Kim, kardashian, c-murder, trial
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 5, 2023

Kim Kardashian Pushes For C-Murder To Be Released From Prison, Advocates For New Trial

Kim Kardashian is putting her lawyer hat back on.

Kardashian is pushing for rapper C-Murder, brother of Master P, to be released from a Louisiana prison, citing a new law that could grant him a new trial, TMZ reports. C-Murder, whose real name is Corey Miller, has been locked up since 2002 on a second-degree murder charge.

The mother of four posted some facts regarding the case on Twitter, sharing that Miller’s conviction was based on the testimony of two men that the state of Louisiana “dragged” into trial on material witness warrants.

“Those men have now sworn that their prior testimony was untrue,” Kardashian tweeted.

“There is no remaining evidence that even suggests that Corey Miller is any more culpable than the hundreds of patrons who were at the Platinum Club on January 12, 2002, when Steve Thomas was tragically shot.”

The Skims founder continued to point out Louisiana’s new law, Section 926.2, that allows people to submit new factual evidence to prove their innocence. She claims that instead of police searching for the real assailant, the local sheriff’s office “zeroed in” on Miller’s case.

“The State’s case was minimal, limited to the now-recanted testimony of Darnell and Kenneth Jordan, and rather than call the five defense witnesses who testified at the first trial that Mr. Miller was not the shooter, trial counsel played the audio of their testimony for the jury,” Kardashian continued.

She ended her lengthy tweet saying she is committed to making sure Miller receives his day in court and to make sure justice is served. “While I strongly believe in Corey’s innocence, my heart goes out to the victims- and I pray for their healing and the closure that they deserve.”

The No Limit rapper has received outspoken support from Kardashian and ex-girlfriend, singer Monica Brown.

RELATED CONTENT: Actor Tyrese Gibson Gets Candid About Mass Incarceration in New Film The System

Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Anniston, anti-semitism
by Daniel Johnson

August 5, 2023

Jamie Foxx’ ‘Fake Friend’ Post Misread As Anti-Semitic Because White Folks Don’t Get Black Colloquialism

Actor Jamie Foxx, who recently recovered from a health scare, was accused of anti-Semitism following an Instagram post posted in the early hours of August 5. The post, which appeared to be some kind of cautionary warning from Foxx about “fake friends,” received backlash from some on social media. 

Jennifer Aniston, best known for her role on the sitcom Friends, posted a stern reminder on her Instagram Stories where she stands on the topic of anti-Semitism, US Magazine reported. She was accused of liking Foxx’s post.

Aniston wrote: “This really makes me sick. I did not ‘like’ this post on purpose or by accident. And more importantly, I want to be clear to my friends and anyone hurt by this showing up in their feeds—I do NOT support antisemitism. And I truly don’t tolerate HATE of any kind. Period.”

In what seems like an incredible misread of what Foxx intended, some online thought that Foxx was invoking the idea that the Jewish people were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ and bear that guilt forever.

The post read: “They killed this dude name Jesus … What do you think hey’ll do to you???!” he wrote on both his Instagram and Instagram Story, alongside “Fake Friends” and “Fake Love” hashtags.

It is unclear if there will be any consequences or assignments from Foxx from organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, but Jewish scholars and activists were not happy with Foxx.

Brooke Goldstein, author of End Jew Hatred: A Manual For Mobilization wrote on Twitter: “Once again a celebrity fanning the flames of Jew hatred on social media. This blood libel has motivated violent acts of persecution against Jewish people for centuries. As a fellow minority Jamie should know better how dangerous this is. I urge him to educate himself on this topic.”

 

The discussion online, particularly from Black Twitter, seems to be centered on the idea that this was not intended as a swipe at Jewish people or the Jewish faith.

Foxx, in his apology post, said as much: “To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant with ‘they’ not anything more. I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. My deepest apologies to anyone who was offended.”

Foxx closed his statement with three heart emojis in succession. 

Greensboro Apartment Manager Arrested After Assaulting Black Children
by Daniel Johnson

August 5, 2023

Greensboro Apartment Manager Arrested After Assaulting Black Children

Trigger Warning: This story will discuss violence against children and may contain graphic content that may upset some readers. 

