Georgia County Commissioner Found Passed Out Outside Sports Bar
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

Georgia County Commissioner Found Passed Out Outside Sports Bar

Franklin has since been fired from her position following to the incident.

A Georgia County Commissioner is under fire after a video of her in an alleged drunken stupor made rounds on social media. Felicia Franklin, vice chair for Clayton County’s Board of Commissioners, was found passed out outside of a sports bar by law enforcement in September.

In the body cam footage, the ordeal shows Franklin being awakened and helped off the ground by a police officer, surrounded by an unidentified fluid underneath her. After placing her on a nearby bench, Franklin slowly regains consciousness, and two additional men come to her aid and attempt to remove her from the scene. However, their efforts were halted as an ambulance transported her to a local hospital for further evaluation.

“I don’t know what they gave me,” the local official repeatedly cried, yet who she was referring to was not identified.

After being placed in the ambulance, she was documented refusing medical attention through screaming and other means of disruption.

“This is a f–king nightmare,” yelled Franklin amid hysterical screams.

Law enforcement then asked for additional details from a part-time worker who was there at the time.

“She was here with us all night,” shared the employee. “She purchased her own drinks, but she took it back to the bar. She took a couple of sips out of it and said, ‘Something’s not right with this drink.'”

Franklin then became agitated with one of the medical personnel. Despite being told that she was going to jail, the woman remained adamant that she wanted the man away from her.

“I don’t give a f–k. You get him out my face,” expressed the former Commissioner.

Law enforcement found no evidence to back Franklin’s claims that she had been drugged, with only alcohol and cannabis found in her system, as reported by Fox 5. In the aftermath of the incident, she has since been voted out of her position with the Board of Commissioners. However, Franklin has stated that she will run as chairwoman instead in light of her “unlawful” ousting.

Bobbi Storm
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Grammy-Nominated Singer Ignores Flight Attendant’s Request Not To Sing, Almost Gets Kicked Off Flight

Gospel singer Bobbi Storm almost gets kicked off flight after refusing to listen to flight attendant's instruction.

A video showed freshly Grammy-nominated gospel singer Bobbi Storm nearly getting kicked off a Delta flight after she wouldn’t stop singing, Insider reported.

First, as she was in the aisle, the flight attendant approached her and instructed her to sit down. As she did, she gave the passengers a history lesson on her song, “We Can’t Forget Him” which was cleared by Michael McDonald (the original song that the hook was inspired from was titled, “I Keep Forgettin,'” which was released in 1982). She also mentioned that Warren G was on the “original” song, but she was mistaken as the rapper sampled the song for his record, “Regulate,” which appeared on the Above the Rim soundtrack in 1994.

According to the outlet, the flight attendant approached her again and asked, “Are you going to be quiet?” She expressed to him that the other passengers were not objecting. He then admonished her and demanded that she answer if she will be able to be quiet. He then told her that he was not enjoying her speaking. As it seems as if his temper is rising, he asks her several times if she will be quiet.

“If you’re not able to follow my instructions, you will not be taking this flight.”

After asking him if she would get in trouble if she did not comply, she allegedly decided to tell him she would be quiet, but then she told her fellow passengers that she would sing “on the low.”

When the attendant went back to the front of the aircraft, Storm started softly singing the aforementioned song. After a brief pause, she continued with the melodic vocals without raising her voice so she wouldn’t be noticed. After completing a verse and then going into the chorus of the song, she looked to make sure the attendant wasn’t come back to chastise her. When finishing the “sampling” of her vocals (which she stayed on key and sounded like she was in a recording booth), she thanked fellow passengers and suggested that they clap “on the low.”

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A post shared by Bobbi Storm (@bobbi_storm)

In a follow-up post on Instagram, she stated that Delta did contact her and she claimed that they apologized and said they were fans of “Maverick City.”

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A post shared by Bobbi Storm (@bobbi_storm)

Yet, both posts got mixed reactions from people posting. Many chastised her for making others listen to her when they may not have wanted to, others didn’t believe that Delta actually apologized, while some defended the flight attendant for doing his job. There were some people who praised her for doing so, but it seems that most didn’t agree with her behavior on the flight.

BILLS, DAMAR HAMLIN
by Derek Major

November 14, 2023

Bills’ Damar Hamlin Sees First Action At Safety Since Collapsing On Field Last Season

Bills Safety Damar Hamlin saw his first action at the safety position and recorded his first tackle in more than 300 days.

Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field last season after suffering cardiac arrest, saw his first action of the season at the safety position against the Denver Broncos, The Daily Mail reported.

Hamlin was active for the second time this season after playing on special teams in week four against the Miami Dolphins. However, this time, he got snaps at his safety position after entering the game in the fourth quarter for Cam Lewis, who was injured while tackling Broncos running back Samaje Perine.

