Train

‘Get Off My Train’ Train Conductor Defends Muslim Passengers From Racist Attack


A train conductor in Connecticut is being praised for defending two Muslim women who were targeted in a racist verbal assault from a white passenger.

In a TikTok post that has amassed thousands of views shared by one of the victims, a white woman can be seen spewing a medley of hateful remarks before being approached by the conductor of the train who then asks her to leave.

“This lady verbally attacked my mother and I on the train to Hartford yesterday evening. We were sitting next to each other, minding our business, when this lady got on the train and sat next to us. As she took her seat, she looked at us and started shouting about how Obama’s to blame for letting foreign exchange students into the country”, the user’s caption reads. “However, she became increasingly more belligerent as she talked about white supremacy, FGM, and the sexualization of children. I made the decision to record her as we feared for our safety. Several passengers defended us and told her to stop. Some passengers got off the train and informed train workers. I want to THANK them and the guy working on the train from the bottom of my heart for standing up for us. They are our heroes!!! Thank you for doing what’s right!”

@mrwa043 HIJABIS VERBALLY ATTACKED ON TRAIN tiktok work your magic plz🙏🏽 This lady verbally attacked my mother and I on the train to Hartford yesterday evening. We were sitting next to each other, minding our business, when this lady got on the train and sat next to us. As she took her seat, she looked at us and started shouting how Obama’s to blame for letting foreign exchange students into this country. She made comments on how, in her opinion, they overstay their visas and don’t have a right in this country. She blamed law enforcement for not checking up on the status of “these illegal people”. That’s when my mom mother turned to me and asked me “does she think we’re students”? I laughed at her question and said “I don’t know”. We made a decision to ignore her ignorant commentary. However, she became increasingly more belligerent as she talked about white supremacy, FGM, and the sexualization of children. I made the decision to record her as we feared for our safety. Several passengers defended us and told her to stop. Some passengers got off the train and informed train workers. I want to THANK them and the guy working on the train from the bottom of my heart for standing up for us. They are our heroes!!! Thank you for doing what’s right!!#viral #fyp #muslimtiktok #hijabitiktok #hijabis #buzzfeed #islam #islamictiktok #blacklivesmatter #awareness #racism #explore #trending #connecticut #newyork #viralvideo #viraltiktok ♬ original sound – m🌱

When the conductor arrived on the scene, the woman quickly attempted to downplay her verbal attack; however, he stood firm and admonished her behavior.

“Look at me,” the conductor said. “You will never ride my train again. I will look at you and tell you you cannot ride, you understand that? I cannot physically remove you, but I can stop you from getting on. Do not talk to passengers that way.”

Though she didn’t leave the train, the conductor remained near the women to ensure her insults ceased. According to The Daily Beast, the conductor took further steps to report the incident to TransitAmerica Services and his superiors.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Pharrell, Drapetomaniax

Pharrell Teams Up With The ‘Dean of Black Twitter,’ Michael Harriot To Drop New Podcast ‘Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History’


Multi-hyphenate Pharrell Williams has entered the podcast world. 

The new podcast series, Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History is a partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and Pharrell’s production company, OTHERTone. The podcast is hosted by journalist, cultural critic, and the “Dean of Black Twitter,” Michael Harriot.

The first episode is currently availableDrapetomaniax will present a weekly episode that uncovers the untold stories of Black Americans in history from a Black perspective, including the story of Rosetta Tharpe, the queer Black woman who invented rock and roll.

According to a press release, each episodes features “a recipe that includes detailed research, a little barbershop humor, and a parade of celebrity guests…Drapetomaniax will spotlight key figures and moments in Black American history that were previously whitewashed from textbooks.”

Drapetomaniax is a simple recipe,” said Harriot in a written statement. “We picked the most fascinating figures and important-but-largely-unknown events from Black history and seasoned it with the biggest stars, the best storytellers, and the most respected scholars.”

Harriot has been credited for coining the popular phrase “invited to the cookout.” He has been seen on various media outlets like MSNBC and CNN when they seek an authoritative voice on race, culture, and politics. His writings as a journalist have been seen in prominent publications such as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The Guardian.