 

A 62-year-old Greensboro, North Carolina, apartment manager has been arrested after police confirmed an assault occurred on Thursday, Aug. 3, at the Sedgefield Gardens Apartment complex. Kimberly Jennings has been charged with two counts of assault on a child under 12. A viral video shows a woman who looks like Jennings pouring soda on a young child and hitting him with the bottle while two other adults watch. Jace Eury, the 11-year-old boy in the video, stood up for his sister when Jennings apparently turned her wrath on him. Eury’s mother, Jae Eury, told Yes Weekly she would like Jennings fired. “I’m pissed off. The kids were angry, especially my son. It started because she hit my daughter, and her brother stood up for her. I want her fired. I want her life destroyed. I want her to have nothing and be nothing like she made my kids feel.”

The Gate City Coalition supports Eury in her fight against Jennings. John Awolowo, the supervisor for the west side corridor area, is lending Eury support in calling for Jennings to be fired. Awolowo told Yes Weekly, “We try to keep the violence down in the area and mentor the kids, so this goes hand in hand. The children are the future, and we are not standing for that. You don’t harm a child. You don’t assault a child.” Awolowo is also concerned about how this will potentially impact Jace down the road and wants to support the young boy if he needs therapy for the trauma he may have incurred as a result of this attack. Awolowo also wonders how many other children have dealt with these kinds of incidents.

The Greensboro chapter of the NAACP says the family has its full support. NAACP Greensboro Chapter President Kay Brown told Yes Weekly, “Racism will not be tolerated. Housing discrimination will not be tolerated, and we stand behind the family. I have two young sons myself, and I know that I would be very upset if somebody laid hands on my child.” Though Jennings was arrested, she was released from custody after giving a promise to appear, according to a spokesperson from the Guilford County Sherriff’s office. The community gathered for an impromptu protest outside the apartment complex on Friday, Aug. 4. The Greensboro community appears united behind the children and their mother, who is determined that her kids receive the justice they so richly deserve.

 

@tizzyent

Sedgefield Apartments in Greensboro NC You have some explaining to do. And go watch @Always Vee full video.

♬ original sound – TizzyEnt

cannabis
by Mary Spiller

August 5, 2023

Newark Approves Raekwon’s Application For Cannabis Dispensary & Lounge

Newark approved Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon The Chef’s application to open a dual cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge on July 24, according to NJBiz.

Despite the Newark Central Planning Board refusing to endorse the Hashstoria application earlier this year, during its meeting last month, board members voted to grant conditional use for Hashstoria to open a “Class 5 cannabis retail facility.” The Oregon-based company, financially supported by Raekwon, is moving forward with renovating a space in Newark, New Jersey’s Four Corners Historic District. Located at 799-805 Broad St, the lounge will feature an entirely new brick exterior and unique windows to showcase artwork from the community on an original 1900s building.

Rachael Grochowski, principal at Montclair-based RHG Architecture+Design, expressed her excitement to participate in the project. Grochowski said, “We are thrilled about this project, and it represents an exciting opportunity to merge history, community, and innovation. Our partnership with Hashstoria, founded by a collaboration of iconic rapper Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, the passionate civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers and radio, tv personality, and mental health advocate Charlamagne tha God, and others, is an intentional effort to bring forth a cannabis retail dispensary and consumption lounge that not only respects Newark’s heritage but also reflects a commitment to social justice, expungement, mental health, and creativity.”

She continued to emphasize the importance of the design of the cannabis lounge for it to be successful. “Design plays a crucial role in elevating the overall cannabis experience, and we are committed to creating an environment that offers a sophisticated, inclusive, and enjoyable experience. The cannabis industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the vision and creativity of innovative designers and creatives, leaders from across the industry who are revolutionizing cannabis consumption. We are so excited to craft a space that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and sensory engagement, ultimately enhancing the journey of both seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and the cannabis-curious alike,” Grochowski explained.

10 Million Names Project Digs Into History Of Black Families
by Daniel Johnson

August 5, 2023

10 Million Names Project Digs Into History Of Black Families

The 10 Million Names Project from American Ancestors is designed to create a database of names and stories of Black people who were enslaved in the United States before 1865, the year the Civil War edned. .

