Ben Crump Joins Bettersten Wade’s Fight For Justice For Her Son Killed By Mississippi Police Car
by Daniel Johnson

November 2, 2023

Ben Crump Joins Bettersten Wade’s Fight For Justice For Her Son Killed By Mississippi Police Car

The City of Jackson has denied the family's claims and asserted that it is not responsible for what happened to Wade's brother. Additionally, some of the family's suit has been thrown out by a judge, while others remain pending in Mississippi state courts. 

Attorney Benjamin Crump is spearheading the efforts to investigate Dexter Wade’s case with the Department of Justice.

Dexter Wade, a Mississippi man who was buried in a “pauper’s grave” after being run over by an off-duty police officer, will soon undergo an exhumation and autopsy. Following these procedures, he will be laid to rest in a proper cemetery. His mother, Bettersten Wade, continues to fight for justice for her son.

NBC News reported that Bettersten Wade was kept in the dark regarding her son’s fate. She revealed that she requested information from the Jackson Police Department for several months while desperately searching for her missing child. Eventually, Wade discovered that the department had information about the circumstances surrounding Dexter’s tragic incident.

“The system is supposed to work for me if I call you and say I need help,” Wade, 65, said at a news conference held on Oct 30.

“I am a citizen here in Jackson. So I asked for help.”

Wade and Crump believe the Jackson Police Department worked against Wade due to a vendetta the department carries against the family over an earlier case. Back in 2019, Wade’s brother died after he was slammed to the ground by a Jackson Police Department officer. The officer was later tried and convicted of manslaughter, but is currently appealing the case. Wade’s family filed a wrongful death suit against the department, accusing them of covering up their actions which lead to her brother’s death, using excessive force, and it also accusing the City of Jackson of a failure to properly train its officers. 

At the press conference, Crump said “It just doesn’t pass the smell test. That’s why people all over America are talking about what happened to Dexter Wade in Jackson, Mississippi.” Crump continued,

“We are asking for the Department of Justice to investigate this matter because the family does not have trust in the Mississippi officials. Would you, after this happened to your brother and child?”

The City of Jackson has denied the family’s claims and asserted that it is not responsible for what happened to Wade’s brother. Additionally, some of the family’s suit has been thrown out by a judge, while others remain pending in Mississippi state courts. 

Wade’s son went missing on March 5, when he was last seen leaving her home with a friend. The week after, Wade reported him missing, and for months after that, she called investigators seeking an update, only to be consistently told there was no news to report. It was not until Aug. 24 that she would learn the truth. A Jackson accident investigator informed Wade that her son had actually died on March 5 after being struck by a police cruiser as he crossed a highway. 

Following an NBC News report, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba discussed the case on Oct 19 in a State of the City speech saying that the police meant no harm and could not contact Wade because they had an incorrect number for her. Wade, however, was not having that explanation as she told NBC News, whether or not they had a correct number for her residence was irrelevant because they could have just come to her house and delivered the news in person. 

RELATED CONTENT: MISSISSIPPI OFFICERS TERMINATED, FACING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AFTER ARREST OF BLACK CHILD

Remixed Classic ‘It Takes Two’ Aims To Raise Awareness Of Chronic Kidney Disease Testing Initiative
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 2, 2023

Remixed Classic ‘It Takes Two’ Aims To Raise Awareness Of Chronic Kidney Disease Testing Initiative

“It takes two to make a thing go right,” raps Rob Base in his iconic hit. Now, the song is taking on a new meaning in a health initiative to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The song will be used in a promotion for “It Takes 2,” spearheaded by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company, with the remix including lyrics that encourage CKD testing, as the former confirmed that over 35 million U.S. adults struggle with it.

The inclusion of “It Takes 2 – The Remix” ensures that fans of the 1988 classic, especially those within the significantly impacted Black community, will become more aware of the need for complete CKD testing and partner up with a healthcare professional.

The “2” refers to the dual tests needed, eGFR for blood and UACR for urine, to determine one’s progression with the illness or to see if an individual is at risk of developing it. Early diagnosis is a primary factor in beneficial treatment for those who also have type 2 diabetes as well, with the illness often leading to CKD.

