Mother Disputes Police Account, Says Son Was Shot In Back Of Head By Grand Rapids, MI, Police
Da’Quain Johnson, 32, was shot in a parking lot and died the next morning.
By Robert Hill
On Feb. 18, 32-year-old Da’Quain Johnson was shot in the parking lot of Eastern Lofts on Eastern Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He died the next morning. Police initially said Johnson was believed to have been shot in the chest, but after viewing her son’s body, Angelica Johnson said he was shot in the back of the head and disputed the department’s account of what happened.
Angelica Johnson spoke at a press conference on Feb. 20 to discuss the details surrounding the death of Da’Quain.
Before the shooting occurred, Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) officers received alerts about a man riding a bicycle who was potentially armed. Officers say when they attempted to make contact, Johnson fled on his bike.
As reported by Fox 17, “Officers followed and found Johnson in a parking lot behind a nearby apartment complex. A police canine was deployed, and Trigg said the dog likely bit Johnson, but he continued resisting and fighting with officers.” One officer fired their weapon after Johnson produced a handgun, according to a release by the department.”
Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated that Johnson had been shot in the chest. However, three bodycam and dashcam clips appeared to show something different.
After viewing the footage, Johnson’s mother said her son was shot in the head while lying face down on the ground with a police canine on top of him. During the press conference, she stated that his hands appeared to be behind his back at the time of the shooting.
As reported by MLive, she said, “Y’all couldn’t see it, but you will soon enough. But my son was shot in the back of the head. He was mauled in the neck by a dog. And the way he was shot … you could tell that his hands were being held behind his back.”
Johnson was a convicted felon and did have a firearm, according to police; however, members of his community described him differently.
Community members gathered to view the footage released by activists, which they say shows what transpired during Johnson’s encounter with police. The Michigan State Police is conducting the investigation.
During the press conference, his mother urged the community to protest peacefully, stating that if justice is to be achieved for her son, it must be done peacefully.
Morehouse Faces Backlash Over Plan To Honor Joseph Smith With Chapel Portrait Amid Slavery Debate
Smith founded Mormonism and the Latter-Day Saints movement.
By Robert Hill
An ongoing debate is taking place on the campus of Morehouse College as a Joseph Smith portrait is set to be displayed in the coming months.
Smith founded Mormonism and the Latter-Day Saints movement. He published the “Book of Mormon” at age 24 and, within 14 years, had attracted tens of thousands of followers by the time of his death. Some in the Latter-day Saints had ties to slavery. While Smith himself was not a slaveholder, some early church members owned slaves.
On Feb. 1, an oil painting of Smith was unveiled and is scheduled to be placed on display in April inside the Chapel’s International Hall of Honor. Students and alums have raised concerns regarding this decision, pointing to Smith’s stance on slavery and the broader history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The portrait is set to be displayed in the chapel’s International Hall of Honor, a space that honors global leaders and influential figures.
As reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, “On Feb. 1, Morehouse College unveiled a portrait of Joseph Smith to be displayed in its International Hall of Honor as part of the college’s effort to diversify the chapel’s representation of international religious figures. During the unveiling, Smith was praised as being “Lincoln before Lincoln.””
However, the decision to implement the portrait has been met with criticism.
Students and alums are pushing back against honoring Smith, arguing that it contradicts the mission and legacy of a historically Black college. They have raised concerns about how Smith supported slavery at different points in his life, and the history of the Church, which restricted Black members from full participation for many years.
Students like Alonzo Brinson, president of the Chapel Assistants Program, said he was surprised by the unveiling and questioned its message.
As reported by 11Alive, “I thought it was very weird that he did not stop his church from owning slaves. And then if you talk to Brigham Young, Brigham Young said he got the ideas from Joseph Smith. So I, I just thought that was very weird. I thought it was very disrespectful, not only to Morehouse College, but to Atlanta, to the whole AUC of Black History Month, the first day of it, that that’s how we started,” Brinson said.”
The portrait will be placed alongside prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.
Supporters of Smith’s portrait have pointed to his 1844 presidential campaign platform, during which he advocated for the abolition of slavery and proposed federal compensation to enslavers.
