DOJ Opens Investigation Into Beating Of Homeless Black Veteran By Colorado Police One Year Later
by Iman Milner

October 10, 2023

DOJ Opens Investigation Into Beating Of Homeless Black Veteran By Colorado Police One Year Later

The United States Department of Justice will launch a criminal investigation into the beating of Dalvin Gadson, a year after the brutal encounter between the man and Colorado Springs police officers, Atlanta Black Star reports.

Gadson’s attorney, Harry Daniels, announced the DOJ’s plans on Monday, Oct. 9. “One year later, Chief Vasquez still refuses to hold his officers accountable after they beat and bloodied an unarmed man over a license tag infraction,” Daniels said.

“Today, we are confident that the Department of Justice will begin to correct that injustice and do what he won’t.”

The Director of the DOJ’s Office of Civil Rights, Michael L. Alston, has asked the department to review the case, considering the “nature of the law enforcement misconduct allegation,” according to reports.

Gadson, a Black veteran, was unhoused at the time of his arrest and subsequent assault in October 2022. According to reports, body cam footage from those involved in the encounter showed officers descending upon Gadson’s vehicle for “improperly displaying his license,“ a penalty for which the man would later pay a $15 fee—before ordering him to get out of the car and allegedly violently attacking him repeatedly.

In the video, Gadson’s bloody face is pressed against the concrete while his arms are restrained behind his back. He would later be charged with a litany of offenses, including driving under the influence, obstructing a peace officer, second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and driving without a license plate, all dismissed in 2023.

A federal investigation into the attack was launched last year, citing excessive force and noting that several officers laughed and joked about the brutal beating. An internal investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department concluded that the three officers allegedly involved in the incident—Matthew Anderson, Colby Hickman, and Christopher Hummel—displayed reasonable actions at the time of Gadson’s arrest.

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok Video of Colorado Police Arresting Two Black Women Sparks Internal Investigation

Victoria Nwabeke, Vincent Nwabeke, medicare, fraud, Texas, federal prison
by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

Texas Couple Sentenced In $8 Million Medicare Fraud Case

One Missouri City, Texas, couple discovered what happens when you defraud the government.

According to KPRC News, 72-year-old Vincent Nwabeke and his wife, 71-year-old Victoria Nwabeke, were sentenced on Oct. 5 for their roles in using the home healthcare service they ran to defraud Medicare. Judge Alfred Bennett ruled that the pair collectively would pay slightly over $9.5 million restitution and serve time in prison for their roles in a scheme where they billed Medicare for unnecessary services for their patients.

Vincent will serve one year and one day in federal prison, paying Medicare $1,084,996. His wife, Victoria, will serve four years in federal prison, followed by three months of supervised release and repaying Medicare $8,523,917. The septuagenarians will remain free on bond and turn themselves in at a facility to be chosen later.

The Nwabekes ran Vital Ambulatory Healthcare Inc. from 2012 to 2018. Victoria would get referrals by paying marketers and patients money. She also bribed doctors so they would authorize medically unnecessary services for the clients of Vital Ambulatory Healthcare. In addition to being a co-owner, Vincent served as the chief financial officer of Vital, and he admitted in 2018 that he attempted to cook the pair’s books so that it appeared that the kickbacks his wife paid out were legitimate business expenses.

According to the Texas Attorney General’s office, there have been multiple multimillion-dollar Medicare/Medicaid fraud cases in the state in 2023. The Nwabekes case is the latest to result in a sentence and a significant restitution plan. A case was resolved in August that was prosecuted under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act involving several drug manufacturers. In that case, drug manufacturers Shire PLC, Baxter International Inc., Baxalta Inc., Viropharma Inc., Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc., and Takeda Pharmaceuticals America settled with the State of Texas to pay $42 million as part of an agreement. Since 2000, Texas has recovered nearly $2.5 billion in taxpayer money defrauded by individuals or corporations committing fraud by using the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act to prosecute those entities or individuals. 

According to the Senior Medicare Patrol’s website, Medicare fraud costs approximately $60 billion annually.

 

Kai Jones, trade, Charlotte, hornets, fine
by Derek Major

October 10, 2023

Charlotte Hornets’ Kai Jones Publicly Requests Trade, Could Be Fined $150K

Charlotte Hornets Center Kai Jones “officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets” on social media Monday, which could have him facing a hefty fine.