“Before roughly the mid-20th century, data about enslaved Africans and their descendants was really hard to locate. It was often obscured or erased or difficult to find,” Kendra Field, the project’s chief historian, told ABC News. “During that same period, descendants from, say, Mayflower, had access to a whole different set of tools and documents.”

According to its website, the project aims to collect information through a network of genealogists, historians, cultural organizations, and descendant communities. The project’s intention is to create a document-based research database to amplify the voices and stories of people who have been trying to archive their family stories for centuries.

The project estimates that the 10 million people who were enslaved between the 16th century and the Civil War have around 44 million descendants who were separated forcibly from their family histories by slavery. 

The project’s advisory board features Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of the popular PBS show Finding Your Roots which has popularized a new frenzy of genealogy research. Joining Gates are Paula Williams Madison, Gwill York, Richard Cellini, Kendra Field, and Supreme Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who serves in an honorary role on the board.

What laid the foundation for this initiative was the research from American Ancestors that proved Georgetown University sold enslaved people. 

“Our collaboration with Richard Cellini on the Georgetown Memory Project served as a model and launch pad for 10 Million Names,” said Ryan Woods, the executive vice president and chief operating officer for American Ancestors, in a press release. “The work done on the Georgetown project demonstrated we could apply a different methodology to help more Americans of African descent recover their family history before 1870—which is often difficult.”

ABC News will be the project’s exclusive media partner. Over the course of a year, the network will feature programming featuring the finding and research from the job as well as “impactful and informative storytelling and reporting” across all of ABC’s platforms.

The public has already been invited to explore the website, where a number of resources are available, and more will be added regularly. In addition, the site encourages visitors to submit original family materials like family trees, copies of diaries or records, bible records, or interviews with family members to help build the database.

“ABC News is proud to be the exclusive media partner on this historic project to tell the untold stories of familial histories that have been a mystery until now, and we are looking forward to serving our audiences with straightforward reporting that shines a light on this chapter in American history,” said Kim Godwin, ABC News president. 

Alena Analeigh
by Mary Spiller

August 5, 2023

14-Year-Old Alena Analeigh Youngest African American To Be Accepted Into Med School

Alena Analeigh, 14, is making history as a junior enrolled at Arizona State University. According to CBS News, she is the youngest African American to be accepted into medical school.

Alena, who grew up outside Fort Worth, Texas, graduated high school at just 12, is studying biosciences at ASU and is very interested in cancer research. 

“I really found, like, this is what I want to do. It’s not something that they see every day, but for me, it’s like doing what I love,” Alena said. “It’s my passion.”

Her drive for learning and intelligence allowed her to become an intern at the American Cancer Society Diversity in Cancer Research program, located at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Alena has studied natural drug treatments for ovarian cancer. 

“I was more focused on research,” Alena said. “I loved all the stuff that was happening in the lab, stuff that people develop every day. Like, what could I really do to be in the lab to get more experience? And, then, that’s when I found this program.”

UMD School of Medicine Associate Professor and Alena’s mentor, Dr. Tonya Webb, articulated what Alena has accomplished thus far.

“She’s used compounds that are found in licorice, green tea, and ginseng and has been able to show that some of them can cause the cancer to shrink in size,  as well as look at the immune system,” Webb said. “At this stage, she’s learning so much. She’s growing and developing, and to show her that she can have an impact in the field of cancer research is just a privilege.”

Alena wants to inspire other young women of color on her path, called “Brown STEM Girl.”

“I’m trying to accomplish something, and I just want other girls to aspire to do what they love, especially girls of color,” she said.

Following her cancer research, Alena wants to return to ASU to finish college in the fall.

Union Square, Kai Cenat, NYPD
by Mary Spiller

August 5, 2023

Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat To Be Charged With Inciting A Riot In Union Square

Online YouTuber and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat will be charged with at least two counts of inciting a riot and unlawful assembly after thousands of frenzied people gathered in Union Square Friday, August 4, in response to Cenat promising a PlayStation giveaway.

