Natalie Jones Opens A Black-Owned Urgent Care Facility In Tulsa
by Daniel Johnson

November 15, 2023

Natalie Jones Opens A Black-Owned Urgent Care Facility In Tulsa

Natalie Jones hopes her urgent care center can have a positive impact on the lives of Black Tulsans.

On Nov. 13, NovaStar Urgent Care opened its doors in Tulsa, Oklahoma, becoming the city’s first accessible hospital or urgent care facility since the 1921 Race Massacre occurred.

Natalie Jones hopes her urgent care center can have a positive impact on the lives of Black Tulsans, telling the outlet, “It’s unfortunate, the life expectancy is 14 years less in north Tulsa than in other areas of Tulsa, and that is probably because there’s not enough medical care for everyone that needs care so my goal is to bridge the gap and to get one community member, one family member at a time on their journey to health so we can be a healthy community in north Tulsa because where you live should not dictate how long you live.”

https://youtu.be/PRoNg1yo_Kk?si=riu1VB53tJh-Wgkd

NovaStar is open seven days a week, and the clinic runs a special online program for patients with no insurance. If they sign up for a membership, they only pay $33 for three visits to the clinic. Jones says there are many primary care physicians in the area, but nothing currently exists for patients who need to be seen immediately.

She hopes the clinic can help address the healthcare disparity in the Tulsa community. Jones has practiced medicine for 17 years and expanded the clinic out of her NovaStar Family Medicine. According to Kareo, a physician rating system, Jones comes highly recommended in the Tulsa area, with 251 five-star reviews on the platform. A patient named Shanna says that she recommends Jones and her clinic, writing, “Natalie Jones and her staff are well organized, smart and caring people. I have recommended Natalie to all my friends and family.”

Jones says that her clinic may also have to explain what the urgent care clinic is there for, as she told News On 6, “Non-emergencies that need immediate care is what the urgent care is for. So, you cut your finger while you’re cooking. Your children come home, and they’re sick. But you didn’t come home until 6 o’clock, but they can’t go to school the next day, and you need a note for school. That’s an urgent care need.”

The clinic had a grand opening on Nov. 13 and opened fully for business on Nov. 14 from 9 am to 8 pm. Those hours are also the clinic’s weekday operating hours. The clinic will be open on weekends from 9 am to 4 pm. 

Tubi
by Rafael Pena

November 15, 2023

Tubi Partners With The Black List For Pioneering ‘To Be Commissioned Initiative’

Tubi, the video-on-demand service, has announced on Nov. 13 that it has joined forces with The Black List.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tubi, the video-on-demand service, announced on Nov. 13 that it has joined forces with The Black List on the To Be Commissioned Initiative. This first-of-its-kind project offers emerging and established writers a unique platform to submit screenplays for potential development, production, and distribution by Tubi.

The initiative, reflecting Tubi’s commitment to diverse storytelling, will commission five scripts targeting young and varied audiences across genres such as Sci-Fi, Faith, Comedy, Romance, and a Wild Card category for outstanding scripts outside the specified genres.

Writers can submit their entries starting today through March 15, 2024.

Adam Lewinson, chief content officer at Tubi, expressed Tubi’s dedication to sharing diverse stories through screenwriting, stating, “We’re honored to partner with Franklin Leonard and his team at The Black List, who are pioneers at nurturing writers, and together we’re thrilled to discover five diverse stories that deserve to be told.”

Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, highlighted the significance of Tubi’s approach, stating, “Tubi has done a particularly savvy thing with the kinds of movies they’re targeting and supporting 200 writers in getting access to the Black List site at no cost to them.”

Tubi, known for its vast content library, which includes over 225,000 movies and TV episodes, is committed to showcasing diverse voices and stories for young and multicultural audiences.

The collaboration with The Black List is one of Tubi’s initiatives to bring new, underrepresented storytellers to its platform.

The Black List will executive produce all five films, collaborating closely with Tubi throughout the program. Writers worldwide over 18 are encouraged to submit their work, provided it is in English. Submitted scripts hosted on The Black List, having received at least one evaluation, are eligible. Tubi will offer fee waivers for evaluation and hosting for 200 writers from underrepresented communities, further promoting inclusivity.

