by Sharelle B. McNair

July 31, 2023

Two Black Men Asked To Move To The Back Of The Bus By White Bus Driver In 2023

They say history repeats itself, and that’s exactly what happened to two Black men trying to get home from work on a public bus.

Minnesota natives Jarvis Greenhill and Xavier Davis claim a bus driver ordered them to sit in the back of an empty bus on July 13, the Inforum reports, and they still wonder why. The two passengers showed their tickets to the Jefferson Lines bus driver as they headed to downtown Fargo, North Dakota. Moments later, Greenhill and Davis, who were meeting for the first time, were asked to move. “I’ve seen it on TV. I’ve seen it in the history books, but I never actually had a white person tell me to go to the back,” Davis said. “Two Black guys just so happened to be getting on the bus together. This is a true story in 2023.”

Davis recorded the incident shortly after they were told to move to the back, and the driver was identified as Koby McFarlane, who has worked for the bus company since 2022. He claimed his instructions followed protocol as he typically loads passengers from rear to front and even threatened to call the police if they didn’t comply. “Take your seat before I have you arrested,” the driver can be heard shouting. As both Davis and Greenhill are frequent passengers of the bus line, they both say they’ve never heard of that before. “I don’t want to get wrapped up in that Black Lives Matter deal,” Greenhill said. “This is just human decency. I am just dumbfounded.”

The incident has prompted an investigation within the bus company as Jefferson Lines Director of Sales Kevin Pursey said there may be unique circumstances where a driver asks a passenger to move—like to assist an elderly or disabled person. Essentially, both complied with the driver’s instructions, fearing it would become a criminal situation or they could be kicked off in the middle of nowhere. “It is traumatizing to go to jail for things you didn’t do,” Davis said. “I didn’t want to go to jail for something I didn’t do because I was in the right,” Davis said.

Over the past few months, numerous incidents have occurred on city bus lines across the country. In Charlotte, North Carolina, an argument between a passenger and driver turned violent after the two men engaged in a shootout while the bus was in motion. According to ABC News, the passenger faced numerous charges, and the driver was fired.

by Stacy Jackson

July 31, 2023

Black Co-Founded Scholarship App Created To Help Level The Playing Field For Minority Students

Paying for college does not have to be an obstacle.

On July 26, 2023, Sallie Mae acquired assets from Scholly, a Black-co-founded scholarship app for college students, AfroTech reported.

Sallie Mae CEO Jon Witter said, “Acquiring Scholly’s key assets is aligned with our mission to power confidence in students and families and further solidifies Sallie Mae as an education solutions company.” Witter also said he was “thrilled” to work with Christopher Gray, co-founder of Scholly.

Sallie Mae, a consumer bank and student loan service provider, plans to make the app free, according to AfroTech. Scholly has already been updated in the Apple App Store. On July 25, 2023, the scholarship app released its 3.1.0 version with a note to users. The note in the Apple App Store read, “We are thrilled to announce, starting today [July 25], Scholly Search is now available free of charge.” It reiterates, “Scholly is now free! Enjoy access to our flagship product at no cost to you,” among other changes.

“With Scholly, we created a solution that helps level the playing field and allows every student the opportunity to go to college, regardless of their financial background,” Gray said, according to a statement.

The Scholly co-founder continued, “Sallie Mae shares that same goal, and by making access to Scholly free, together we are further investing in higher education access and affordability for students and families from all backgrounds.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported that the entrepreneur hoped to evolve the company some years ago. Gray said, according to BE, “We are working to move beyond scholarships and evolving into a platform that students can use to get into college and until they graduate from college.” He said Scholly wanted to remove barriers to entering college for minorities. Gray believes the company’s partnership with Sallie Mae will do just that.

future, baby, mother, child support, children, increase, son, ten year old, settle down, children

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 31, 2023

Future Ordered To Pay Child Support Increase After Court Battle With Son’s Mother

Future suffered a loss after the rapper was ordered to increase his monthly child support for a son he shares with one of his eight baby mamas.

The “Mask Off” rapper has been ordered to pay his ex-girlfriend Brittni Mealy $5,000 a month in child support for their 10-year-old son Prince, Radar Online reports. The increase comes thanks to the jump in Future’s monthly income as compared to what he made when the initial ruling was made in 2014.

Future reportedly makes $30,000 a month, far more than the $14,000 a month Mealy brings in. As a result, a judge said the increased child support is necessary based on the “substantial change in the income and financial status of the Father.”

Back in 2014, Future was ordered to pay Mealy $3,000 a month in child support for Prince. But with all the chart-topping hits, touring, and paid appearances the “March Madness” rapper has acquired since then, the judge found it fit to increase his monthly child support.