Currently, Morehouse has not announced any plans to remove or relocate the portrait.
Eric Benet And Terrence Howard Say The Government Is Playing In Your Face
Howard and Benet warn salacious news distracts from the possibility of an impending World War lll and the Epstein files.
Actor Terrence Howard and singer Eric Benet are speaking out about the state of the nation and the Trump administration’s attempts to distract people from what really matters.
Benet’s message addressed the recent declarations of alien existence. In an interview, former President Barack Obama said he believed in extraterrestrials, yet, as a sitting president, he said he was never informed of whether they truly existed. Following on the heels of the declaration, Donald Trump asserted that Obama broke confidentiality, as the knowledge of alien life is classified information.
In a TikTok post, Benet calls foul on all the extraterrestrial talk and says it’s being used to redirect focus from the true “monsters” in the Epstein files.
“Now these motherf**kers are trying to distract us by releasing a classified alien and UFO document but nobody give a f**k you’re a monster motherf**ker. Trying to distract you when you to God d*mn monster! I’ll go smoke a joint with ET. . .I don’t give a f**k if tomorrow they have a press conference with Yoda, Spock, motherfucking ALF. I’ll be like cool story, bro cool cool, cool, where the rest of the motherf**king files?”
A large number of commenters were on Benet’s side, concurring with his message and praising his humorous take.
@Jess said: “The aliens are prolly victims too.”
@Nikea Aesha commented: “Rent is $3k and they talmbout some damn aliens”
@Shelley: “Eric Benet can not only sing. He can do stand up, too!”
@Phoenix questioned: “Forget the files. Where the arrests and indictments?”
Like Benet, Terrence Howard took to social media with a more somber message. In his over three-minute TikTok video, Howard discussed the precarious position between the U.S., China, and Venezuela regarding oil. The actor believes the current status of the world closely resembles the political climate during World War II.
He warns his followers not to fall asleep at the wheel, as we are eerily close to World War III, saying now is the time to make drastic changes to the way we operate as “earthlings” and “as a people.”
“The same methods are looking like they’re being employed. So what I’m asking right now for everyone out there, I want you to take the time to look at what’s taking place inside the world. I want you to take a moment to collect yourselves and think of the outcome that we all want for this world if we wanna be thrusting into war, then it’s at the front door. If we want to find a peaceful resolution to some of this then we’re going to have to change.”
Many praised Howard for bringing awareness and using historical context in his analysis of current affairs. Commenters largely supported his message.
@Pure Essence Naturals agreed with Howard about the possibility of war: 😳😳😳😳Trump is trying to start a war so he won’t get impeached!!!!
@Fancy believes Howard and other notable Black men are leaning into important information: “Between Eric Benét, Terrence Howard and the new Don lemon- 2026 is in good hands.”
@s is impressed by Howard’s willingness to use his celebrity status, stating: “An EDUCATED celebrity using his platform! May the others take notes.”
@tanyamcleod43: Are the world elites willing to cause a war to stop their cult from being imprisoned?
Trump Imposes New 10% Global Tariff After Supreme Court Strikes Down Previous Levies
In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers.
By Robert Hill
President Donald Trump introduced a new 10% global import tariff after the Supreme Court struck down his previous trade plans, ruling that he had overstepped his authority.
In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The administration had used the act to justify tariffs on goods from almost every country. The court’s decision created a legal setback for the White House and opened the possibility for billions of dollars in refunds to businesses and U.S. states that challenged the policy.
Trump responded to the ruling by calling it “terrible” and accusing the justices who voted against the policy of being “fools.” Despite the decision, Trump indicated that he would turn to alternative legal authorities to continue pursuing his tariff agenda.
Shortly after the ruling, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122. As reported by theBBC, “Which gives the power to put in place tariffs up to 15% for 150 days, at which point Congress must step in.”
Several U.S. states have responded by requesting refunds following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote a letter to the Trump administration demanding more than $8 billion in refunds for the state. In the letter, he outlined the exact amount he believes should be repaid.
As reported by CBS News, Pritzker wrote: “On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also called for a tariff refund. During Trump’s second term, California has been one of the administration’s most vocal critics, filing lawsuits challenging federal policies and tariffs.