After the submission period concludes, a committee of Tubi content executives will review the scripts, with Tubi Original Movies from this initiative expected to debut on Tubi as early as 2025.

For more information on the submission process and guidelines, visit blcklst.com/help.

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Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper Join Quincy Jones To Reopen Chicago Theatre
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 15, 2023

Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper Join Quincy Jones To Reopen Chicago Theatre

The trio are joining forces to uplift their native city's arts scene.

Three Chicago legends are joining forces to rebuild one of the Windy City’s famed theatres. Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones plan to renovate and reopen the Ramova Theatre in Chicago.

The establishment in the city’s South Side has been left unoccupied for almost four decades. However, with the trio’s quest to develop the live music venue, the area will have a new facility to host shows for Chicago residents. The Ramova opened in 1929 in the neighborhood of Bridgeport as a prominent movie theater but closed in 1985.

In a statement to the press shared by Variety, Jones shared how the renewal project will spark a bridge to the “cultural divides” found in our society.

“I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts,” said Jones. “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.”

His fellow investors also shared their excitement about being part of the redevelopment.

“My mother always taught us to take care of home first, so to support the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine,” shared Hudson, an EGOT winner.

Chance the Rapper echoed her sentiment, stating how this space will help showcase Chicago’s homegrown talent,

“I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer. This is our moment to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful ways possible — the arts.”

The venue is set to open this fall and will be accompanied by a new grill, beer garden, and brewery, with Other Half Brewing being a partner in the revitalization. The theatre will also offer educational events and “amplify community initiatives” in its space.

Black Women In Media Go Global To Support NCAA Coaches For Paris Season Opener
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 15, 2023

Black Women In Media Go Global To Support NCAA Coaches For Paris Season Opener

The "Matchetes" came out in support of their fellow Black women.

Black women continue to support fellow Black women making history. A cohort of Black women in media has voyaged to Paris to support two trailblazing Black NCAA coaches for their season opener.

Dawn Staley and Niele Ivey are renowned NCAA coaches, who are facing off in the Women’s basketball season opener in the French city. Staley, whose career as head coach for University of South Carolina Gamecocks spans 15 years, is a powerhouse who has broke numerous records in the school’s and NCAA history. Staley is not only the second Black woman to win a national collegiate title, but also the first to win multiple championships in Division 1 basketball.

As for Coach Ivey, her appointment to head coach for Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2020 made her the first-ever Black woman to hold the position. The retired WNBA player is an alum of the university, taking her talents back to her alma mater after also becoming the first woman assistant coach for NBA franchise, the Memphis Grizzles.

Jemele Hill was one of the media mavens in attendance at the game, sharing a post to Instagram of “The Matchetes” taking Paris by storm.

“We don’t play about supporting Black women and this was the perfect event for us to galvanize,” said the sports journalist. Such incredible fan support and it was wonderful to see these players get the prime time stage they deserved. We had so many laughs, and good times. I’m gonna tell kids we were the Avengers.”

Other media personalities, such as MSNBC correspondent Joy Ann Reid and political commentator Angela Rye, were also pictured showcasing their support for Coach Staley and Ivey. Rye shared the joyous occasion to her own social media.

“We decided to mob deep to Paris to celebrate two Black women lead their hoop teams on the world stage for the NCAA season opener,” shared the CEO of Impact Strategies.

While South Carolina dominated the first game of the season, as ESPN reported their win of 100-71 over Notre Dame, everyone championed the moment for Black women in sports leadership.

RELATED CONTENT: Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley Calls Out NCAA Review Of Officiating In National Championship

Draymond Green
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 15, 2023

Draymond Green Gets Ejected After Placing Rudy Gobert In Chokehold During Game

A suspension is expected for the Golden State Warriors forward.

Basketball fans know that the NBA season is officially in play when Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green gets into a scuffle.

Green, partially known for his on-court fights, was ejected from a game when he placed Minnesota Timberwolves player Rudy Gobert in a chokehold, Yahoo Sports reports.