The ruling comes two years after Mealy sued Future for additional child support. In her filing, she accused the rapper of failing to “exercise his scheduled parenting time” with their son and believes he should bear “the burden of additional expenses for” their child.

Mealy noted the times when she had to pay for child care during Future’s scheduled time with their son due to him being a no-show. Future shares children with eight women including Mealy, singer Ciara, Jessica Smith, India J, professional dancer Joie Chavis, Eliza Seraphin, Cindy Parker, and one woman who has chosen to remain anonymous.

In 2019, Future opened up about why he wants to settle down, just not with one of his baby’s mothers.

“Yeah I wanna settle down with the right woman. She gotta be the right woman at the right time,” he told Hot 97.

“People be like ‘Why don’t you get with your baby mothers you got six to choose from, why won’t you choose one of them?’ If I choose one the others are gonna get mad. Whoever I choose gon’ start a melee.

“I feel like everyone is at a good place at this point,” he continued. “They understand we family. So it is what it is. We family, we always going to be family. You can’t change that.”

by Lauren Nutall

July 31, 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha Announces Plans To Move 2025 Convention From Florida Due To ‘Racist’ Policies

Alpha Phi Alpha, the country’s oldest intercollegiate Black fraternity, has announced plans to move its 2025 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Florida, citing the state’s “harmful” and “racist” policies targeting the Black community. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III decried Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent policy decisions in an official statement.

“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” he said. “In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis.” The event’s relocation will be a significant financial blow to the state’s economy as the convention regularly generates an estimated $4 million in revenue.

This decision comes after Florida released its new K-12 African American Social Studies curriculum that now requires instructors for grades six through eight to highlight how slaves “developed skills” that could be used for their “personal benefit.” The statement drew backlash from civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and national leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who called it an attempt to “gaslight” the Black community. In May, the NAACP issued a travel advisory notice warning various demographics against visiting the Sunshine State.

Extremists are pushing forward revisionist history. They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it. pic.twitter.com/ipCXuGjWTw

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 20, 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha has joined the coalition of organizations protesting Florida’s onslaught of hostile policies as the state’s lawmakers continue to undermine the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and Black citizens. However, the fraternity will continue its community efforts in Dallas this year, where members will participate in a protest march outside City Hall alongside other Divine Nine chapters.

armed forces, desegregate, integrate, 75 years, White House

by Lauren Nutall

July 31, 2023

The White House Honors 75 Years Since The U.S. Armed Forces Were Desegregated

Seventy-five years ago, the United States Armed Forces were desegregated, a decision that followed years of tumultuous racial conflict and several domestic and international wars. Black service members have long fought for their rights at home by fighting battles abroad to secure equality. Though the sentiment is honorable, historically, they rarely reaped the benefits of their service and some even faced persecution for donning the same uniform as their white brethren. However, the White House acknowledged these sacrifices and years of bloodshed in a statement from President Joe Biden.

“…Today, as we commemorate this milestone on our unending journey toward our more perfect union, we honor the contributions, sacrifice, and resilience of the brave servicewomen and men of every background who stepped up to defend our nation—in so many cases, even before their rights as equals under the law had yet to be realized,” he wrote.

The poignant letter comes during a time of racial division and growing tensions as Black Americans continue their fight for justice and equality.

Biden continued his statement, acknowledging the vast history of Black soldiers who have put their lives on the line out of patriotism. “Black regiments joined the cause of the Union in the Civil War while fighting for their own freedom from enslavement. The Harlem Hellfighters helped turn the tide of World War I but did so while assigned to the French Army because American commanders did not allow them to fight alongside white units. The proud Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 sorties in World War II, only to face discrimination and oppression when they returned home. These stories, and countless others, venerate American heroes who never gave up on our country, and in so doing, relentlessly pushed our nation closer to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.”

While the country still bears remnants of those years before, the desegregation of the Armed Forces was the first move in a long-awaited movement to achieve racial equality.

RELATED CONTENT: A Diversity Focus for the Armed Forces

Housing, Panama City, Florida, housing projects, projects, affordable housing

by Lauren Nutall

July 31, 2023

Panama City Unveils New Affordable Housing Complex

Panama City, Florida, held its grand opening for a new affordable housing complex, The Park at Massalina, on July 27. The area is being rebuilt following the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The nine-day disaster left the area in ruins. Now, it is the grounds of a modern housing project offering units at affordable rates, WJHG reports.