“The unique approach of ‘It Takes 2’ in reaching two different audiences with two different but equally valuable messages is a critical step forward in improving the treatment of adults in jeopardy of developing kidney disease,” shared Dr. Charles Irvine, UC Irvine School of Medicine’s associate dean of diversity and inclusion.

CKD impacts the cardiorenal metabolic system and can progress to a life-threatening degree. As most people who have it are unaware of their status, ‘It Takes 2’ seeks to remedy this problem through the awareness campaign.

“‘It Takes Two’ is a defining piece of music history and the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Alliance is excited to partner with Rob Base to reinvent this song to amplify the mission of our new health initiative,” said Dr. Mohamed Eid, an executive at the biopharmaceutical company. “’It Takes 2′ is driving attention to the value of using two complementary tests to help identify unmet needs of the at-risk population and reduce risks associated with the growing burden of CKD.”

To listen to the new version of the song and learn more about testing options, all are encouraged to visit the initiative’s website.

RELATED CONTENT: Are Black Men More Susceptible to Kidney Disease?

Study Shows Black Americans Want Fairer And Diverse News Coverage
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 2, 2023

Study Shows Black Americans Want Fairer And Diverse News Coverage

Data showed a big difference in how Black people feel about news coverage int he Black community.

A new study shows that Black Americans are looking for fairer news coverage, The Seattle Medium reports. 

With close to 5,000 participating adults, the Pew Research Center took a deep dive into what Black Americans experience regarding news coverage. Each participant provided insight into their different habits and experiences with the news, and the results were interesting. 

Data showed a steep difference in how Black people take in the coverage within their community.

One individual said, “There’s not a lot of African American coverage unless it’s February or it’s criminal,” while another pointed out that news coverage highlights bad news over good.

“They overemphasize the bad and not some of the good things that are happening in the community, or if they do talk about the good things, it’s just a blurb, and they want to focus on the one thing that was just terrible.”

According to the survey, about half of the respondents were dissatisfied with the current coverage, feeling more important information should be provided. Sixty-three percent believe the Black community is often portrayed in a negative light compared to other ethnic groups. A staggering 57% feels the news solely focuses on specific segments of the Black community. Only 9% are comfortable with the coverage, saying it provides a comprehensive and diverse picture.

To break down their feelings a little more, the survey responders pointed out numerous factors that contribute to their problems with news coverage: 51% blame media outlets’ selective push for stories, 45% said journalists have a lack of informed perspectives, and 42% point the finger at racist viewpoints within news organizations. Charles Whitaker, Northwestern University’s dean of the Medill Journalism School, said the numbers didn’t shock him at all, according to The Associated Press.

“We’ve known both anecdotally and through my personal experience with the Black press, that Blacks have long been dissatisfied with their coverage,” Whitaker said.

Richard Prince, diversity columnist for the Journal-isms newsletter, says that advertisements do a better job at depicting positive outlooks for Black people and believes media outlets need to improve. 

“They should put a lot more effort into providing context,” Prince said. “They should realize that Blacks and other people of color want to be portrayed as having the same concerns as everybody else, in addition to hearing news about African American concerns.”

The only area in which Pew didn’t see a major difference in responses was politics. Katerina Eva Matsa, the center’s director of news and information, said 46% of Republicans and 44% of Democrats said that news coverage largely stereotyped Black people.

RELATED CONTENT: NBA Star Stephen Curry To Receive The Charlie Sifford Award For Advancing Diversity In Golf

Black Trans Woman Murdered In Chicago Walking Home, Family Believes She Was Targeted
by Stacy Jackson

November 2, 2023

Black Trans Woman Murdered In Chicago Walking Home, Family Believes She Was Targeted

Lisa Love's family described her as "free-spirited" and "caring."

Lisa Love, a Black transgender woman who lived in Chicago, was reportedly shot and killed on Oct. 17 as she was walking home from a friend’s house.

WGN News reported that the 35-year-old trans woman was fatally shot in the chest and back. Police confirmed the shooting occurred at 4:30 a.m. near 79th St. and Cottage Grove Ave. Love’s family members believe she was targeted and said that people in the neighborhood were aware Love was a trans woman.

