by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Middle School Violence: Student Arrested for Aggravated Battery

In a shocking incident at a Florida middle school, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student

In an incident on Nov. 9 at L.A. Ainger Middle School in Florida, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student, as reported by NBC 2 Charlotte. According to the arrest report, Carter lifted another student, identified by parents as Patley, by the waist and recklessly dropped him on his head.

The victim, who recently moved from Haiti, was known for his friendly gestures at the middle school, often touching people non-threateningly, according to the outlet. Unfortunately, these actions had reportedly subjected him to bullying by fellow students.

The incident occurred in the school’s lunchroom when Patley approached a group of students to shake hands. In what appears to be an unprovoked attack, Carter, reportedly significantly larger than the victim, lifted him from behind and slammed him onto the ground, causing the victim to lose consciousness and convulse, the outlet reports.

The report alleges that Carter callously kicked the victim’s head and showed no remorse for his actions. School administrators promptly provided aid to the unconscious victim.

“We have adequate security, SROs, security guards. There were administrators in the cafeteria at the time this happened. It happened in mere seconds,” school district spokeswoman Claudette Smith said to NBC 2. “Administration immediately escorted students out of the cafeteria.”

The sheriff’s office emphasized the unprovoked nature of the attack and highlighted Carter’s extensive disciplinary history at the school. The victim, now in a medically induced coma after life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to a local hospital for emergency surgery.

Smith assured that the aggressor, Carter, would face disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct. However, Sheriff Bill Prummell revealed that Carter had a history of disciplinary issues.

Amid growing misinformation on social media, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released a statement to clarify the victim’s condition. Sheriff Prummell stated that the victim underwent emergency surgery and, while unable to speak, showed signs of responsiveness. The community was urged to support the victim’s recovery with thoughts and prayers.

New Orleans, mayor , Latoya Cantrell, first-class

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 14, 2023

New Orleans Mayor Hit With Ethics Charges After 15 First-Class Flight Upgrades Were Made On Taxpayers’ Dime

The mayor maintains her upgrades were for safety reasons, not luxury.

The Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, is being charged with state ethics charges for upgrading her airline tickets for first-class seats.

The Louisiana Board of Ethics found upgrades were made for 13 domestic and two international flights, totaling close to $30,000 at taxpayers’ expense for two years. According to the mayor, she made the changes for “safety, not luxury,” citing first-class accommodations were needed to limit COVID-19 exposure.

“Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn’t understand the world Black women walk in,” Cantrell previously said in a statement.

After the New Orleans City Council pressured her to have her pay docked, Cantrell reimbursed the city in full in 2022, even though she originally refused to do so.

“All expenses incurred doing business on behalf of the City of New Orleans will not be reimbursed to the City of New Orleans,” Cantrell said in September last year. “I do my job, and I will continue to do it with distinction and integrity every step of the way.”

The ethics board will set a date to hear the charges against Cantrell, which include an official censure and a possible fine of $10,000.

The mayor’s office said the mayor and the administration have addressed the travel issue appropriately and will respond to the ethics complaint in due time. Currently, Cantrell is overseas in Africa with the United Nations for a meeting highlighting plastic pollution.

Louisiana elected officials tend to follow the same pattern. Attorney General Jeff Landry faced similar accusations after the Board of Ethics required him to pay a penalty after failing to disclose roundtrip flights he took to and from Hawaii in 2021. The flights were taken on a private jet owned by retired oil and gas businessman Greg Mosing to attend the Attorney General Alliance conference at the Grand Wailea Maui, a luxury beachfront resort.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Controversy Ensues As North Carolina Orthodontist Offers Free Glock 19 For Invisalign Patients

A North Carolina orthodontist is offering a Glock 19 for patients getting an Invisalign.

If you want to get Invisalign aligner treatment go to an orthodontist in North Carolina—you my get a gun with your new grin.

According to WFAB 9, “Grins and Glocks” by Dr. Jason Gladwell of Gladwell Orthodontics is causing controversy. He is offering potential customers a free Glock 19 handgun for those who get Invisalign treatment in his office. They can also receive a paid membership at Youngsville Gun Club & Range located in Youngsville.

“Anytime you talk about firearms, it can be a polarizing subject,” Gladwell said. “Instead of them paying for it, I’m paying for it.”

According to the outlet, local residents are not really feeling the combination promotion and question the decision of the dentist to partner with the gun club.

“It’s mind-blowing to me that an organization that I think of as trying to provide health care to the people in the community is partnering their health care with gun death,” said Jennifer Copeland, the executive director of the NC Council of Churches.