At the start of the Warriors-Timberwolves contest on Nov. 14, while the Warriors were bringing the ball down the court, Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels and Warriors’ Klay Thompson became entangled. In the process of swinging each other around, Rudy Gobert is seen grabbing Thompson around the neck, and immediately, Green comes to his teammate’s defense and snatches Gobert up in a headlock. Green drags him up the court as the players from both teams break up the tussle.

Three players, McDaniels, Thompson, and Green, were ejected from the game.

The Golden State Warriors big man, teammate Klay Thompson, and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels were ejected from an NBA in-season tournament game following a brawl that erupted in the first two minutes.

Gobert commented on the incident by remarking, “Not much to say. That’s just clown behavior,” according to NBA.com.

Former NBA player and Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said that it was McDaniels’ fault and that Thompson should not have been ejected.

“He’s running up the floor, and the guy grabs his jersey, and he’s pulling on him. So Klay pulls back,” Kerr said. “No way that Klay should have been ejected. That was ridiculous.”

Although Gobert was involved in the situation, he was not ejected. Crew chief Tyler Ford explained why he was allowed to continue playing.

 “Gobert was attempting to separate Thompson and McDaniels and was ruled to be a peacemaker. We reviewed all other players and acts, and no other unsportsmanlike acts were observed.”

With Green’s actions, an expected suspension awaits the Golden State Warrior player.

17-Year-Old Jump On Instagram To Brag About Allegedly Killing A 14-Year-Old
by Daniel Johnson

November 15, 2023

17-Year-Old Jump On Instagram To Brag About Allegedly Killing A 14-Year-Old

Lorenzo Thompson shot Estep as his mother stood behind him and watched. Three days after the shooting, Thompson bragged about killing Estep on an Instagram Live

A 17-year-old in Washington D.C. has been charged as an adult for the shooting of 14-year-old Niko Estep in the Columbia Heights neighborhood on Nov. 3. According to the Washington Post, Lorenzo Thompson shot Estep as his mother stood behind him and watched.

Three days after the shooting, Thompson bragged about killing Estep on an Instagram Live. According to the police warrant obtained by the Post, officers saw the Live as the actions of someone who was not remorseful about the act of taking a life. “The defendant shows no remorse during this broadcast and it appears that [he] is celebrating with others as he demonstrates someone turning around to run and then falling after being shot.” 

At present, the police have not ascertained a motive for the shooting, but currently have charged Thompson with second-degree murder while armed, which according to the Code of the District of Columbia, is a felony charge that carries a minimum recommended sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison. Another teenager was wounded in the shooting, but police say that there was no other target besides Estep.

Surveillance video from the gas station shows someone whom the police identified as Thompson reach under his jacket and produce a gun which he points in the direction of some individuals in front of him who were on scooters. Officers say he let off at least 12 rounds of the 9mm pistol in approximately seven seconds, some of which hit Estep and another person who was on the scooters. According to the Post, a woman with red braids was seen using a scooter to leave the scene in the same direction that Thompson went in. According to the warrant, a detective has identified the woman with the red braids as Thompson’s mother. 

Police informed the Post that they have searched the apartment that Thompson and his mother live in, and found 9mm magazines in a backpack belonging to Thompson, but have been unable to locate a weapon. Video showed the pair entering the apartment approximately eight minutes apart from each other, Thompson entered the apartment first, at 11:39pm. The police have made several attempts to contact Thompson’s family, including his mother, but have not yet been successful. Thompson is currently detained and is awaiting his hearing on Nov. 16. Washington D.C. is currently dealing with a wave of juvenile or youth crime in the city, a lot of young people and teenagers are being killed or arrested for violent crimes like murder or carjackings. There have been 458 arrests made for violent crimes by juveniles over the first 9 months of 2023.

On Nov 13, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of public emergency over the violence and opioid epidemic, telling reporters present at the press conference, “This number alone tells us that we have to provide more intervention for kids who are in trouble,” Bowser said.

“To that end, this public emergency will allow us to increase capacity more quickly and efficiently across the continuum of placements for kids that are ordered by judges into care.” 

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homebuying, Ohio, Georgia dream, homeownership, the credit bros
by Atiya Jordan

November 15, 2023

37% Of Single Black Women Homeowners Live Alone, Why?

An analysis released last week shows that 37% of Black women who are single and live alone owned a home in 2021. 