Donna, the victim’s cousin, spoke about the moments leading up to the tragic event: “A car just drove up, made a U-turn and [saw] my cousin. Approximately 30 seconds later, the car stopped, and my cousin was shot.”

“An all-around good person who did not deserve this,” Donna also told WGN in a phone interview. “A loving, caring, free-spirited person. Always smiling and laughing.”

“It appears that the last thing Lisa Love did before her death was visit a friend. She clearly brought joy to many others and deserved to continue being a bright spot in the lives of her friends and family,” said Tori Cooper of the Transgender Justice Initiative. The organization noted that Love’s shooting marks the fourth transgender or gender non-conforming hate crime involving a Black victim in October and the second for Chicago within the month. The trans woman has been added to a list of at least 24 victims in 2023.

The Transgender Law Center mourned Love’s death with its social media community.

“May she rest in peace and power,” the center wrote about the Black trans woman.

The head of Chicago’s Federal Bureau of Investigations office recently released a warning to Chicagoans addressing an alarming surge in hate crimes in the city.

On Oct. 26, the Human Rights Campaign said police were investigating the shooting.

RELATED CONTENT: Gender Non-Conforming Entrepreneur Gunned Down In Recent String Of Chicago Homicides

HBCU, Figure Skating
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 2, 2023

Howard University Makes History As First HBCU With Figure Skating Team

So icy! Howard University is making history as the first HBCU in the nation to have a figure skating team.

U.S. Figure Skating announced the news on Oct. 20, as the historically Black college in Washington, D.C. prepares for its inaugural season in the sport.

The idea to start an intercollegiate team was formed by seasoned skaters and Howard upperclassmen Maya James and Cheyenne Walker. Both young women thought their competition days were over upon matriculating through the school.

However, the two students refused to give up on their passion, instead joining forces to build a team at their beloved institute. James, a junior at Howard, spoke about why she decided to embark on this journey of bringing the figure skating to the Hilltop.

“I just missed the sport, honestly,” shared the psychology major. “I didn’t really skate that much during the pandemic; I stopped skating for like two years. As I was coming to college, I also saw a lot of the U.S. collegiate Instagram pages and how they went to competitions and how the competitions look so fun and welcoming.”

The scholars are reigniting a passion that started at around 7 years old for both of them, and hope to extend their love of figure skating to fellow Black students. Through their persistence, the team was officially recognized and funded by Howard University in summer 2023.

The team will be coached by Diversify Ice’s founder, Joel Savary, as part of the nonprofit’s mission to make figure skating more inclusive to underrepresented groups.

Access to the usually expensive activity is even more of a reason Walker and James pursued an official school team.

“I think what really was my driving passion to get this club up and running was the fact that figure skating is such an amazing sport, but not everybody has access to it,” shared Walker, a political science major in her final year at Howard. “Especially being on an HBCU campus, I thought it was so important for us to bring not only the sport to the campus but [make] sure it’s accessible and for everyone.”

The team will start their historic season in February 2024 in a competition at the University of Delaware.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Donates $1 Million To Howard University At Homecoming

assault, Jonathan Majors,dennis rodman
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 2, 2023

Marvel Faces Casting Dilemma As Jonathan Majors’ Domestic Violence Case Moves Forward

Marvel is considering cast shake-ups for its upcoming slate of films due to leading star Jonathan Majors’ ongoing domestic violence case. The actor was set to play a major role as “Kang the Conqueror” in the superhero film franchise.

Variety confirmed the news on Nov. 1, as Marvel executives attended a retreat to discuss the next era of superhero content. A big topic on their agenda was what to do with Majors, whose legal drama is beginning to take its toll and overshadow his career.

The 34-year-old was arrested in March 2023 on strangulation, harassment, and assault charges. The case has gone through many controversies of its own, including an unveiling of ambiguous evidence by the defense and a recanted statement from the alleged victim, 30-year-old Grace Jabbari, who was believed to be in a relationship with the Marvel actor at the time.