The company that makes the Invisalign product, Align Technology, does not want to have anything to do with the promotion.

“Invisalign-trained doctors are independent practices and Align was not involved in the development or approval of this promotion by the dental practice, and only learned of it after the fact,” the company said in a statement. “For more than 25 years, Align has been helping doctors transform smiles and change lives through healthy, beautiful smiles using Invisalign aligners, and this promotion does not reflect our brand purpose.”

Attorney Ron Shook stated that the promotion is perfectly legal. He adds that the most important thing is making sure the patient receiving the oral care can legally own a gun.

According to Kurt Lieberman, the gun club’s owner, patients will need to visit the club in order to actually receive the gun. “You have to be 21 and older, and then, we do a background check here on site,” he told WFAB. It’s also recommended they take a training class.

He adds that he will be recommending that the recipients of the free gun take a training class, but it won’t be required.

Candace Owens, HBCU, tour, Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

9-Year-Old Rapper Tells Candace Owens To Shut Up And Mind Her Business

In a rare occurence, many agreed with Owens' critique of the child rapper.

A 9-year-old aspiring rapper named ‘Lil RT’ tried to put Candace Owens in her place after she criticized the nature of his music, especially for his young age.

Her initial review of his music video, “60 miles,” was posted to her YouTube channel as part of her eponymously named podcast. It has garnered over 926,000 views since its release on Oct. 23. The conservative pundit referred to the crude lyrics as “derogatory,” not mincing words as to what she believes it does to the Black community.

“This completely saddens me,” shared Owens. “It is the destruction of Black culture. It is the destruction, therefore, of American culture. This is a kid who will end up dead…If you think that his mother is setting him on the right path, then it’s because you’re an idiot,” explained the media personality.

Weeks later, Owens’ criticism got back to the child artist, nicknamed “Coco Felon,” who posted a response to her negative review.

“She need to be quiet,” said the elementary schooler, who was with an adult. “Cause they all up in my silk, they always trying to stop my music.”

However, Owens did not back down from her stance, stating that her heart is breaking for the child being “egged on” by the adults in his life to engage in the behavior. Owens condemned those who were part of the exploitation of Lil RT.

“‘Lil RT’ is a child, and my heart breaks for him, genuinely,” said Owens. “I see a child who has so much potential, and yet he is surrounding by monsters, people that know they are not furthering his rap career. In fact, they are probably leading him toward a path of harm.”

Despite Owens often being the subject of ridicule among progressives and the Black community for her controversial takes on social justice issues, many agreed that the child is being exploited for viral fame.

As their unexpected beef wages on, Owens remains adamant that the little boy is headed in the wrong direction, as she believes “every person should be concerned” for his future.

Breast Cancer, diagnosed, diagnosis, before, expecting, after, living with breast cancer, women, breast cancer awareness week, Breast Cancer Awareness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 14, 2023

34-Year-Old Black Mom Of 5 Dying From Cancer Is Writing A Book For Her Kids

Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St Mary’s County, Maryland, is currently battling terminal cancer with remarkable courage.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St Mary’s County, Maryland, is currently battling terminal cancer with remarkable courage, aiming to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical help early on.

Kourtni’s battle with cancer began in 2021 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma.

“I’m asking them question like, could it be this, stuff I’ve read about online and they said ‘no, it’s cancer,’” she told WUSA9, reflecting on the initial diagnosis.

By April, it had progressed to Stage 4, and recently, doctors informed her that the cancer had spread to her brain, leaving her with only a few months to live. Amidst the heartbreak, Kourtni focuses on creating lasting memories with her family and preparing for what lies ahead.

Her husband Andre said, “Our 2-year-old son, he always keeps us smiling. So it’s really the kids that’s keeping us up like this.”

Looking back, Kourtni said she regrets not going to the doctor sooner when she noticed a dimple in her breast. Unfortunately, her fear at that time prevented her from seeking medical attention until after her baby’s birth and she couldn’t produce milk.

After enduring 3 rounds of chemo and radiation and spending 3 weeks in hospice, Kourtni now relies on pain medication for comfort. She will leave behind her husband and 5 children.

“I would want them to know that I love them, and I love them so much,” Kourtni said. “I would go to any drastic measures to make sure they’re okay. Even behind the grave.”

To support her family during this difficult time, Kourtni has personally set up a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses.