Jones, who has been away from the Hornets for personal reasons, announced his trade request on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Jones played college basketball at the University of Texas and was drafted with the 19th pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks and was immediately traded to the Hornets. Jones has yet to establish himself in the league, which may be the reason for his trade demand.

Last season, Jones played 46 games with the Hornets, averaging 3.4 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game. Jones has a $4.7 million option for next season that the Hornets are not expected to pick up.

Complex reports Jones could be fined up to $150,000 by the NBA based on the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which states a player could be fined or suspended when someone “[publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team.”

Last month, Jones made some concerning statements during an Instagram Live, including several messages where he criticized teammates Mark Williams and Nick Richards, who are ahead of him at the center position on the Hornets depth chart.

The Hornets finished last season with a 43-39 record, good enough for 10th place in the Eastern Conference and earning a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. However, the Hornets lost their lone game in the tournament to the Atlanta Hawks 132-106, eliminating them from playoff contention.

After the season ended, the Hornets fired head coach James Borrego, who spent four seasons coaching the team and amassing a 138-163 record. Former Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford was hired to replace Borrego. Clifford previously served as an assistant for the Magic, Knicks, and Houston Rockets.

RELATED CONTENT: Could The Houston Rockets Trade Kevin Porter Jr. After His Domestic Violence Arrest?

Aka, alpha kappa alpha
by Lauren Nutall

October 10, 2023

Nashville Teacher Confiscates 7-Year-Old Girl’s Thrifted ‘AKA’ Shirt

A Nashville school teacher confiscated a 7-year-old girl’s thrifted shirt because it bore letters representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA), News Channel 5 reported. 

The incident occurred at McGavock Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been the subject of a social media storm. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first African-American sorority and part of the Divine Nine, a group of historically-Black Greek-letter organizations. 

The young girl’s shirt was emblazoned with the words “AKA 1908” in pink and green rhinestones, referencing the year the sorority was formed. “I liked the shirt I was wearing a lot,” said Peyton Tiger, who was given something else to wear after the interaction.

The second grader’s mother, Chloe Smith, spoke to News Channel 5 about the situation. “When I picked her up off the bus, it took me a second, but I realized, why are you wearing a different shirt,” she said. 

The teacher, who was not identified, later emailed the child’s mother, informing her of the reason. “Today, I noticed Peyton wearing an AKA shirt. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a service organization for college-trained and educated women,” the message read.

“AKA branded items are trademarked and reserved for members only. Thus, I had to give her a new shirt and take the AKA shirt. The new shirt she received is clean, and there is no need to give it back.”

“It was a child’s shirt. For her, it was a pink and green rhinestone shirt that matched her pants,” Smith told the news organization. Smith shared that the shirt was a gifted hand-me-down from one of her friends. 

The principal has since apologized to the family, but the incident has sparked discourse on social media regarding the validity of the teacher’s complaint. Some believe that race is a factor in the story as Smith and her daughter are white while the sorority is predominantly-Black. Others voiced agreement with the teacher’s decision. However, many social media users across TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter, have condemned the teacher’s action, denouncing it as bullying. 

 

RELATED CONTENT:  VIRAL PHOTO SHOWS WHITE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER WEARING A PROFESSOR’S AKA LETTERMAN JACKET

Amar’e Stoudemire Expresses Disgust With Politicians and Black Lives Matter Supporters Over Hamas Attacks In Israel
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 10, 2023

Amar’e Stoudemire Expresses Disgust With Politicians and Black Lives Matter Supporters Over Hamas Attacks In Israel

On Sunday, Oct. 8, former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire unleashed a scathing tirade on politicians and Black Lives Matter supporters for their silence regarding Hamas’ recent attack on Israel, according to the New York Post.

Stoudemire took to his Instagram page, expressing outrage over the kidnapping of children, killing of women and the elderly, and Hamas’ use of human shields. He questioned those who had not spoken out against these actions, specifically addressing Black Lives Matter supporters, challenging their apparent indifference to the situation.

In his passionate Instagram post, Stoudemire minced no words, labeling Hamas’ actions as cowardly and inhumane. He decried using children as pawns and human shields, emphasizing that such acts could never be condoned, regardless of one’s background, beliefs, or affiliations.