Hamlin entered the game at a pivotal moment as the Bills were clinging to a 22-21 lead, with the Broncos driving to take the lead. Three plays after he entered the game, Hamlin made his first tackle in more than 300 calendar days when he brought down tight end Adam Trautman after a six-yard gain.

Before the end of the game, Hamlin may have been part of why the Bills lost 24-22.

The Broncos used a 28-yard pass interference penalty to get into range for a game-winning field goal with seven seconds left in the game, but Broncos kicker Will Lutz’s 41-yard attempt went wide right for a miss. 

However, the Bills were penalized for having 12 men on the field. Hamlin was running off the field late, but the Bills had an extra lineman out there for the entirety of the play. After the five-yard penalty, Lutz got a second chance to win the game and blasted a 36-yard attempt between the uprights to give the Broncos the win.

The Bills did not say who was not supposed to still be on the field and who made the mistake. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott called the gaffe inexcusable in his press conference after the game.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” McDermott said after the game. “We practiced that two or three times this week — the substitution from dime to field goal block. At the end of the day, we didn’t execute it. So, it’s inexcusable.”

The loss put the Bills at 5-5 on the season with seven games left. In addition to the penalty, the Bills had four turnovers as quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions and has thrown at least one in six straight games. Allen now leads the NFL in the category with 11 and is the only quarterback to throw at least 10 interceptions in each of the last four seasons.

Me'arah O'neal
by Iman Milner

November 14, 2023

Shaquille O’Neal’s Youngest Daughter Commits To University Of Florida, Turns Down Offer From LSU

Shaquille O'Neal's youngest daughter has committed to the University of Florida, bypassing an offer from defending champion LSU team.

Me’Arah O’Neal, the youngest daughter of NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, has committed to the University of Florida, where she will play college basketball for the Lady Gators. The six-foot-four guard is ranked No.33 overall in ESPNW’s top 100 athletes in the class of 2024 and is passing on offers from Arizona State, Baylor, California-Berkeley, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, and her father’s alma mater, LSU, ESPN reported.

The 17-year-old graduating senior paid a visit to the Gators program in September, where, upon meeting Coach Kelly Rae Finley, she found a program that felt like home.

“I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged,” O’Neal said. “And that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida. I felt like I connected with Coach Kelly more than I connected with any of the other schools that recruited me. She really cares about me not just on the court but off the court. That’s important for me.”

O’Neal, who is also the daughter of reality TV maven Shaunie Henderson, will play alongside No. 16 prospect, Alivia McGill, as well as guard/forward Kylee Kitts at the program, ESPN reported.

O’Neal accompanied her Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame father to the school where his legendary career began in Baton Rouge, LA, last spring; however, the family ties and a world champion team failed to sway the student-athlete. Still, the longtime Lakers player beamed with pride over the path O’Neal has blazed for herself. “One of the best moments of my life, where I took her to my alma mater and they knew who she was,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “But believe it or not, I tried to stay out of it. … What I did tell her is, ‘Go where you’re needed, not where you’re wanted. Because if you go where you’re wanted and they got other people like you, may take a while.’ I want [my kids] to have their own journey, have their own experience.”

O’Neal, whose brother Shareef made the decision to leave college and enter the NBA Draft in 2022, was committed to making her own decision about her athletic future, but welcomed the support of her family, PEOPLE reported. “I was pressuring myself to make a decision, but I learned I had to be patient. And I did make this decision on my own,” she said.

Green book, castle, nebraska
by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Preserving History: Colorado Historians Seek Recognition for Green Book Sites

A dedicated group of historians in Colorado is working to ensure that Green Book sites receive the recognition they deserve.

In a report by CBS Colorado, a dedicated group of historians in Colorado is working to ensure that Green Book sites receive the recognition they deserve from the State and National Registers of Historic Places. History Colorado, taking the lead since January 2023, has initiated community meetings to engage residents, allowing them to contribute insights, suggestions, and information about Green Book sites.

In the 1930s, Victor Green, a Black mail carrier in Harlem, faced persistent racism during his travels across the United States. His frustration led to the creation of a groundbreaking guide in 1936 – The Negro Motorist Green Book. Aimed at assisting Black travelers in finding safe spaces, this guide became a crucial resource in navigating a racially divided America, according to the outlet.

Terri Gentry, Engagement Manager for Black Communities at History Colorado, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “This is offering a perspective on history that a lot of folks aren’t aware of. It helps to understand part of that story with travel and some of the experiences that we had,” she stated.

The project, supported by an Underrepresented Community Grant, aims to document these historically significant sites, preserving a crucial aspect of American history. Gentry emphasized the role of Green Book sites for Black families and communities during their travels. “They were safe spaces for our family members and community members when they were traveling around the state,” she explained.