Additionally, she is working on a children’s book as a lasting legacy for her children.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 14, 2023

Black Doctor, Owner Of Period Panty Brand, Launches Empowering Puberty Course For Girls

Dr. Amber Robins launches My Period University Puberty Course.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Dr. Amber Robins, Founder and CEO of Sanxtuary MD, a Black-owned period panty brand that offers women maximum protection from leakage during their periods, has now also launched a course for parents and guardians looking to equip their daughters adequately for puberty. It’s called the My Period University Puberty Course.

Puberty is one of the most life-changing events in a girl’s life. These changes can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect will make the journey easier. Unfortunately, many parents feel out of their depth to talk to their daughters about the natural changes that come with this stage of life.

My Period University Puberty Course is a comprehensive course designed to empower girls with a deep understanding of puberty’s physical, emotional and mental changes while equipping them to undertake the transition confidently. Far from the average puberty course, this interactive course consists of fun activities and easy-to-understand content taught by expert instructors. Girls will learn to deal with heavy periods, menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms and other puberty changes. The course also offers an inclusive community, allowing participants to connect with their peers and express their thoughts on the topic throughout the course.

One of the most exciting aspects of the My Period University Puberty Course is that it includes Sanxtuary’s My First Period Kit to help participants complete the preparation process for menstruation. The kit consists of a slip and leak-resistant period panty, a meditation book, a Sanxtuary MD Binder, Career Queens (featuring women in science, tech, engineering, arts, and math) and two free bracelets.

Family Physician and Founder of Sanxtuary MD is the creator of My Period University Puberty Course. Sanxtuary MD is a period panty brand dedicated to offering women maximum protection from leakage during their periods and ending period poverty. Consequently, the company has committed to donating one period panty for each one sold to girls who cannot afford this necessity during menstruation.

As a family physician, Dr. Robins has seen first-hand the impact of inadequate preparation for puberty. When asked about her motivation for creating the course, she explained: “Puberty is a natural part of growing up, but sadly, it’s often shrouded in secrecy and shame, especially concerning menstruation. I created this course to provide girls with factual information and help them celebrate instead of dreading the changes their bodies undergo.”

Physicians in Clinical Research, Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, APCR, APCR

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

HBCU Grad Makes History as First Black President Of The Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research

Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, RPh, MD, FAPCR a New Orleans and Shreveport, LA distinguished gynecologist was recently elected President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR). Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Weather’s extensive academic background includes a Pharmacy degree from Howard University and an MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. He further honed his expertise through comprehensive training, completing his internship, residency, and fellowship in gynecology and obstetrics at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Weather is a multifaceted individual, embodying roles as a health educator, professor, ordained minister, artist, author, and photographer. His literary contributions include three inspirational poetry books, an infertility handbook, and his most recent publication, Endometriosis: the Name of the Pain and How to Repress It, released in June 2023.

As an active gynecological clinical trials researcher, Dr. Weather has presented over 210 peer-reviewed presentations and papers specializing in pelviscopic surgical treatment of infertility, Endometriosis, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Notably, he is credited with inventing the revolutionary surgical procedure known as Optical Dissection Pelviscopy, a groundbreaking advancement in laparoscopic surgery that aids in the prevention of organ injury.

Dr. Weather’s impact extends beyond the APCR, as he is the Past President of the National Medical Association, the Louisiana Medical Association, and the New Orleans Medical Association. He currently holds a position as a board member of the State of Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and serves as the National President of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity.

The APCR is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing the fields of clinical practice, academic research, and pharmaceutical industry engagement in clinical research (clinical trials). Its mission encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases, as well as safeguarding the welfare of patients and study subjects through acquiring, disseminating, and evaluating knowledge concerning medicine and device development.

The APCR provides a vital platform for enhanced education, professional development, qualification, and certification for physicians participating in clinical research endeavors. It is the sole organization representing the physician research community within the American Medical Association (AMA), thus influencing national policies on numerous issues related to clinical research.

Dr. Weather brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and vision to his role as President of the APCR. His historic election is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to advancing clinical research.

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com

‘QAnon Shaman’ Expected To Run For Open Arizona Seat

by Daniel Johnson

November 13, 2023

‘QAnon Shaman’ Expected To Run For Open Arizona Seat

Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman due to his distinct appearance during the Jan. 6 insurrection, filed paperwork on Nov. 9 to run for Congress in Arizona.

Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman due to his distinct appearance during the Jan. 6 insurrection, filed paperwork on Nov. 9 to run for Congress in Arizona. According to Axios, Chansley, who completed roughly half of his 41-month sentence in federal prison, was released to a halfway house in Phoenix in March of 2023. Axios reported that the United States Constitution does not bar people convicted of a felony from holding any public office they aspire to.

https://twitter.com/namwella1961/status/1724079117685899644?t=LAae_LLAXXBLEMnlBT1_NA&s=19

NEW: QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley, who was recently released from federal prison for being at the Capitol on J6, appears to be running for Congress.

