securing a stint from Beyoncé herself, NY Post reports.

Beyoncé’s mom Tina Knowles and husband Jay-Z have reportedly toured the $2.3 billion venue to see if it’s up to Bey’s standard. If the show is secured, insiders say Beyoncé wants at least $10,000 to produce the high-tech show. It’s the same amount U2 was paid to perform for their 36-show residency that goes into February 2024.

The “Cuff It” singer just wrapped her Renaissance World Tour last month and is likely resting after performing a series of live shows throughout Europe and the U.S.A. Her “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé,” is set to hit theaters on Dec. 1 and will include visuals from her “Renaissance” album and the world tour.

Along with Beyoncé, Dolan, who currently serves as the executive chairman and chief executive officer of Madison Square Garden Sports and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, is also eyeing live shows with Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga.

The Sphere has been garnering heightened attention since its launch earlier this year. While many have been flocking to attend shows at the new tech-based venue, most of the Sphere’s money is made through suite sales and selling advertising on the LED screens that wrap the inside and outside of the ball-shaped arena.

“We’re having conversations with artists across a wide variety of genres, including discussing runs of varying lengths,” Dolan said on an earnings call earlier this month.

“We expect to host two additional residencies in the [first half of 2024] and look forward to sharing more detail.”

The Las Vegas Sphere cost over $1 billion to create and so far came in at $98.4 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30. A live Beyoncé show at The Sphere is sure to help the new venue generate the attention and funds it needs to break even.

Meghan Markle,Tyler Perry, Black Women
by Iman Milner

November 16, 2023

Tyler Perry Dishes On Helping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Through Royal Family Turmoil; ‘It Was A Beautiful Moment’

The 54-year-old filmmaker revealed his empathy for the firestorm surrounding the former royal couple

Tyler Perry has opened up about his relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which began when the famous pair sought solace following their move to Los Angeles amid their separation from the royal family. In an interview with Kelly Ripa for her Let’s Talk Off-Camera podcast, the 54-year-old filmmaker revealed that his empathy for the firestorm surrounding the couple, specifically Meghan Markle, led him to offer his home as a safe space, People reports.

“I got the tremendous sense of how overwhelming it all was for her,” Perry said. “I got the sense that — listen, I know what it’s like to have a father who is not great, so seeing some of the things he was doing, I felt that she was very much isolated and alone. And I couldn’t imagine leaving America — and she had a really, really happy life. She was really happy, and I later found all of that out.”

Foregoing the usual celebrity-to-celebrity introduction, Perry made contact with Markle in a more traditional way.

“I sent them a note… and just said, ‘If you ever need anything, I’m here,’” he explained. “She called months later and just talked to me like I was that therapist you talk to, and we just had a great conversation.”

Markle and Prince Harry stayed at the filmmaker’s Beverly Hills home for weeks upon their arrival in California in 2020.

“Every day that they were there, I looked to see if anything’s happening online. Nothing. They don’t even know,” he explained. “So weeks and weeks they were there. They were so happy. It was such a beautiful moment.”

The pair would discuss Perry’s generosity during their sit-down with media maven Oprah Winfrey in 2021 and later chose him to be the godfather of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, according to US Weekly.  

“They said, ‘Well, we’d like for you to be Lili’s godfather.’ I go, ‘Whoa.’ I had to take a minute to take that in,” Perry said in an episode of the couple’s Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan. “And I thought, ‘I’d be honored. I’d absolutely be honored.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Princess Lilibet, Officially Christened in Los Angeles

Israeli-Hamas War Protests Turn Violent Outside DNC Headquarters
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 16, 2023

Israeli-Hamas War Protests Turn Violent Outside DNC Headquarters

Some politicians had to be escorted to safety.

Law enforcement officers got into a violent scuffle with Israel-Hamas protestors outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. Nov. 15.

Lawmakers had to be evacuated as police worked to push back 150 protestors who were on the property illegally. According to someone nearby, Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, were inside during the clash.

In a statement posted on Twitter, U.S. Capitol Police said six officers were treated for injuries. “Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched,” the statement read. “One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area.”

Other elected officials were evacuated, including Reps Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Sean Casten (D-IL). Casten remembered seeing protesters surrounding the building and blocking all exits and entrances. Sherman spoke about the scary experience on Twitter.

“Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building,” he said. “Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely.”

This protest is just the latest in raging Israeli-Hamas war demonstrations around the world. in early November 2023, organizers at a pro-Palestine rally addressed President Biden directly with chants saying, “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide” and “No ceasefire, no votes.” The division among the House Democratic Caucus has become more apparent as Democratic voters have voiced their disapproval over Biden’s handling of the crisis and his support of Israel.

Videos posted on Twitter showed more protestors shutting down the Bay Bridge in California on Nov. 16.

Cars weren’t able to get to San Francisco for hours as protesters were seen lying down with white sheets over their bodies that said, “Stop the genocide.”

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