When the project was first proposed, affordable housing was not at the forefront of the city leaders’ minds. Still, the housing complex came to fruition with the determination of people like Teri Henry, who is the executive director of Panama City Housing Authority. “There is a lot of love that went into this project,” she told WJHG. “And everyone deserves a beautiful, safe modern home. This community will not only have nice modern units and efficient appliances. It also has a playground, a community garden, a dog park, a community center, as well as a business center that everyone can use.”

The housing complex’s mission is two-fold, however. While it is designed to help those affected by the increased cost of living, it also commemorates a piece of little-known history about the area. The word “Park” is derived from the name of a Black-owned baseball field that belonged to the Panama City Blue Sox in the 1940s and 50s before desegregation. “Massalina” refers to Jose Masslieno, who was the first to live at Red Fish Point along with his son, Hawk.

Lyn Masslieno, the great-grandson of Hawk, spoke about what this housing project means. “Thanks to Hurricane Michael, affordable living places were destroyed. But to have that opportunity to bring it back here to Panama City and give people clean, safe, affordable homes, nice place to live. That is one of the pluses that we are proud of to be able to impact families as well.”

Plus-Sized Boutique Owner Gifts High School Teen Her Dream Prom Dress

by Mary Spiller

July 31, 2023

Plus-Sized Boutique Owner Gifts High School Teen Her Dream Prom Dress

Summer Lucille, a plus-size clothing boutique owner, has made a North Carolina teen’s prom dreams come true. In a viral TikTok video posted on March 11, Lucille gifted high school senior Elyse Monroe her $700 dream prom dress for free.

Lucille recalled growing up in the 1990s and how much she dreaded shopping for things like prom dresses while being plus-sized. She told TODAY, “If you weren’t skinny, there weren’t many options, and it was devastating for me because I’ve always loved fashion. I went to my prom looking like a church lady in a suit dress with a jacket because it was the only thing that fit.”

“It was a very sad period in my life. But I’m thankful for those experiences now. I know what it’s like to be a fat girl in a fatphobic world.”

She cited those moments as why she opened up her boutique, Juicy Body Goddess, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Located in the Northlake Mall, the store prides itself on being inclusive and accessible, carrying clothing sizes up to 6 XL.

Eighteen-year-old senior Monroe described finding the Juicy Body Goddess on TikTok and traveling around six hours to consult with Lucille for a prom dress.

In the viral TikTok video with over 12 million views, Lucille showed Monroe trying on several beautiful dresses while she hyped her up. All the prom dresses were gorgeous, but Monroe fell in love with a sparkling purple gown. Monroe, described as shy, lit up and smiled at herself in the mirror as she twirled and looked herself over.

@juicybodygoddess I didn’t cry until I did edit #plussize #plussizetiktok #juicybodygoddess #plussizefashion ♬ original sound – JuicyBodyGoddess

The soon-to-be prom-goer described that Lucille’s positivity made the experience extremely positive. She said, “Shopping is usually pretty stressful for me, which is why I mostly shop online — but we were laughing the whole time. It was actually fun.”

Monroe and her family brought the dress to the counter to check out, knowing they wanted to purchase it.

Lucille shocked the family by saying, “So this dress is $700 … but it’s free. We’re giving it to you.” She continued telling the outlet that she wasn’t sure why she gave the Monroe family the dress for free. “It’s just a feeling,” She said. “These prom consultations heal me. I cry at almost every one.”

Monroe and her family brought the purple evening gown back to her home in North Carolina. She opened up to TODAY about how much she loved it. “Not only does it fit — but it makes me feel good about myself,” she told TODAY. Monroe expressed, “Prom is a night where you want to feel beautiful, and I feel beautiful in that dress.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 31, 2023

WNBA Star Riquna Williams Arrested For Domestic Battery

Riquna Williams, a WNBA player for the Las Vegas Aces, was arrested on July 25 for an alleged domestic violence incident involving her spouse. Since the announcement, the franchise has barred her from all team activities as the investigation continues.

According to ESPN, Williams faces multiple charges, including domestic battery by strangulation and coercion. She has been charged with nine counts, including five felonies and four misdemeanors, with the latter all under domestic battery.

Despite the lengthy charges, Williams was released from jail without bail. However, a stipulation prohibited the athlete from contacting her spouse, in addition to alcohol monitoring. The 33-year-old must abide by these guidelines until her next court date on Aug. 2.

In the interim, her role on the Aces remains on pause, as the team made an official statement on July 26 regarding the news.

“As an organization, we condemn domestic violence of any kind. At this time, Riquna Williams will be precluded from participating in team activities. Our thoughts are with the parties involved in this situation. We are currently gathering more information, and as such we will not have any further comments at this time.”