Chansley will be running as a libertarian candidate according to paperwork that was filed.

The paperwork was filed in the 8th… pic.twitter.com/sGg05eFXEL
— X Posterity (@NewXPosterity) November 13, 2023

https://twitter.com/ArtCandee/status/1724085899737059371?t=Bpp3n6kdTmUvRZt0D-0xoQ&s=19

According to NBC News, Republican Rep. Debbie Lasko announced in October that she would not be seeking reelection; thus, her seat is now up for grabs. Chansley, as NBC reported, became the public face of the insurrection because not only was he among the first group to enter the Capitol building, but he grabbed a bullhorn and began riling up the crowd by demanding that legislators be brought out, according to a sentencing memo. The memo indicates that Chansley photographed himself in the Senate galley, refused to leave when ordered by Capitol police, and left a note for then Vice-President Mike Pence that read,“ It’s Only A Matter Of Time. Justice Is Coming!”

Chansley, however, will be running as a Libertarian candidate, not a Republican, according to the Arizona Republic, which reported that a candidate statement of interest was filed by Jacob Angeli-Chansley indicating that he intends to run affiliated with the Libertarian Party. The race to fill the vacant seat is so crowded that the Republic reports that Angeli-Chansley is not the only former insurrectionist to run for Arizona’s 8th District seat.

In general, Libertarians describe themselves as being fiscally conservative and socially liberal while also believing in a small or limited government that does not interfere in the lives of people. According to the California Secretary of State’s office, Adrian F. Malagon, the Chair of California’s Libertarian Party, describes their beliefs as follows: “We believe that the most peaceful, prosperous, socially fair, and tolerant society is one that solves its problems without government force.”

According to the outlet, there is a logjam of Republicans vying for the seat, which includes Arizona state Sen. Anthony Kern from Glendale, who, along with Angeli-Chansley, was among the insurrectionists at the Capitol. In addition to Kern, Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma; Blake Masters, who lost his bid for U.S. Senate in 2022; candidate for Arizona Attorney General in 2022 Abe Hamadeh; Trent Franks, who previously held the seat but resigned in 2017 due to controversy; Seth Coates; Isaiah Gallegos; Jimmy Rodriguez; Rollie Stevens; and Brandon Urness.

According to Oregon Public Radio, Angeli-Chansley has disavowed the QAnon movement despite previously referring to himself as the QAnon Shaman. They attempted to reach Angeli-Chansley and his attorney to clarify his political aspirations, but those emails were not returned.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 13, 2023

Oscar-Winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter Champions Diverse Art At Museums

Ruth E. Carter has teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of America to champion multicultural artists gaining representation in museums.

The Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of America to champion multicultural artists gaining museum representation.

The history-making Oscar winner became the first Black woman to win two Oscars for Best Costume Design for her work on Black Panther and the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sequel. She’s also the first person to win for the original and the sequel of a movie, as noted by The New York Times.

Now, Carter is using her celebrity power to help advocate and amplify young, diverse artists alongside the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA). As a BGCA alumnus, Carter knows firsthand the importance of the club and the access it provides to inner-city youth.

“It’s been an enriching experience for me to connect with the youth of the year, to connect with young talent like Langston here,” Carter told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Jontay Brown for Chips Ahoy! Happy by Design

She was joined by a current BGCA member and fashion designer, Langston Howard, who is among the next generation of multicultural artists taking part in a new virtual AR experience created by Chips Ahoy! in partnership with Atlanta’s High Museum of Art and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The VR experience is in response to the grim reality that while 48% of teens identify as persons of color, only 15% of creative work in museums is made by artists of color.

It’s a number Carter is looking to change and knows the first step in leading the change is by supporting the next generation of diverse artists.

“Because they’re not at museums doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. They exist. And we know them. We know them in our classrooms,” Carter said.

“We know them in our communities. We know them all over our life experiences that we meet them and we know them. So it’s now a part of the initiative to highlight those artists that are less.”

Through the immersive AR experience, artwork from eight aspiring multicultural artists, including teens from Boys & Girls Clubs, can be seen. Anyone nationwide can view, interact, and learn about the teens’ artwork virtually – anytime, anywhere, from their smartphone. Each time, their art is viewed through this virtual experience, Chips Ahoy! donates $1 to fund arts programming, which supports multicultural creativity.