Reflecting on her own family’s experiences, Gentry expressed a personal connection to the project. “I want to celebrate who they are and showcase the work that they’ve done to make our community a place and space,” she said. This effort goes beyond documentation; it is a tribute to the resilience and contributions of Black communities.

Madeline Hellmich, a graduate student at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, reported that Green made his guide nationally available and affordable, responding to the high demand for this essential resource. The guide was distributed in Black churches and gas stations, reflecting its widespread impact.

As Colorado historians strive to secure recognition for Green Book sites, they embark on a journey to ensure that these vital pieces of history are remembered.

babyface
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

Babyface Helps Fan With Marriage Proposal At New York Show

The singer made sure to make the loving moment one to remember.

Babyface helped a fan initiate a marriage proposal to her girlfriend during a meet-and-greet at his Nov. 11 show in New York City.

According to TMZ, the hit-making songwriter received word of the plan through his direct messages on Instagram. Luckily for the Babyface fan, the singer was all in to make the night one to remember.

After the concert at Madison Square Garden, Angelica Pichardo brought her partner, Diana Rosario, backstage to officially meet the multi-Grammy winner. Then, Pichardo went down on one knee to propose to her now-fianceé.

In a picture documenting the moment, Rosario was facing the camera to snap an image with Babyface as Pichardo was right behind them, ring in hand. After saying “yes,” the couple then took another picture with Babyface, with the engagement bling matching the singer’s sparkly outfit.

According to the news outlet, Pichardo said the moment came out “perfect,” with the acclaimed producer in attendance to witness.

“Our relationship is the epitome of a ’90s love song,” the newly engaged woman shared.

The star is also on a roll of good moments, with his tour being filled by fans of the multifaceted artist as he performs throughout the U.S. In addition to his shows, the singer is up for three more Grammys this year, including Best R&B album for “Girls Night Out” and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Simple” with Coco Jones.

With 12 Grammys already under his belt, the entertainer is a solidified legend who is still making history while still having time to make his fans’ dreams come true.

RELATED CONTENT: Babyface Recalls Toni Braxton’s Unfair Record Deal With LaFace: ‘I Was Put In An Awkward Position’

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Denzel Washington To Play Hannibal In Antoine Fuqua Netflix Film

Denzel is back in action with "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua.

Denzel Washington is set to take the lead as the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in Antoine Fuqua’s untitled Netflix film, Deadline reports.

Washington and Fuqua have worked on a slate of hit films for more than 20 years, including Training Day and the very successful The Equalizer trilogy. Washington won a Best Actor Oscar for the former.

The untitled epic drama is based on real-life warrior Hannibal, widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles the skilled military tactician led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.

Hannibal invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant, as noted by Variety. Under his lead, Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans and occupied most of southern Italy for 15 years. It wasn’t until the Romans defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama that they could counter-invade North Africa.

The film is part of Fuqua’s production company Hill District Media’s first-look partnership with Netflix. Fuqua will produce alongside Washington, Erik Olsen, and Adam Goldworm, with John Logan, who also wrote 2000’s Oscar winner Gladiator, serving as screenwriter. Jeremy Lott and Frank Moll are executive producers on the project.

Washington and Fuqua haven’t spent too much time apart as the pair are fresh off the heels of the third installment of The Equalizer, released in September. It’s perfect timing for Washington, who desired to make the film 20 years ago but was dedicated to raising his children and didn’t want to spend extended time away from home.

It’s among the two-period films Washington has in the works, with the Academy Award winner also working on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, which is set to restart production now that the strike is over. The highly anticipated film is slated for a Thanksgiving 2024 release.

Foxy Brown & Claudia Jordan Trade Jabs About Each Others Careers
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Foxy Brown & Claudia Jordan Trade Jabs About Each Others Careers

Rapper Foxy Brown ignited a new celebrity feud with a reality star alum all in the name of disliking Lil Kim.

Foxy Brown ignited a new celebrity feud all in the name of disliking Lil Kim.

The Brooklyn rapper exchanged in a war of words with television personality Claudia Jordan after Jordan defended Lil Kim against Foxy’s shade. Foxy seemingly made a mockery of Lil Kim’s recent claims that her memoir would outsell the Holy Bible.

The “Ill Na Na” rapper responded to Kim’s claims by writing the word “Bible” on her Instagram Story along with a laughing emoji. When the shady post was shared by a blog, Jordan offered her opinion on the matter. But Foxy wasn’t feeling Jordan entering the chat and proceeded to DM her to ignite a new war.

The Fox Soul host decided to post their heated exchange on Instagram and let everyone see how bothered Foxy was by Jordan defending Lil Kim, as captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

“All this because I commented on a post that Kim bothers no one and to leave her alone,” Jordan wrote over a screenshot of the DM.

The screenshot revealed the initial message Foxy sent Jordan that seemingly warned “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum not to mess with her.