An analysis by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) released last week shows that 37% of Black women who are single and live alone owned a home in 2021. It also revealed evidence that more Black American homeowners with higher education are choosing singlehood over marriage.  

During that same year, data findings revealed that 31.2% of Black folks were married compared to nearly 54% of whites. As for being single, more than 48% of all Black women and 51.1% of Black men had never been married.

Dr. Kris Marsh, a sociologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland, examines the lifestyles of middle-class Black Americans, focusing on destigmatizing singlehood. In her newest book, The Love Jones Cohort, she argues how “racism and gendered racism constrain personal choices.” She also challenges readers to consider how “structural forces and social contexts also fit into the conversation on singlehood.”

“Singlehood looks different for different people and people arrive at singlehood differently,” said Marsh, who is an associate professor at University of Maryland’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “You cannot and should not have a conversation about singlehood without incorporating race into that conversation.”

Black female participants of the Love Cohort‘s research were “hopeful that if they did decide to partner, it would be with an educated Black man,” Marsh wrote in an article. From 2012 to 2022, the percentage of Black adults with a Bachelor’s degree increased from 21.2% to 27.6%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, Black women are outpacing Black men in higher education, which can lead to a disparity in resources and social standing.

DIGITAL SEXUAL RACISM

In evidence of Marsh’s arguments, online dating brings to light the deep sexual racism that is less visible in our everyday lives. Black women on mainstream dating apps found that they are targets of violent, racist, and sexist behavior.

Sociologist Celeste Vaughn Curington strongly believes that dating app algorithms “encompass a range of discriminatory designs that encode and amplify inequity.” For example, Currington and her colleagues coined the term “digital-sexual racism,” which refers to how Black daters are rendered “simultaneously hyper-visible and invisible” on dating sites. “They are contacted on dating sites specifically because they are Black but also ignored on other user sites entirely because they are Black.”

RADICAL SELF CARE

Despite the uphill battle, single Black women are still striving to overcome the economic struggles by practicing radical self-care and building wealth. Some are intentional about their single lives. Wayne State University assistant professor Jessica D. Moorman calls that strategic singlehood, or “the intentional practice of enacting or maintaining one’s single status for growth, safety, or exploration.”  

They devoted their time single-handedly to pursuing important life goals, including home buying. 

Van Jones Ridiculed For Speech At ‘March For Israel’ Rally, Booed By Crowd Over Call For ‘Cease-fire’
by Iman Milner

November 15, 2023

Van Jones Ridiculed For Speech At ‘March For Israel’ Rally, Booed By Crowd Over Call For ‘Cease-fire’

Political pundit Van Jones is was in hot water after appearing at the March For Israel held in Washington, D.C.

Political pundit Van Jones was in hot water when he spoke before a crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., On Nov. 14, in support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the West Bank. In addition to being booed by those at the march after he expressed the need for a “cease-fire,” Jones was also openly ridiculed on social media by those who felt his presence and words put him on the wrong side of history, Newsweek reports.

Jones attributed his willingness to speak at the march to the Jewish community’s support of Black people during the civil rights era.

“I don’t want to be silent, because the Jewish community stood with the civil rights movement,” Jones said to the crowd gathered at the National Mall. “Walking arm-in-arm, facing death, going to jail. The Jewish community stood with the civil rights movement and I cannot be silent when Jews are under attack today.”

The CNN contributor addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saying, “I also pray that Hamas ends its reign of terror. I have to say, I’m a peace guy, I’m a peace guy, I pray for peace. No more rockets from Gaza, and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza. God protect the children. God protect the children. Let’s end all the horror and all the heartbreak in the Holy Land. Let’s end all of it.”

The crowd began to chant “No cease-fire” as Jones, seemingly, struggled to continue his speech. Apparently nervous, he said, it would appear accidentally, “Let’s take a stand against Muslims,” causing many to point out that similar harmful rhetoric has linked the actions of Hamas to not only the innocent citizens of Palestine but also to Muslims worldwide.