Since the ruling, businesses and states may pursue refunds for previously collected tariffs from the Trump administration however, the process could take a while. The Supreme Court stated that Congress had not granted the president open-ended authority to impose tariffs and emphasized that, when Congress delegates tariff powers, it does so under explicit terms and strict limits.
Civil Rights ‘Foot Soldier’ Jo Ann Bland Died At 72
Jo Ann Bland established Foot Soldiers Park to preserve the history of civil rights and promote civic engagement.
Civil rights activist Jo Ann Bland, one of the Civil Rights Movement’s youngest activists, died Feb. 19 at the age of 72.
Bland was a keeper of history as one of the youngest participants in the historic 1965 Selma voting rights marches. Bland was affectionately referred to as the “daughter of Selma.” Her death was announced on the official Foot Soldiers Park Facebook page.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ms. Jo Ann Bland announces her passing,” Bland’s family said in a statement. “Ms. Bland departed this life surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.
Ms. Bland was a woman of remarkable character whose presence touched countless lives. Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of faith, resilience, and compassion, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”
By age 11, she had been arrested at least 13 times as a result of her activism. In 1989, Bland co-founded the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma. She would go on to establish Foot Soldiers Park. The project served to preserve the history of civil rights and educate visitors about the tumultuous battles waged to achieve civil rights. She also led educational tours through her organization, Journeys for the Soul, to highlight Selma’s integral role in attaining civil rights.
Bland’s life drew recognition from local leaders. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose district includes Selma, said in a statement to WAKA 8:
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ms. Jo Ann Bland — a freedom fighter and daughter of Selma, Alabama. It was Foot Soldiers like Jo Ann who put their lives and freedom on the line for the right of all Americans to vote.” Sewell said.
Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III also paid tribute, saying Bland carried “the spirit of Selma with strength, truth and unwavering courage,” and that the city had “lost one of its greatest daughters.”
Bland’s activism extended beyond her hometown. She spoke widely on the importance of civic engagement. Funeral details will be released at a later date.
11 Teens Arrested After Social Media-Fueled Mall ‘Takeover’ In Long Island, NY
More than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.”
By Robert Hill
Eleven New York teens were arrested after gathering at Green Acres Mall in Nassau County, New York, and causing disturbances that disrupted shoppers.
On Feb. 19, more than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.” When officers arrived at the scene, the crowd dispersed, and police arrested 11 teens ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old. According to authorities, the planned takeover could have led to chaos and destruction at the mall.
The teens face a variety of charges, including rioting and robbery. Police say the gathering was organized through social media posts and that another “takeover” is being promoted this weekend at Roosevelt Field Mall, another shopping center in Nassau County.
Police believe these gatherings are being organized with the intent to cause disruption. The Nassau Police Department is currently investigating who is behind the social media posts and is preparing for the next event.
As reported by News 12 Long Island, “We have an intelligence unit of the police department that monitors 24 hours a day social media, and we are prepared; we have increased patrols in our malls,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.
Police have also identified another Instagram post promoting a gathering at Roosevelt Field Mall expected to take place on Feb. 22. The post included the caption, “Pull up. Bring boxing gloves.”
However, this is not the first meetup this week.
As reported by CBS News, “The Green Acres Mall incident was the second mall takeover this week, following one in the Bronx on Presidents Day. Teens smashed glass at a deli on Baychester Avenue in the Baychester section of the borough. Police say it was one of the chaotic moments that erupted in and around Bay Plaza Mall on Monday afternoon.”
These gatherings are affecting shoppers and businesses, as the Green Acres Mall takeover caused some stores to close for the day.
As these planned events continue, police officials say they are consistently monitoring social media platforms and are prepared to respond quickly to any future disturbances.
Black American Cancer Patient Loses SSI Benefits After Feds Question Her Citizenship
Ramona Rakestra is fighting for the return of her Supplemental Security Income after the government claimed she is not a natural-born citizen.
A Dallas woman, Ramona Rakestraw, is fighting for the return of her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) after the government claimed she is not a natural-born citizen.
