• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 31, 2023

Black DeSantis Supporters Claim Double Standard In Media’s Reporting of Jacksonville Shooting

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Black supporters of Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis are pushing back against the media.

Following the racially motivated Jacksonville shooting, media outlets and the White House suggested DeSantis’ policies gaslit the incident. Now, some Republican leaders are calling the narrative “unjust,” Fox News reports. Florida State Rep. Kiyan Michael, a 2020 Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board member, says that’s the furthest from the truth. “It has nothing to do with the policy,” Michael said.

Michael, a Jacksonville resident, has defended DeSantis’ controversial education policies and has said the Biden administration is attacking the new policies, claiming they can “help the African American community.” “They’re pushing this thing because they’re trying to make us divided when we are trying to be united and trying to unite around these families,” the Florida representative said.

Michael isn’t the only one who feels this way. North Carolina State Rep. Kenneth Fontenot, another Black Republican, says the media has a double standard regarding shooting coverage. “You can have 100 African American men, you can have dozens of children, women killed in a city like Chicago on Memorial Day weekend without hearing anything, and then somehow Brandon Johnson or Lori Lightfoot don’t get any negative press over a city they can’t control,” Fontenot said.

“The reality is the only time the liberal media is really concerned with African American murders is when it’s race-related… that’s unjust.”

Fontenot is one of 19 North Carolina legislators who endorsed DeSantis for president, while Michael is a fan of SB 1718—the Florida bill that requires businesses to check the immigration status of workers—cracking down on migrants being in the state illegally, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “Heaven has borders,” Michael said during a vote. “Hell has none.”

Michael defended her governor after he was “booed” during a recent prayer vigil for the Jacksonville Dollar General shooting. “I think that it was not organic,” Michael said. “He didn’t have to come. But he came himself because that’s the man he is.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 31, 2023

Chicago TV News Crew Robbed At Gunpoint While Reporting A String of Robberies in the Area

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A television news crew in Chicago went out to report on a string of robberies in the Windy City, only to become the news story when they were robbed themselves.

According to The Associated Press, three armed men wearing ski masks robbed a television crew in the Illinois city. A reporter and photographer from the Spanish station Univision Chicago claimed that while trying to film a segment about robberies right before 5 a.m. on Monday, three men wearing masks robbed them in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. The men were armed with weapons and took the crew’s television camera and other items.

The footage that was filmed was supposed to air later that morning.

The victims were not identified publicly by Chicago police but were described as 28-year-old and 42-year-old men. Police officials stated that the men were standing outside when the three robbers pulled up in a gray sedan and black SUV. After taking the news crew’s equipment and other items, they fled in their vehicles.

“They were approached with guns and robbed,” Luis Godinez, vice president of news at Univision Chicago, told the Chicago Tribune. “Mainly, it was personal items, and they took a camera.”

Godinez assured the media outlet that both were not harmed in the incident.

“They’re OK, and we’re working on it together as a team, he said.

It was the second time a news crew had been robbed in Chicago this month. A photographer from WLS-TV was assaulted and robbed on Aug. 8. He had been getting ready to cover a weekday afternoon news conference on Chicago’s West Side, the station reported.

The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians Local 41, which represents TV photographers in Chicago, put out a statement regarding the two recent incidents.

“Our news photographers and reporters provide a very important public service in keeping our community informed. We are committed to making sure that their safety comes first,” Raza Siddiqui, president of the union, said.

He also said that the union is trying to take precautions to find out what it can do to support its members.

RELATED CONTENT: Armed Man’s Robbery Attempt Is Foiled By Unfazed Customers

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 31, 2023

Georgia Colleges Ban Required DEI Statements In Hiring Process

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Following the rising trend of public educational institutions shying away from diversity, equality, and inclusion efforts (DEI), Georgia Public Colleges will now be prohibited from requiring DEI statements in hiring and training new employees.