Stoudemire’s connection to Israel runs deep, having obtained Israeli citizenship in March 2019 and undergoing conversion to Judaism in 2020, The Times of Israel reported. His commitment to the country was further solidified when he signed a two-year contract with Hapoel Jerusalem in 2016 before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2020. Stoudemire’s strong ties to Israel are reflected in his candid and passionate stance on the recent developments in the region.

The former basketball star expressed his disdain for politicians and Black Lives Matter activists who remained silent in the face of these events. He made it abundantly clear that their silence was unacceptable to him, accusing them of hypocrisy and a lack of moral fortitude. Stoudemire also highlighted the significance of Israel in his life, emphasizing that it was the only place where he could pursue his spiritual studies in Torah and partake in Kosher food.

His Instagram post concluded with an unequivocal declaration: “On my mama, we don’t respect none of y’all for that. Peace.”

Stoudemire’s passionate response to the crisis underscores the deep-rooted emotions and personal connection that people can develop with global issues. His call for moral clarity and the condemnation of inhumane actions serve as a reminder that the consequences of such conflicts reverberate far beyond geopolitical borders and ideologies.

RELATED CONTENT: CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE AFTER ACCUSATION OF PUNCHING AND SLAPPING DAUGHTER

Darius ‘Cooks’ Williams Bashes Black-Owned Restaurants In Indianapolis
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 10, 2023

Darius ‘Cooks’ Williams Bashes Black-Owned Restaurants In Indianapolis

A former restaurateur turned controversial chef/restaurant reviewer has a bone to pick with Black-owned restaurants in Indianapolis after visiting the city.

Darius Williams, known across social media as the contentious DariusCooks, left Indianapolis’ Black dining community a series of scathing reviews after touring several Black-owned restaurants and reportedly experiencing long wait times, canned sides, and fried food-filled menus.

Williams live streamed his harsh reviews after paying visits to 10 Black-owned eateries in Indianapolis, Indy Star reports. Williams was in the city as part of his “Dining with DariusCooks tour” where he hosted six paid dinner parties in Indianapolis from October 6 – 8.

When he wasn’t hosting his ticketed seven-course dinner parties, Williams was out and about critiquing Black-owned restaurants he visited. Among the eateries he dined at were Huge Impact, Hovito, BlankUS Luxury Lounge, Kulture Bar & Bistro, Hanks, The Block Bistro & Grill, Open Kitchen, Mississippi Belle, King Ribs BBQ, and Bar-B-Q Heaven.

Williams is no stranger to controversy and has found himself on the receiving end of backlash and harsh criticism himself. While Williams has owned and operated full-service restaurants in Atlanta and Chicago, none of the three eateries he launched remain open.

He recently spoke with Tasha K about his failed Soul Crab restaurant in Atlanta,d where customers complained about long waiting times of up to four hours.

“It was a success. I just didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I had no idea it was going to be like it was,” he said. “I just made so many (expletive) mistakes.”

“I will never open up another restaurant as long as I live,” he added.

According to the avid restaurant critic, “the food was amazing,” but the issue was with his “staff” being “on their best behavior…” He also cited how Black-owned restaurants are typically underfunded and understaffed.

“Unfortunately, Black people don’t give us a whole lot of grace,” he said.

So how ironic that the same failed restaurateur who sought “grace” from his Atlanta patrons is over in Indianapolis judging other Black-owned restaurants. Williams might want to extend that same grace to the Black dining community.

RELATED CONTENT: Time’s Up! Controversial Chef Darius ‘Cooks’ List Williams Issued Warning By Better Business Bureau

Teacher Shortages, Atlanta Schools
by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

Questions Abound After $16K Worth Of Pre-K Training Materials Are Destroyed In Alabama

Alabama Republicans are presumed responsible for destroying over $16,000 worth of pre-K (yes, your eyes are not deceiving you) training materials after they deemed them “too woke.” According to AL.com, piles of teacher training manuals were left at one Montgomery, Alabama, waste recycling plant.

Following Gov. Kay Ivey’s denouncement of a teaching manual from the National Association for the Education of Young Children in April, she subsequently relieved a state official of their duties over a “progressive” manual for pre-K teachers.