The police report detailed that the altercation was incited after Williams accused her partner of infidelity. After gathering evidence proving her assumption correct, Williams returned to their home, where the confrontation escalated into a physical assault. The report also listed that Williams allegedly tried to strangle the victim.

Williams has a history of domestic violence. She was arrested in 2019 for assaulting her former partner. As a result, she was suspended for 10 games while playing for the Los Angeles Sparks at the time.

The Miami alum has been unable to play this season due to a lower back injury. However, she was part of the Aces’ championship win back in 2022.

The WNBA has shared that they were “aware” of William’s current legal issue and are garnering more facts on the assault case.

“We are monitoring the situation and have no further comment at this time,” shared WNBA Executive Director Terri Jackson.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 31, 2023

Cori Bush Calls Out Republican On House Floor, ‘Your Bills Are Racist’

Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) literally put it on the House floor this week when she told one Republican about their “racist” bills.

It all went down on Thursday, July 27, after GOP lawmakers passed the first of 12 annual appropriations bills, The Hill reports. Bush was addressing House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who had just approved legislation to fund military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies.

“Your bills are racist,” she shouted out before being met with boos from Republicans.

Once a video of the exchange made its way online, Bush retweeted the clip and doubled down on her remarks.

“I said what I said,” she tweeted along with the shrug emoji.

I said what I said 🤷🏾‍♀️ https://t.co/ZTjfUfJ24K

— Congresswoman Cori Bush (Archived) (@RepCori) July 27, 2023

Bush shouted over Scalise, who scolded Democrats for not supporting the GOPs’ appropriation measures.

“We could stay here and watch you vote against every single other appropriations bill,” he said.

“We’re going to continue negotiations during the August recess to make sure we get back to funding the priorities of the nation.”

Following Bush’s outburst, Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass, made a statement of her own to fellow lawmakers, as captured by USA Today.

“We hope that you will say no to extremism, to hatred, to bigotry, that is put into these appropriations bills, and say yes to solutions and fairness for the American people,” she said.

The Milcon-VA bill was passed in a 219-211 vote Thursday, with every Democrat and two Republicans voting against the measure. Congress is working to pass legislation to fund the government before the monthlong recess in August. Bills must be implemented by Sept. 30 or risk a government shutdown.

But it’s been challenging for much of The House legislation to get passed in a Democratic-controlled Senate. Democrats are combatting controversial provisions Republicans added to spending bills that would restrict abortion access, diversity and inclusion policies, and more.

Jadarrius Rose Says He Was Afraid For His Life When Ohio Police Released Dog On Him

by Mary Spiller

July 31, 2023

Jadarrius Rose Says He Was Afraid For His Life When Ohio Police Released Dog On Him

The Ohio Black man attacked by a police dog with his hands up has opened up about the traumatic experience. Jadarrius Rose sat down with NBC News’ Tom Llamas on Top Story with Tom Llamas on Thursday, July 27.

Rose described being terrified of being killed and that fearing for his life initially prevented him from stopping his vehicle when police attempted to stop him in his truck. “I just didn’t want to lose my life or lose my arm,” Rose told NBC News.

In the interview, Rose’s civil rights attorney, Ben Crump, agreed that he had good reason to fear for his life. He described the incident as racially charged and an abuse of power reminiscent of the travesties conducted during the Civil Rights Movement.

Crump said, “[Rose] was on his knees, putting his hands in the air, which is the universal sign of surrender. What more can a Black person do to say that ‘I’m not putting you in fear’?” He even pointed out that Rose called 911 during the incident and told the operator that he was scared the police would kill him if he stopped the car during the chase.

Audio released by the Ohio authorities relayed the conversation between Rose and the dispatcher. When instructed to roll down his window and stop, he responded, “I did that the last time, and all of them had their guns pointed at me. You think I feel safe?”

As reported earlier this week, 23-year-old Rose was attacked by a police dog after a car chase with Ohio State Highway Patrol on July 4. The vehicle chase ensued after a motor carrier enforcement inspector from the highway patrol tried to stop Rose as he was driving a semi-truck because the semi “was missing a left rear mud flap.”

The body camera footage showed Rose finally pulling the semi over and getting out with his hands up. The body camera footage showed one highway patrol trooper yelling at Officer Ryan Speakman, the one with the dog, “Do not release the dog with his hands up!”

Soon after instructing Speakman not to sic the dog on Rose, the officer disobeyed and let the dog go. The dog attacked Rose and bit him multiple times while officers watched.

Rose was then charged with “failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer,” and Speakman was fired.