The policy change was enacted in July, as the University System of Georgia will no longer allow the 26 schools within its jurisdiction to uphold the formerly utilized part. This also extends to affirmations, ideological tests, and oaths, as reported by Higher Ed Dive. 

However, while the specific information is prohibited from being included or asked about, applicants can reveal to employers about their experience assisting “different” groups within their schools’ student bodies.

Given that Georgia’s public colleges and universities are comprised of many diverse groups, the elimination of this information from applicants can potentially lead to a lack of experienced administrators that know, firsthand, the needs of marginalized students.

This updated ruling could be concerning to the institutions within this domain that are HBCUs, including Albany and Savannah State University. The schools within the historic Atlanta University Center, such as Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, are not at risk, given that they are privately operated. The flagship public institution, the University of Georgia, however, still has a majority-white student population.

Both sides of the discussion on DEI statements have been vocal about its continued use. While critics of its inclusion believe that freedom of expression is infringed upon by its existence, supporters believe that it helps ensure that all students feel seen, as faculty  better reflects their wide-ranging identities.

The faculty-to-student diversity ratio is already not proportional within the university system, as a majority of teachers and administrators are white, while students of color make up the majority of those enrolled throughout its 26 schools.

While no spokesperson on behalf of the Georgia education entity gave comment, the rise of DEI disbandment has many concerned that their states are next.

RELATED CONTENT: White Law Students Sue Firms Over DEI Programs That ‘Violate’ Their Civil Rights

• Lifestyle

by Jeffrey McKinney

August 31, 2023

How To Maneuver Home-Buying Myths In Today’s Pricey Housing Market

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Mortgage rates recently rose to their highest level in over two decades, and spiraling home prices have made it much harder for people to buy homes. Still, many people may pursue the American dream of homeownership, despite the headwinds. However, another obstacle that may cause people to delay or not even make a purchase is the lack of education and the existing myths about the home-buying process.

A recent online survey paid for by Real Estate Witch found that many Americans are misinformed about home-buying. In fact, 72% of non-homeowners are convinced that a 20% down payment is required to buy a home, but this is not necessarily the case. While mortgage lenders generally recommend a down payment of 20%, many will accept a lower percentage.

Also, roughly 32% of people believe a credit score of at least 700 is needed to buy, yet buyers can qualify for a conventional loan with a score of 620.

For the survey, 1,000 people were questioned about their knowledge of the home-buying process. The survey was completed by 151 Black Americans.

Here are some current facts.

Per Freddie Mac, the average 30-year mortgage dropped to 7.18% on August 31, after reaching  7.23% on August 24, the highest point since June 2001. That percentage came as the Federal Reserve sustained efforts to cut inflation. Home prices purportedly surged for the fifth consecutive month as demand kept eclipsing supply.

With information about home-buying readily available, why are there still myths about the process?

According to Clever Real Estate data writer Sam Huisache, the myths surrounding today’s housing market are concerning for would-be home buyers due to their potential to create barriers to homeownership.

“Overall, these myths can lead to financial setbacks, missed opportunities, and heightened stress for those considering homeownership,” Huisache noted.

She pointed out that a realistic down payment for a home generally ranges from 5% to 20% of the home’s purchase price. And that the exact percentage can depend on various factors, including the lender’s requirements, your credit-worthiness, the type of mortgage you’re applying for, and your financial situation.

Huisache added that misconceptions about high down payment requirements could discourage individuals with limited savings, while an inaccurate understanding of costs might lead to surprises that become financial burdens. Home buyers should be aware that down payments below 20% will typically result in private mortgage insurance (PMI) added to their mortgage until they’ve reached 20% equity, she explained. PMI rates can be as high as 2% of the original mortgage amount.

She recommended that potential home buyers consider looking into home-buyers programs that would assist them in qualifying for a mortgage with no PMI, such as a USDA loan. Another option is to pursue a mortgage with a lower PMI rate that could help reduce the monthly payment.