Soon after the speech began circulating, an old clip that captures a young Jones rocking dreadlocks and addressing a crowd about the atrocities enacted on Black people by the U.S. government made its rounds on social media with many pointing out the irony in his words. “in 1993, when we have the United States government building a death camp, a concentration camp,” Jones said in the video. “For Black people who have don’t nothing but get sick and want justice… that’s all they’ve done wrong. If we can’t close that death camp, if this generation can’t prevent another Japanese American internment in this lifetime, we should all get haircuts, get regular jobs and give it up.”

Many felt that Jones’ new position in support of Israel’s decades-long war with Palestinians, inferred by his willingness to appear at the rally, was in direct opposition to his stance earlier in his life and political career. Others saw his speech at the March For Israel as another instance of his attempt to appeal to both sides of controversial issues.

RELATED CONTENT: Former President Obama Weighs In On The Israel-Hamas Conflict

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
by Iman Milner

November 15, 2023

Victor Wembanyama’s Debut Jersey Gets $50K Bid On First Day Of Sotheby’s Auction

The debut of San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama was highly anticipated by basketball fans earlier this year. Now the seven-foot-four power forward’s debut jersey is expected to bring in some major cash.

The NBA announced its official partnership with Sotheby’s on Nov. 14 with the release of 60 game-worn threads. Bids on Wembanyama’s jersey from his first game quickly rose to $50,000, making it the auction’s most sought-after offering, Daily Mail reports.

Bidders will have until Nov. 21 to hedge their bets on the collector’s item.

The auction giant predicted that the French-born rookie’s jersey would sell for between $80,000-$120,000; however, that valuation could rise as Wembanyama continues to show signs of dominance in his first NBA season.

Currently, the 2023 No.1 draft pick is averaging 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game—a well-rounded stat line for such a young player. In his opening night game against the Dallas Mavericks, Wembanyama put together a 15 point, five rebound, two assist, and one block performance that more than satisfied sports enthusiasts, ESPN reports.

Though the NBA rookie does not have a signature shoe yet, he signed a multi-year deal with sports giant Nike rumored to be worth $100 million before entering the league.

Wembanyama also boasts over 3.2 million followers on Instagram and has lucrative deals with several sports-related brands. His deal with the plant-based sports energy drink, Barcode, is said to be worth $500,000 annually, Sportcal reports, while his deal with the memorabilia and trading card company, Fanatics, will notch the young player an estimated $5 million per year. Additionally, Wembanyama’s agreement with the video game publisher, 2K Games, is valued at $3 million annually.

The ink on his brand deals were already dry before the 19-year-old suited up for his first NBA game.

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Eric Adams, NYC
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 15, 2023

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Currently Not Target Of FBI Investigation

City Hall Chief Counsel: "There has been no indication that I’ve seen that the mayor is a target.”

After the Department of Justice raided the home of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs on Nov. 2, questions have been raised if the mayor himself is a target of the FBI.

Right now, “there has been no indication’ that Mayor Adams is, said City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg.

According to The Associated Press, while speaking to the press, Mayor Adams denied any wrongdoing and assured “we follow the law” in regards to the FBI investigation into his 2021 campaign. He didn’t answer any direct questions about the inquiry, including if anyone else is involved, due to not wanting to “impede the investigation.”

The FBI also seized the mayor’s electronic devices as part of an investigation into whether his campaign was involved in a conspiracy to send money to the Turkish government in 2021. There is speculation that the investigation centers around a potential straw donor scheme for building permits for a new Turkish consular compound in Manhattan, according to The Daily Beast.

Zornberg also commented on that theory as well.

“I can guarantee you that the U.S. Attorney’s office does not want their investigation playing out in the press in dribs and drabs and through leaks,” she said. “My expectation is that any improper leaks by federal law enforcement officers will be fully investigated by federal law enforcement.”

When the FBI raided the home of Suggs on Nov. 2, agents reportedly took several items, including three iPhones and two laptop computers. They also seized papers and other evidence, including a “manila folder labeled Eric Adams,” seven “contribution card binders,” and other materials, according to the outlet.

Investigators were looking for evidence that may bring charges, including the theft of federal funds and conspiracy to steal federal funds, wire fraud, and wire fraud conspiracy. They are also looking to see if there were campaign contributions from foreign nationals and if there was a conspiracy to make such contributions.

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