In a press release in April, Ivey’s office said she was concerned about passages in the book that inform teachers of “larger systemic forces that perpetuate systems of White privilege” in addition to a passage stating that it “is built on systemic and structural racism” and also directions stating “LGBTQIA+ need to hear and see messages that promote equality, dignity, and worth.

” Ivey’s office also said in the release, “Governor Ivey strongly believes that woke concepts have no place at any level of education in the state of Alabama and should not be taking away from the overall mission of improving educational outcomes for students.”

So far, according to reporting from AL.com, the actual fallout from Ivey’s firing of Barbara Cooper is unknown; this includes what happened to the pre-K teacher materials and other material from the NAEYC. The Ivey administration’s official position is that that department was publicly discredited,d and the book was discontinued, but they would not clarify anything beyond that. The reversal of fortune for Cooper only happened after a Republican representative, Jamie Kiel, crafted a complaint highlighting passages in the material that explicitly discussed systemic racism, LGBTQ+ individuals, and white privilege. All concepts that Kiel claimed were offensive to his office and constituents.

According to NPR, the book says that “systemic and structural racism … has permeated every institution and system through policies and practices that position people of color in oppressive, repressive, and menial positions. The early education system is not immune to these forces.”

Previously, the state spent almost $38,000 to purchase 237 copies of the NAEYC’s Fourth Edition of its Developmentally Appropriate Practices manual. According to estimates, the books destroyed in the photo released to AL.com are valued at approximately $16,000, almost half the budget, representing a significant amount of wasted taxpayer money.

The NAEYC released a statement to the Associated Press detailing the intent of its materials.

“For nearly four decades, and in partnership with hundreds of thousands of families and educators, Developmentally Appropriate Practice has served as the foundation for high-quality early childhood education across all states and communities. While not a curriculum, it is a responsive, educator-developed, educator-informed, and research-based resource that has been honed over multiple generations to support teachers in helping all children thrive and reach their full potential.”

RELATED CONTENT: Abbott Elementary Partners With Scholastic To Provide Free Book Fairs To Underfunded Schools

Juicy J, rap, sales, charts, charting, sales down,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2023

Juicy J Wants To Discuss Why ‘Rap Music Is Down 40 Percent’

Is there a serious problem with hip-hop music? According to Juicy J, formerly of Three 6 Mafia, there is! The legendary recording artist took to social media to request a meeting with hip-hop heads to discuss the declining sales the genre has suffered recently, Hypebeast reports.

Based on the video Juicy J recorded, it’s quite obvious from news reports this year that hip-hop as a genre has taken a hit. Coincidentally, as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop is being celebrated, there wasn’t a No. 1 song on the Billboard charts until Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” topped the Hot 100. In fact, that song was the first to make the top of the chart since Nicki Minaj released “Super Freaky Girl” last year in August 2022.

Juicy J stated, “I know a lot of people don’t want to hear this but I’m being real. Rap music is down 40 percent this year. I’m a say it again. Rap music is down 40 percent. Check the charts, check the math. I don’t make the rules. I do not make the rules. It’s down 40 percent. What are we as rappers, producers, composers, etc., gonna do about this shit? ’Cause it’s down 40 percent this year. Check the charts! Do your research. This is a fact.”

He wants to seriously discuss the situation.

“Let’s have a conversation! What are we gonna do? As rappers, producers, composers, songwriters, engineers. What are we gonna do, man? Rap is down 40 percent, man. We gotta figure some s**t out. We gotta sit down and talk. Let’s have a big ass f**king meeting. Let’s meet up somewhere. Let’s talk about this s**t, how we can turn this s**t around.”

“Because this is how we eat, this how we make money. Rappers – we make money off rap, shows, publishing. Aight? This is how we make money. This is how we eat. This is how we take care of our families. It’s down f**king 40 percent, n**ga. Real s**t. But, I’m willing and I hope you willing to let’s figure out something to keep this muthaf**kin’ money train running.”

On June 12, Billboard posted an article with their theory as to why, up to that point in time, hip-hop did not have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard main chart.

RELATED CONTENT: Bankrupt Rapper Young Buck Selling Music Catalog To Pay Off Debts to 50 Cent And Others

N.O.R.E., cryptocurrency, NFT, crypto, investments
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 10, 2023

The Cryptocurrency Conundrum: N.O.R.E’s Lament Highlights Disturbing Trends In NFT Investments

As the digital asset market faces a significant downturn, the renowned host of “Drink Champs,” N.O.R.E., took to social media to express his growing frustration on Oct. 9.