Huisache suggested Black home buyers use both realtors and mortgage lenders who specialize in assisting clients with first-time home-buyer programs and other initiatives designed to create more Black homeowners.

“Many first-time home buyer programs offer free real estate education courses so people can take their knowledge into their own hands,” she offered.

For example, last year Bank of America launched The Community Affordable Loan Solution. It is a program aimed  to promote homeownership, including for Black communities in Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Miami. The program offers qualifying home buyers a bank-provided down payment and no closing costs.

RELATED CONTENT: Parents See Schools as Crucial to Home Buying Decision

• Business

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 31, 2023

Atlanta Plans Second Iteration Of Black-Owned Micro Community

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The first ever Black-owned micro-community in Atlanta, located in the College Park neighborhood, is so successful that a second installment is in the works. The South Park Cottages are all under 1,000 square feet, but their impact is already creating a new trend of housing.

The micro-homes come fully equipped with all the standard rooms one would have in a home, including a full kitchen, living room and bathroom, as reported by Atlanta News First. Its developer, Booker T. Washington (who is not related to the historic figure), is out to change the way Black people live, stating that the “unbelievable” living situation is actually a preferred reality for some.

One resident, Janis Williams, downsized tremendously to see if the unorthodox homes would be a good fit. While transitioning from a five-bedroom dwelling to one smaller than the average 2-bedroom apartment was assumed to be rough, Williams believes it’s been a great investment.

“It’s a really good deal for me. I think its the best thing I’ve bought in a long time,” shared the homeowner.

Washington has partnered with Techie Homes to create another Black-owned micro community in the Metro Atlanta suburb of Union City. Taking inspiration from the original blueprint, the neighborhood will be comprised of 26 units with mixed-used retail spaces to be incorporated as well.

Their affordability will also be hard to match, with homes starting at under $200,000. Washington believes that it’s critical to go into renter-heavy communities with homeownership options that are actually viable.

“Union City has over 60-something percent of its population that rent,” the real estate developer said. “We need to provide home ownership options however we can find them.”

As the housing market continues to become more expensive, especially in regards to interest rates, Washington is providing a solution that still makes the opportunity of homeownership available to Black families. To him, its bigger than making a profit; it’s about making an impact.

He noted, “Our purpose is not just about selling homes, our purpose is about growing wealth and decreasing the gap.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Developer of Atlanta Micro Home Community Gifts Black Woman with Her Own Home

• Sports

by Derek Major

August 31, 2023

WNBA Backtracks On Promise Of Charter Flights For All Postseason Travel

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The WNBA will not provide chartered flights for all postseason travel during the WNBA playoffs, according to a memo sent to teams recently.

In the memo obtained by NextHoops.com, the WNBA told teams this week that they won’t be able to use chartered flights for all postseason travel. If a team wins a series on the road and their next series is set to begin on the road, they will be allowed just one charter flight between cities.

In other words, some teams will have to choose between flying from one road series to another without stopping at home in between, or taking one commercial flight and one charter flight between going home and to the next series.

“Between rounds, teams will have the option to charter from the home market or directly to Game 1 of the following round (only one route permitted, not both). Therefore, teams will need to plan their own commercial flight(s) if and when necessary, depending on their choice,” the WNBA memo states, according to Yahoo.

WNBA players have been pushing for chartered flights for years, but the league says that since some franchise owners cannot afford them, it would create an unfair advantage for teams that are able to pay for chartered flights. The league has also tried to find an airline to sponsor chartered flights for the season, but has been unsuccessful. Last year, New York Liberty Owner Joe Tsai was fined $500,000 for allowing his team to travel on chartered flights.

According to the Associated Press, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in April that during the playoffs, flights would be chartered; she also repeated the claim at several points during this season.

The AP previously reported that the cost for all the private flights for the year would be around $4.5 million.

The league has occasionally stepped in to pay for chartered flights across multiple time zones, including for the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury in between Games 2 and 3 of the 2021 Finals.