As the investigation into the domestic assault unfolds, the Disney media entity is brainstorming plans to refocus to ensure they don’t wholly revolve around Majors’ character as the main villain. However, as the Yale alum had already made his debut in numerous Marvel projects, a shift away from the Kang arc would prove tedious for the team, especially Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios.

“Marvel is truly f**ked with the whole Kang angle,” revealed a source to the news outlet. “And they haven’t had an opportunity to rewrite until very recently [because of the WGA strike]. But I don’t see a path to how they move forward with [Majors].” 

While they consider multiple options, including introducing new villain Dr. Doom to its universe or recasting the role altogether, Majors still has to face a trial for the allegations following an Oct. 25 ruling that denied his motion to dismiss the case. The actor is set to reappear in court on Nov. 29 for the domestic violence trial.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors’ Ex-Girlfriend To Be Charged With Assault 7 Months After His Arrest

A$AP Rocky, Bilt, Harlem
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 2, 2023

A$AP Rocky Chased By Paparazzi While Jogging Around L.A.

It's clear the rapper can keep up a conversation while keeping his pace.

A$AP Rocky is showing off his endurance. The rapper was spotted jogging in Los Angeles by the paparazzi, which proceeded to chase after him for blocks with questions about having more kids.

TMZ reported the father of Rihanna’s two children running around West Hollywood on Oct. 30, and cameras captured the dad of two as he conducted his daily exercise. The paps chased Rocky for a couple of blocks as he engaged with a camerawoman who asked for some quick tidbits on his life as she tried to keep up with the star.

“You want to go on a jog with me,” joked the rapper.

With the paparazzo running after Rocky barefoot (and out of breath), Rocky let out a hearty laugh while still on the move as he was pressed about the possibility of having more kids with his pop star partner. His response suggested that he’s good on growing his family, at least for the time being. The fashion-forward celebrity also was nice enough to give some recommendations for the best-running shoes, mentioning the Formula 1 Pumas he’s featured on his social media.

https://twitter.com/big_business_/status/1719458045405663694

The 35-year-old certainly has his hands full with two young sons, welcoming his latest bundle of joy, Riot Rose, back in August. The “Pesos” rapper became a first-time father to son RZA in May 2022.

Outside of parenthood, the Harlem native is getting back into music as he works on completing his upcoming project, Don’t Be Dumb.

The LP will be Rocky’s fourth full-length entry in the rap genre, with his last album, Testing, released in May 2018. For his new work, Rocky released his first single from the album, “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n),” back in July. Fans are excited to hear the hip-hop artist speak on the latest developments of his life, including fatherhood and his high-profile relationship with the Bad Gal.

With Rocky evidently making his health a priority with his workouts, fans could possibly expect a tour in the works as well.

RELATED CONTENT: ASAP Rocky Joins Gucci for Its Next ‘Guilty Beauty’ Campaign

Shaquille o-neal, Halloween, NBA, Emo
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 2, 2023

For Halloween, Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Emo Jimmy Butler Hairstyle

In October, during the NBA Media Day before the start of the regular season, Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler unveiled a new and surprising hairstyle that stirred up conversations among basketball fans. TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal decided to recreate this distinctive look for his Halloween costume on Oct. 31.

The NBA Hall of Famer presented the look during the Halloween broadcast of “Inside the NBA.” His fellow hosts and former NBA players, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, also took part in the annual tradition of dressing up.

Butler shocked the media and basketball fans alike when he showed up to the press conference with his hair in an “emo” style.

After Shaq was seen in the hilarious rendition of Butler, fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) also had things to say about the look.

In business news, Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant is preparing to open its first traditional location in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, later this month, according to The Morning Call. The eatery will open its doors just before Thanksgiving in the Tannersville, Monroe County area. There is already a Big Chicken at Philadelphia’s Comcast Center; the latest location is slated to open Monday, Nov. 20.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported that Big Chicken and H&D Group Investments were partnering to bring 20 franchise locations to several Michigan cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing.