The rap artist aired his grievances with a pointed tweet: “Yo my bitcoin or whatever it’s called ain’t worth…!!!”

Sharing a screenshot of this post on Instagram, he emphasized, “I’m mad at cryptocurrency, y’all lied.”

His discontent resonated with his followers, including fellow celebrities Fat Joe and Slim Thug, who co-signed his post with fire emojis and 100 emojis, as reported by Complex.

While the extent of N.O.R.E.’s investments in cryptocurrency remains undisclosed, his public exasperation underscores the broader landscape of the crypto market. The most recognized cryptocurrency currently holds approximately $27,000, a stark contrast to its pinnacle at $68,789 in November 2021. This sharp decline in cryptocurrency’s value has created economic woes for various investors, including celebrities who fervently embraced the digital currency.

Furthermore, the allure of the burgeoning NFT (Non-Fungible Token) market has been irresistible for celebrities and everyday investors. These unique digital assets have been touted as valuable collectibles, often exchanged for substantial sums. However, a recent revelation brings the euphoria surrounding NFTs into question.

A study conducted by dappGambl uncovered startling facts about NFT investments. Researchers examined more than 73,000 NFT collections owned by over 23 million investors. The verdict was alarming: 95% of these digital assets possess a “floor price of zero” Ether, rendering them practically worthless. Out of the 73,257 NFT collections analyzed, a staggering 69,795 revealed a market cap of 0 Ether. This statistic underscores the grim reality that 95% of NFT investors are clutching investments bereft of value. Researchers estimate this accounts for over 23 million individuals facing the distressing realization that their NFT investments have become worthless.

The study also disclosed that less than 1% of the top 8,850 NFT collections retained a value exceeding $6,000. In contrast, 41% of these assets fell within $5 to $100, while 18% had no value 

These revelations highlight the challenges investors face within the cryptocurrency and NFT markets. N.O.R.E.’s candid expression of frustration mirrors the broader trend of investments losing value within the digital asset sphere. The study on NFT collections serves as a cautionary tale, revealing that the value of many digital assets has significantly depreciated, leaving investors grappling with losses and uncertainties.

As the world of cryptocurrency and NFTs continues to evolve, these challenges underscore the need for investors to remain vigilant and well-informed about the ever-fluctuating landscape of digital assets.

armed forces, desegregate, integrate, 75 years, White House
by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

Religious Exempters Vindicated By Ruling In COVID-19 Mandate Case

Military members who contended that the 2021 policy mandating COVID-19 vaccines violated their religious beliefs scored a legal victory on Oct 3.

According to the Military Times, a Florida judge awarded the firm representing a group of Navy Seals a judgment of $1.8 million to cover the legal fees the group racked up while fighting the policy.

Liberty Counsel’s chairman, Mat Staver, released a statement to the Military Times, “The military COVID shot mandate is dead,” Staver said. “Our heroic service members can no longer be forced to take this experimental jab that conflicts with their religious convictions.”

Religious vaccine exceptions have been rare throughout the history of the armed forces, but following pressure from Republican legislators, the military adopted a new interpretation of religious freedom in 2020, one that opened the door for a service person’s moral principles, not just established religious beliefs. Groups like the Trump-friendly First Liberty met this expansion with glee, calling it a “great victory for America’s brave service members.” In contrast, others, like Military Religious Freedom Foundation founder and president Mikey Weinstein, described it as something that could potentially “obliterate the wall of separation between church and state in our military.”

The vaccine mandate was repealed in January via a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stating, “The Department will continue to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members.” Austin added, “The Department has made COVID-19 vaccination as easy and convenient as possible, resulting in vaccines administered to over two million service members and 96 percent of the force ― Active and Reserve ― being fully vaccinated.”

Seventeen thousand service people refused the vaccine, resulting in 8,000 being discharged and 1,000 religious exemptions given out, according to the Military Times. These numbers predate the end of the vaccine mandate policy. Those troops formerly discharged because of their refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can now file for a correction of records with their branch of service, and they can rejoin the armed forces if they desire. 

 

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