Rakestraw, who is battling cancer and kidney disease, says the federal government wrongly stopped her SSI after questioning her U.S. citizenship. Rakestraw is a lifelong Texan who said she relied on SSI payments as her primary source of income while undergoing treatment for kidney disease and cancer.
Rakestraw’s benefits were abruptly halted in October 2025 after the Social Security Administration informed her that her immigration status was under review, she told Fox 4. However, the Dallas resident says she was born at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and has never lived outside the United States. Furthermore, the 59-year-old asserts she has never even left Dallas County.
“I’m not an immigrant,” she said. “I’ve never even left Dallas County — let alone the country.”
59-year-old Ramona Rakestraw says her SSI was stopped after her immigration status was “under review," despite reportedly never leaving the U.S. When a Dallas-born resident battling kidney disease and cancer is told she is “not lawfully present,” something is deeply wrong! No one… pic.twitter.com/b54PLfS0NW
In a letter to Rakestraw, the SSI administration wrote, “We cannot pay you benefits because you are not lawfully present in the U.S.” Rakestraw provided her birth certificate and government identification to SSA representatives at a local office as part of her effort to resolve the issue.
In her early 20s, Rakestraw battled kidney disease, which led to her receiving a transplant. She has been dependent on benefits since. Before her citizenship was in question, she received both Social Security and Medicaid Part B benefits. While her Medicare Part B was later restored, the SSI payments remained stopped.
After Rakestraw spoke to Fox 4, the outlet reached out to the SSI administration. Due to privacy concerns, no information was given about her specific grievance, though employees said they would reach out to her regarding the matter. Subsequently, it was reported that Rakestraw’s benefits would resume, though there is no word on why they were denied in the first place.
Jamaican Bobsleigh Team Looks to Heat Up 2026 Winter Olympics
"We’re basically rewriting history."
Nearly 40 years after the first Jamaican bobsleigh team debuted at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, inspiring the 1994 hit movie, Cool Runnings, the team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, is looking to build on that foundation.
“What happened in the 1988 Games, where Jamaica competed at their first Olympics, that was like a start for the future for us, so that’s still like a motivation to us, and we take that with us every day,” pilot Shane Pitter said, according to Blavity. “It’s kind of an extra motivation to do better than the last team and the last team before; we really work hard.”
The Jamaican team consists of women’s monobob Mica Moore. Pitter, along with push athletes Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon, compete in the two-man and four-man sleds throughout the Winter Games.
Expectations are high. Last November, the team won the four-man gold at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton North American Cup in in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It was the country’s first gold medal at an international bobsleigh race.
“We’re basically rewriting history,” Harris said. “If you guys remember the movie quite well, what we’re doing now—the victories and the popularity that we’re getting right now, it’s basically like in the movie, and we’re just rewriting it in real life.”
The Jamaican team is still reeling from Hurricane Melissa, which occurred in October.
“A lot of people haven’t yet recovered from Hurricane Melissa, and because they’re not like recovered, that’s still a motivation for me heading into the Games to just work harder and harder and relieve some spirits that are being broken from the hurricane,” Pitter said.
They also want to show the world, once again, that a team from sunny Jamaica can excel at a winter sport.
Beyond Major Metros: Discover The Black History and Economic Power Of Providence, Lancaster, And Buffalo
Black History Month often centers on America’s largest cities. But smaller and mid-size cities have plenty to offer.
Black History Month often centers on America’s largest cities. But some of the most powerful, under-told stories of African American resilience, innovation, and institution-building unfold in smaller Northeastern destinations.
This year, Providence, RI, Lancaster, PA, and Buffalo, NY, offer story-rich experiences that connect past and present through museums, music, storytelling, and preservation—and they are part of a broader economic trend that shows the financial impact of Black cultural travel.
African American travelers are among the most influential segments of the U.S. tourism economy. A national study by Mandala Research found that African American travelers contributed an estimated $63 billion to the U.S. travel and tourism economy in 2018, and “cultural travelers”—those motivated by history and experience—spent more per trip than general travelers.