As reported by ABC News, Cenat made a post at around 3 p.m. promising to give away PS5s in Union Square on Friday. The viral post attracted a massive chaotic crowd. 

NYPD officers were forced to keep the masses under control as participants grew progressively rowdy. The park and surrounding streets surrounding became overcrowded. Videos from the incident show people jumping on cars and buses and even taking wood, axes, and shovels from a nearby construction site. 

According to Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, the NYPD responded to the situation in riot gear but could not quickly disperse the crowd. Violence and confusion continued as attendees set off fireworks in the crowd.

Several officers were injured during the riot after being struck with objects, and six people were taken to the hospital. NYPD investigators revealed that Cenat was inciting and interacting with the rowdy crowd before leaving Union Square in the midst of its escalation. 

On his Instagram, Cenat shared news coverage of the incident and said, “Please be safe. I love you guys to the fullest. You guys are amazing.”

The NYPD arrested 65 people, a little under half of whom were minors. 

Maddrey said in a press release that many of the young people attack officers who tried to get them to disperse from the “unpermitted” event. He admitted that he wished the young people’s parents would have been able to step in. 

“I had thousands of kids out there. I needed thousands of parents,” Maddrey said. “When it gets to the point where it’s disorderly, we want the parents to come and take control. We were crushed; we were pushed.” 

He added, “We’re not against young people having a good time, we’re not against young people gathering, but it can’t be to this level where it’s dangerous. A lot of people got hurt today.”

Skylar Diggins-Smith Says Mercury Are Denying Her Benefits
by Daniel Johnson

August 5, 2023

Skylar Diggins-Smith Says Mercury Are Denying Her Benefits

Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith alleged on social media that she was not allowed to use the team’s facilities while on maternity leave.

Diggins-Smith replied to a Twitter/X user who expressed disappointment that the team did not wish her a happy birthday by telling the user that she and the Mercury don’t really have any contact beyond the team paying her salary.

Later, she would post that she did not have the same access to team facilities like a massage therapist, strength and conditioning, or team chefs that other players are allowed to use.

When asked about it on Aug. 3, ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream, Mercury interim head coach Nikki Blue told ESPN, “Skylar is on maternity leave right now and as we do with players on maternity leave, we give them their space.”

When pressed if Diggins-Smith’s allegations were true, Blue responded: “What I’m really excited about is just tonight, like we’re focused. Want to go out there and have a good game against Atlanta.”

Outside of affirming that Diggins-Smith is on paid maternity leave, the Mercury has not commented publicly on Diggins-Smith’s allegations. 

The WNBA has had a run of issues with how its teams deal with pregnancy, testing their new collective bargaining agreement.

In January 2023, Dearica Hamby accused the Las Vegas Aces of discrimination against her because she was pregnant. Hamby posted a statement on Instagram giving her side of the story, 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by dearica marie hamby (@dearicamarie)

“I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false. I was told that I was a question mark’ and that it was said that I said I would ‘get pregnant again,’ and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team. I was told that ‘I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain’ (because ‘no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years’).”

After an investigation, the WNBA ruled in May 2023 that the Aces violated the league’s rules on workplace policies and impermissible benefits. As a result, the team was stripped of its 2025 first-round pick, and for her role, head coach Becky Hammon was suspended for two games. The league recently won protections for its players in 2020’s CBA, one of its biggest wins was the provision of maternity benefits. Paid leave, child care stipends, larger housing, and overall support for the league’s new mothers were all things the league’s players count as major wins. However, these developments cast doubt on how some of the league’s teams operate under the new CBA.

Speaking to Yahoo about how some teams view pregnancy from a contract situation, retired WNBA player Sue Bird said, “Obviously, we’ve seen it’s put this, I was going to say pressure, I don’t even know if that’s the right word, [but] it’s made teams almost like, pissy, that they have to spend their money on the player and they don’t get their money back on their cap,” Bird explained.

“Which A, you’ll be fine. In a year you’ll be fine. But B, maybe there is something that works for both sides.”