“Somebody better warn you nobody a** b*tch,” Foxy wrote to Claudia.

“Lol!!!! What you gonna do to me?? Fight me like your career has been fighting success as of late!? No one is scared of an old b*tch, Trust me I am one too! Now fall back and stop embarrassing yourself dummy.”

The shade continued with Foxy taking a jab at Jordan’s feet by calling her “Dorito feet.”

“And you’re a former “rap star” that kept a missing side tooth,” Jordan clapped back. “Girl you fussing with people just cause they love Kim. Do better and floss.”

Meanwhile, Lil Kim is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated memoir “The Queen Bee.”The book is slated for a 2024 release and the “Jump Off” rapper is confident it will perform on biblical levels.

RELATED CONTENT: Lil Kim Believes Her Memoir Will Outsell The Bible, Foxy Brown Says Otherwise

Black Black Friday card
by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Seattle Launches ‘Black Black Friday’ Card To Boost Black-Owned Businesses

Seattle agencies have joined forces to introduce the inaugural ‘Black Black Friday’ card to support Black-owned businesses.

KIRO 7 reports Seattle agencies have joined forces to introduce the inaugural ‘Black Black Friday’ card to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in the Puget Sound region on Nov. 24.

Spearheaded by Seattle advertising agency DNA, in collaboration with Intentionalist, the Black Friday card is an innovative card that promises shoppers a 20% discount at numerous participating Black-owned businesses.

Among the businesses covered by the ‘Black Black Friday’ card are Foot Print Wine, Queencare, Creamy Cone Café, Jacob Willard Home, and many more across diverse industries. The card, available on their website, provides shoppers with attractive discounts and contributes significantly to supporting local Black-owned enterprises.

The discount the card offers is generously covered by BECU, ensuring that participating businesses receive the full value of each purchase made with the card. The outlet reports that this collaborative effort is not just about providing discounts; it’s a strategic move to uplift and empower Black-owned businesses during the crucial holiday season.

According to a news release, the overarching goal is to generate a minimum of $250,000 in revenue for local Black-owned businesses. This initiative seeks to make a meaningful impact on the economic landscape, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and empowerment within the business community.

In a statement, the organizers expressed their commitment to fostering positive change. “The goal is to generate a minimum of $250,000 in revenue for local Black-owned businesses during the holiday season.” It underscores the community’s collective effort to make a tangible difference in supporting historically disadvantaged businesses.

As the ‘Black Black Friday’ card takes center stage, it symbolizes a move toward a more equitable and inclusive shopping experience. Seattle aims to create a ripple effect beyond the holiday season by encouraging patrons to engage with Black-owned businesses.

As shoppers gear up for the holiday season, this innovative card offers an opportunity to enjoy discounts and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive business landscape.

prince
by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Prince’s Wardrobe Hits The Auction Block

An online auction is set to showcase the sartorial legacy of the legendary musician Prince, curated by a French collector.

According to Fortune, an online auction will showcase the sartorial legacy of Prince. Curated by a French collector who initially envisioned a museum dedicated to the iconic artist, the collection includes over 200 lots. It provides a glimpse into Prince’s musical journey and fashion evolution.

In collaboration with individuals closely associated with Prince, the collector gathered the items, believing that the musician’s impact extended beyond music, establishing him as a fashion icon. Boston’s RR Auction, overseeing the sale, revealed that the collector had abandoned plans for a museum, leading to this auction.

Among the standout pieces is the white ruffled shirt worn by Prince during his 1985 American Music Awards performance of “Purple Rain.” The auction house estimates its value at $15,000, emphasizing its significance in Prince’s influential career.

Bobby Livingston of RR Auction highlighted the auction’s broader narrative, illustrating Prince’s lasting influence on music and fashion. The items span Prince’s “Purple Rain” era to his untimely demise in 2016, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself with each tour and influencing contemporary artists.

An iconic ensemble from “Under the Cherry Moon,” a 1986 film marking Prince’s directorial debut, is also up for auction with an estimated value of $45,000. Additionally, high-heeled blue boots from the Act I Tour ($20,000), a custom-made gold stage outfit with love symbols ($10,000), and a blue Schecter’ Cloud’ Guitar played by Prince ($4,000) are among the sought-after items. A distinctive chain that adds to the eclectic mix.

Beyond fashion, the auction includes original Polaroid photographs, master tapes of hit albums, and official documentation related to Prince’s films and music videos. The diverse collection provides enthusiasts with a multifaceted view of Prince’s artistic journey.

Bidding for the auction is set to conclude on Thursday, offering fans a chance to own a piece of Prince’s iconic legacy. Earlier this year, Minnesota, Prince’s home state, paid tribute to the artist by renaming a highway after him. The signing ceremony, fittingly, used purple ink, Prince’s signature color, further commemorating the musical maestro’s enduring impact.

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