Providence, Lancaster, and Buffalo illustrate how Black heritage travel can serve as both a lens into history and a driver of economic opportunity for smaller destinations.
Source: Edward Bannister. Photo Credit: GOPVD
Providence, RI: A New Chapter in Black Cultural Preservation — and Economic Invitation
Black History Month in Providence enters a powerful new era with the opening of the African American Museum of Rhode Island (AAMRI), a cultural milestone that underscores how heritage institutions can enhance tourism appeal. This opening, along with active storytelling, arts, and community programming, directly targets travelers who make travel decisions based on cultural and historical significance.
The museum joins a robust ecosystem that includes Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Stages of Freedom, and a vibrant arts scene centered at AS220 — all of which enhance Providence’s appeal as a cultural travel destination.
“Providence is proud to be a city where Black history is actively shaped by Black creativity, ingenuity, and community,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley, underscoring the cultural and economic value of these investments.
Often associated with Amish country, Lancaster’s heritage narrative extends to courageous acts of resistance that helped shape the nation. Lancaster County’s role in the Underground Railroad makes it a powerful draw for heritage travelers.
The forthcoming Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy will add a new institutional anchor that heritage travelers—particularly those drawn to stories of African American resilience—will find meaningful, providing a reason to visit.
“Visitors can explore Black history in Lancaster County through heritage tours and performances,” says Jeff Vasser, president & CEO of Discover Lancaster. Experiences like these align with broader research showing that cultural heritage is not just a historical asset but an economic one.
Source: Michigan Ave Corridor, Buffalo, New York. Photo Credit: Stephen Gabris- Courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara
Buffalo, NY: Revitalizing a Historic Corridor with Economic Momentum
In the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, a host of new and restored institutions is making Buffalo an increasingly active heritage travel destination—with economic implications.
The reopening of the Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, the restoration of Michigan Street Baptist Church, and the creation of the WUFO Black Radio History Museum are all part of this revitalization.
Beyond static sites, Buffalo’s cultural tourism is already driving economic impact: the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo—one of the nation’s longest-running celebrations — helped drive record visitor spending estimated at $2.2 billion in 2022, with a significant portion supporting local food vendors and Black-owned businesses.
“Buffalo has so much to offer during Black History Month,” says Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair of the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition.
Reframing Black History Month Through Smaller Cities and Economic Reality
These cities demonstrate that Black history is not confined to major metropolitan narratives—and that heritage travel itself has substantial economic value. African American travelers contribute billions annually to the U.S. travel economy, and cultural experiences are among the strongest motivators for destination choice.
This Black History Month, the invitation is clear: look beyond the obvious and recognize how smaller destinations contribute to America’s cultural economy while offering profound, transformative stories worth exploring and celebrating.
Jesse Jackson Will Have Funeral Services In Chicago, D.C., And South Carolina
The civil rights icon died Feb. 17. He was 84.
The late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.’s non-profit organization, The Rainbow PUSH Coalition organization, has released the schedule for the civil right icon’s public services.
Jackson, 84, died on Feb. 17.
He will lie in state Feb. 25 and 26 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago. Doors will open each morning at 10 a.m. A public memorial known as “The People’s Celebration” is planned March 6 at the 10,000-seat House of Hope, followed by a homegoing service March 7 at Rainbow PUSH headquarters.
Funeral services in Washington, D.C., and his home state of South Carolina were not specified but will take place between March 1 and 5.
Jackson’s death has prompted tributes from political and civil rights leaders across the country.
In a statement, Former President Barack Obama spoke about Jackson’s lifelong commitment to equality, calling him “a true giant.” He added, “We stood on his shoulders.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote a moving tribute, stressing Jackson’s love and intent to build America into its greatest version.
“Reverend Jesse Jackson was one of America’s greatest patriots. He spent his life summoning all of us to fulfill the promise of America and building the coalitions to make that promise real.”
“He kept the dream alive, and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we don’t have broken spirits…He carried history in his footsteps and hope in his voice,” Rev. Al Sharpton wrote in a tribute.
While many spoke of his fierce advocacy, Jackson’s family spoke of his legacy of creating a worldwide family.
“Our father was a servant leader—not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” they said. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