“They’re partnering with the High Museum with this AR experience where this augmented reality,” Carter said. “You’ll see Langston’s work there. It’s actually a really fun way of bringing the community into the museum without having a formal program.”

For Howard, being able to “connect” and “grow” as an artist at such a young age has been a life-changing experience.

“They have put me in positions that have allowed me to meet new people and get connection with new people and that pretty much just it allows you to build in and just grow as a whole,” he said.

The virtual experience can be accessed HERE and includes art from the following teens: Langston Howard, Shawn Woodward from Detroit, Michigan; Amara Aleman from Ridgewood, New Jersey; Natalie Osborne from North Tulsa, Oklahoma; Sarah Inoue from Providence, Rhode Island; Ja’lyn Johnson from Fort Stewart, GA, Jordyn Williams from Wake Forest, NC, and Amari Jones from Atlanta, GA.

by Daniel Johnson

November 13, 2023

Mark Fisher, A Controversial BLM Leader, Supports Trump

Fisher, who claims not to trust or endorse any political party, seems to believe that contrary to reporting from the mainstream media, that Donald Trump’s policies are good for Black people in general.

Mark Fisher, an ex-Black Lives Matter leader in Rhode Island, has been a staunch supporter of both the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and former President Donald Trump. According to the Epoch Times, Fisher considers the Proud Boys and other groups comprising the Jan. 6 insurrectionists political prisoners.

“They’re lambs led to slaughter to be sacrificed as an example for all who might want to dissent in the future,” Fisher said. “This is what the government does to those who express independent thought and want to stand up for what they believe.”

Since abandoning his position as Black Lives Matter Rhode Island chapter president, Fisher has established a splinter organization, Black Lives Incorporated. Fisher, who is a former pastor according to the Epoch Times, holds positions that seem to trade in conspiracy theories.

Fisher blames Antifa, a leftist movement of anti-fascists, for inciting violence at protests in much the same way that Trump did when he was in office. Fisher said, “Antifa had a lot to do with the riots of 2020, and there were a lot of anarchist groups who just wanted to take advantage of the moment and were out for destruction.”

Fisher also believes that the government and the media cannot be trusted; even though he did not use the term “deep state” like some far-right conservatives have, his remarks illuminate a disdain for government in general.

“I don’t trust the federal or state government as far as I can throw them, and the media is trying to stop us from uniting,” Fisher l explained. “It’s the same media that caused the division between all of these marginalized groups in the first place to keep us at each other’s throats.”

Fisher, who claims not to trust or endorse any political party, seems to believe that contrary to reports from the mainstream media, Donald Trump’s policies are good for Black people in general.

Fisher said, “If you look at his policies, what he’s done for our community has gone under the radar, and he doesn’t brag about it,” Fisher said. “He doesn’t try to convince anyone he’s not a racist, just like I’m not going to try to convince you that I’m not a racist. What you see is what you get, and when you know me, you’ll know my heart.”

Fisher also pointed to endorsements from rappers such as Waka Flocka Flame as evidence that Blacks’ support for Trump is on the rise. Fisher also says that there is a silent consensus spreading amongst Black people that will show up at the polls, even if they won’t endorse Trump in public.

Fisher told the Epoch Times, “They won’t say it in public in fear of backlash from the community because they have reputations, businesses, and relationships they don’t want to put in jeopardy, but they’ll speak with their vote.”

According to Reuters, exit polls of the 2022 midterms showed that 20% of Black voters under 50 voted Republican, double the percentage of older voters who voted Republican in the 2022 midterms. In addition, a poll Reuters conducted with Ipsos between July 11 and July 17 showed that support for Trump is modestly increasing. In the 2020 election, Trump carried 12% of the Black vote, but in the poll, 18% of Black voters indicated that they would choose Trump over Biden if those were their options.

Ahead of the election, Democrats are trying to make sure that they emphasize what they have delivered for Black voters, as Tracy King, the Democratic National Convention’s director of outreach communications, told Reuters via email: “As we head into the 2024 cycle, the DNC is doubling down on our commitment to engaging Black voters with meaningful and sustained investments to make sure they know how President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered for them.”

However, that may not be enough to motivate some Black voters to turn out and vote for Biden and the Democratic Party. Forty-seven-year-old Chicagoan Andre Russell told Reuters he feels stuck with Biden unless a better candidate comes along. ‘“I’m kind of stuck with Biden until someone else comes along,” Russell said.” As a society, we definitely have to move past the trope of old white men running everything.”