The WNBA playoffs are set to start Sept. 13. Many are expecting a WNBA Finals matchup between The New York Liberty, who are currently 26-7, and the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces (30-6), who are trying to become the league’s third team to repeat as champions.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Player On Why Charter Planes Is A No. 1 Priority

• News

by Iman Milner

August 31, 2023

‘Hov Did’: Jay-Z And Roc Nation Help Wisconsin Man Falsely Accused And Assaulted By Police to Fight Charges

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Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has been fighting for criminal justice reform by way of the philanthropic and social justice arm of his entertainment company Roc Nation. “Team ROC” regularly funds legal assistance for individuals and families who have been victimized by law enforcement, and its latest focus is justice for Jermelle English Jr. of Wisconsin.

According to The Root, English was dining with his girlfriend and daughter at a local Applebee’s when Kenosha Police incorrectly identified him as the suspect in a hit-and-run accident. He was subsequently thrown to the ground with his daughter in his arms and repeatedly punched in the face; the young child sustained a head injury during the assault.

“The reckless arrest of Jermelle English Jr. and the careless endangerment of his infant child by the Kenosha Police Department is an absolute travesty … Team ROC team is here to support Jermelle and his family through this traumatic experience, demand justice, and hold the Kenosha police officers accountable,” said Team Roc managing director Diana Diaz in a statement.

Despite police identifying the actual suspect, who was hiding in the bathroom of the establishment, English was still arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct in addition to resisting arrest. His girlfriend was also charged with possession of marijuana.

According to TMZ, “Team ROC” has enlisted the help of veteran attorney Alex Spiro in an effort to have all charges against the man and his family dropped. Jay-Z has also been on the front lines of decriminalizing hip-hop lyrics. The 53-year-old rapper and father of three has joined the likes of Meek Mill, Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and over a dozen others in protesting the use of lyrics in criminal cases involving artists. In an open letter entitled Art on Trial: Protect Black Art the entertainers argue, “Rappers are storytellers, creating entire worlds populated with complex characters who can play both hero and villain. But more than any other art form, rap lyrics are essentially being used as confessions in an attempt to criminalize Black creativity and artistry.”

RELATED CONTENT: Yusef Salaam of Exonerated 5 Wins NYC Council Race

The never-ending saga of the Tory Lanez/ Megan Thee Stallion shooting has added another element. Reports have stated that the attorneys for Lanez have filed a motion to bail him out of jail as they appeal his sentence.

According to HipHopDX, court reporter Meghann Cuniff, who has been following the case since it started and has been a source for everything Lanez/Megan-related, has updated the masses once again. She has stated that a “bail on appeal” motion has been filed on behalf of the convicted recording artist.

In a post that the reporter placed on her X account, formerly Twitter, she updated the masses on what steps are now being taken in the case that has continued to captivate the music world. The next court date for the issue will occur next week on Sept. 5.

Ask and ye shall receive: Tory Lanez’s lawyers appear to have filed a motion to bail him out of jail as he appeals his judgment and sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. I don’t have a copy yet, but there’s a docket entry yesterday in the case file.
Hearing is Sept. 5. pic.twitter.com/dPUaDgep5n

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 29, 2023

The hearing will be in front of Judge David Herriford, the same judge who oversaw the trial and gave the Canadian artist the 10-year sentence.

Currently, the 31-year-old is not in the general population while in prison. He has been placed in the “administrative segregation unit” in Los Angeles County Jail. He is only allowed out of his cell for two hours daily.

Lanez is only granted three hours of fresh air each week during his mandated recreation time. He is also being checked on by jail staff every half hour.

Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 for shooting Texas-bred rapper Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete. A jury found Lanez guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

The “Luv” rapper was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot on July 22, 2020, after a party at Kylie Jenner’s house in California.

Related: TORY LANEZ BLASTED FOR RELEASING ‘FREE TORY’ MERCH AFTER MEGAN THEE STALLION SHOOTING SENTENCE