Diggins-Smith is a big reason why the players were pushing for that policy in the first place. In 2019, Diggins-Smith revealed that she had played the 2018 season for the Dallas Wings organization while pregnant. In now-deleted tweets, she alleged that the team had questioned her commitment to the team. Given those sentiments, Diggins-Smith wanted out and chose the Mercury because she perceived them as an organization that cared about the health and safety of mothers on the team. Unfortunately, it appears that the new management and ownership of the Mercury may have put Diggins-Smith back into another fight to receive her full benefits owed under the CBA. The current CBA runs until 2027, but the players can opt-out in 2025 if they want to push for a better deal.

Charles Ogletree, Famed Harvard Law Professor, Passes Away At Age 70
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 5, 2023

Charles Ogletree, Famed Harvard Law Professor, Passes Away At Age 70

Charles Ogletree, professor at Harvard Law School and acclaimed defense attorney, has died at age 70 following a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He leaves a legacy of racial justice advocacy that impacted his workplace and profession.

Born in Merced, California, his parents ingrained in him a passion for education, leading to his entrance to Stanford University, where he began his efforts in activism.

“Tree,” a nickname used by his friends, used his intelligence and platform to enact change for racial equity in global affairs. Notably, Ogletree aided in revising South Africa’s constitution after the dismantling of apartheid, according to NPR.

He was also a trusted adviser and confidante of former President Barack Obama, who learned under Ogletree while pursuing his own law degree at Harvard.

“He helps lift up voices that have been forgotten and have been lost, and that’s been his life’s work,” shared Obama about his “true friend.”

His dedication to standing up for others also led him to represent Anita Hill in her claims of sexual harassment against then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. His other work also extended to supporting Tupac Shakur and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Ogletree was influenced by BLACK ENTERPRISE founder Earl G. Graves Sr. and sang Graves’ praises as a “giant in business” at a BE town hall.

 


Upon his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, the legal scholar turned the unfortunate circumstance into awareness for Black individuals disproportionately impacted by the disease.

An advocate through every stage of life, he remained a face in equal rights upliftment by accepting awards to share stories of hope as his health declined.

“I want to be remembered not for awards … but really remembered for somebody who was lifted up by others who saw there was some hope in me. … That’s what life is all about.”

An author, activist, and overall trailblazer for equality across all groups, Ogletree is a testimony to a continued faith in oneself and the power of seeking justice for marginalized people.

“I think Tree will go down in history as a champion of justice,” expressed Dennis Sweet, who developed a longstanding friendship with Ogletree after meeting as public defenders. “He’s going to have one heck of a legacy.”

Expelled Democratic Representatives Vie For ReInstatement In Tennessee Special Election
by Iman Milner

August 5, 2023

Expelled Democratic Representatives Vie For ReInstatement In Tennessee Special Election

Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones made national headlines when they demanded gun reform in March of this year during a heated protest on the House floor. They were both expelled from the Tennessee Republican-led House, a decision that drew ire from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and citizens across the country.

Now, Pearson and Jones must rely on votes from two districts in a special election to determine whether they’ll have a full reinstatement.

According to The Guardian, Jones faces off against Republican candidate Laura Nelson for a seat representing District 52. In contrast, Pearson will run opposite independent candidate Jeff Johnston for the opportunity to represent District 86, which also covers part of Memphis. Having already won their primary elections, Jones and Pearson feel strongly that their chances are positive of returning to the House; however, they allege that Republicans of sending out “negative mailers” to voters in their districts.

Both men have received substantial fiscal support for their campaigns, with Forbes reporting that over $2 million was raised to help ensure reelection, which easily trumps their opponents’ financial aid.

Still, Jones and Pearson face House Republicans who boldly claim that their “disrespectful and deliberate efforts to disrupt the business of the House” leave little recourse to being able to move forward peacefully. Though the men were reinstated to their seats by Nashville’s Metropolitan Council and the Shelby County Board of Commission in April, the upcoming election will determine if they can finish their terms before serving their expulsion. Support for “the Justins” has remained steadfast, and they’ve both called upon their newfound fans to help them spread the word about the elections. “Let’s send a clear message to everyone who thought they could silence the voice of District 86,” Pearson tweeted. “You can’t expel a movement!”

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