“Aside from its star-powered backing from Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken has a ‘wow’ factor that is rare to come by. I’ve had the privilege of trying a variety of menu offerings at different Big Chicken locations, and both the quality and flavor have been exceptional each time,” said an H&D Group Investments spokesperson. “It was an easy decision to bring the concept to Michigan, and we’re excited to be a part of the brand.”

Shaq already has restaurants in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Gilbert, Arizona, and Dayton, Ohio.

RELATED CONTENT: North West Channels Dad Kanye West, Rocks Bear Mascot Costume For Halloween

summit
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 2, 2023

Black Entrepreneur To Host 3-Day Summit To Help Tax/Accounting Professionals Grow Their Own 6-Figure Business

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Randy Hughes, Founder and CEO of Counting Pennies, is on a mission to help more African-American tax and accounting professionals to be successful. As a CPA himself with more than 20 years of experience, he will host the upcoming The Well-Rounded Accountant Summit, a free online event that will be held virtually on November 7-9, 2023.

Randy comments, “With just 2 percent of CPAs nationwide being Black according to estimates cited by the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants, representation and diversity are becoming increasingly important in this field. It’s essential to empower and support Black accountants in the industry as much as possible.”

His Well-Rounded Accountant Summit will provide crucial resources and education to help
Black accountants and tax professionals start their own businesses so they can do work they enjoy, on their own schedule, from anywhere in the world, getting paid what they are worth. It will feature several special guest speakers and interviews including celebrity entertainer Kenny Lattimore, and well-known author and guest speaker, Mark Wickersham.

In addition, continuing education units (CPEs and CEs) will be offered for select presentations in the program for accountants interested in VIP access.

RELATED CONTENT: Future Of Black Communities Summit Talks Digital Equity

Houston Police, ride-share robbery
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 2, 2023

Uber, Lyft To Pay $328 Million To Settle New York Wage Theft Claims

 

*Originally reported by Reuters 

Uber (UBER.N) and Lyft (LYFT.O) will pay a combined $328 million to settle claims by New York’s attorney general that the ride-sharing companies systematically cheated drivers out of pay and benefits.

Attorney General Letitia James said Uber will pay $290 million and Lyft will pay $38 million to resolve her office’s multi-year investigation into the companies, calling it the largest wage theft settlement in her office’s history.

Drivers will also be guaranteed minimum hourly rates and paid sick leave. They will be given notices and in-app chat support to address questions about earnings and other working conditions.

James’ probe addressed claims that Uber and Lyft improperly collected some taxes and fees from New York drivers rather than passengers.

It also addressed the companies’ practices of classifying drivers as independent contractors instead of employee

obe into the NAR’s practices.

More than 100,000 current and former drivers in the state are eligible to benefit from the settlements.

“These settlements will ensure they finally get what they have rightfully earned and are owed under the law,” James said in a statement.

Uber and Lyft, both based in San Francisco, denied wrongdoing, and called their settlements a “win” for drivers.

Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, in a statement said Uber’s settlement “helps put to rest” the classification issue and will be a model for other states.

Lyft said in a separate statement it believes it has always properly classified drivers as independent contractors.

DRIVER CLASSIFICATIONS

Uber and Lyft have long defended against claims nationwide that they shortchange drivers, many of whom are immigrants, out of pay and benefits, including by refusing to classify them as employees.

Both companies have said many of their drivers prefer working as independent contractors.

The payments equal a little under 1% of Uber’s and Lyft’s annual revenue.

James accused Uber and Lyft of improperly deducting sales taxes and fees for a workers compensation fund from drivers’ payments, though passengers should have paid those amounts.

Uber’s alleged violations occurred from November 2014 to May 2017, and Lyft’s from October 2015 to July 2017.

James said both companies also denied drivers sick leave that state and New York City employees are legally entitled to receive.

The probe arose from concerns from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which says it represents about 21,000 yellow taxi, green cab, app-based, livery and corporate car drivers.

Under the settlements, drivers outside New York City will receive a minimum $26 per hour for rides and sick leave, adjusted annually for inflation.

Drivers in New York City already receive minimum pay and some paid time off, as required by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. James said Uber and Lyft drivers there will receive $17 per hour for sick leave, with inflation adjustments.

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