Drapetomaniax will speak to and highlight key figures and moments in Black American history that may have been inaccurately reported in school textbooks. Featured guests will include the likes of MSNBC’s Joy Reid, humorist Roy Wood Jr., actress Yvette Nicole Brown, journalists Nikole Hannah-Jones and Roland Martin, actor KevOnStage, politician Bakari Sellers, and television personality Tiffany Cross.

Pharrell is the executive producer at OTHERTone, and Moses Ajibade Soyoola is the producer. 

You can subscribe to Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History on various podcast platforms. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher are just a few that will have the program on their platforms. You can get more information on the series by following @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

The National Labor Relations Board Files Complaint Against Amazon For Refusal To Improve Work Conditions

The National Labor Relations Board Files Complaint Against Amazon For Refusal To Improve Work Conditions


The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a formal complaint against Amazon, citing the company’s refusal to bargain with a union representing its Staten Island warehouse workers.

According to Forbes, last year workers at the JFK8 warehouse voted to unionize to improve their working conditions. Amazon has since tried to invalidate the movement of the JFK8 employees by accusing the NLRB of interfering during the unionization drive and the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) of using scare tactics to elicit support. Amazon has yet to implement a contract approving the requests of the ALU.

As it stands, the Amazon Labor Union is the only certified union representing Amazon workers in the country, according to The New York Times. ALU’s president Christian Smalls has received prominent praise for his leadership and rebuke of labor practices at the world’s largest retailer.

However, dissenting opinions surrounding Smalls’ decisions have risen in recent months.

A group that calls itself the A.L.U Democratic Reform Caucus has argued that the union and Smalls have illegally refused to “hold officer elections which should have been scheduled no later than March 2023.”

The caucus cited an early version of the union’s constitution in which there was a promise to elect officers no more than 60 days after the NLRB certified its victory against Amazon. In December, however, leadership presented an updated constitution to the membership that postponed elections until after the union ratified a contract with Amazon; a move that could take many years or not happen at all.

Many see these internal conflicts as a costly display of weakness that could put a damper on the union’s chances of getting all they’ve asked for from Amazon.

“I am concerned that the apparent turmoil within the ALU E. Board means that little is being done to organize the workers and prepare for the battle with Amazon,” said Bill Fletcher Jr., a mediator brought in to help ease communications between the two groups.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba Gets Into The Global Marketing and Content Game With New Agency ‘Silly Face’


Idris Elba is capturing our hearts in new ways.

The British heartthrob has launched a new international marketing and content company called SillyFace, The Wrap reports. Headquartered in London, and with offices in New York and Los Angeles, the company will help brands improve on diversity representation in the advertising space. Elba is partnering with independent British media group Miroma Group owner Marc Boyan..

SillyFace’s name was inspired by the actor’s plea to bring back a sense of fun to the space.

“I’m at my creative best when I am relaxed, not anxious or considering all the ‘what ifs.’ However, this isn’t always the atmosphere that creatives are faced with when brand building,” Elba said, according to a press release on the Miroma Group website. “SillyFace is here to bring back that feeling of creative excellence. We want more voices, more views, and open, mutually respected ideation.”

Elba and Boyan decided to start their own brand after looking to acquire a British public broadcast station. However, after the government decided against selling it, the deal fell through.

The Hijack star says today’s climate in the entertainment space makes it hard for brands to be successful. “Consumers are so smart, now, they can smell the b*******, they want to be sort of treated with integrity, they want to be represented,” Elba said. “This new venture will give me the ability to create powerful marketing campaigns. Campaigns that will truly resonate and engage with the people I want to connect with…I can’t wait to get started.”

This is not the only partnership Elba has established in order to create the content people are looking for. Earlier this year, Elba announced he is working with media mogul Mo Abudu to develop television and movie industries across Africa that will bring African stories to a broader audience.

WNBA Drafts Mielle Organics As First Textured Haircare Partner

WNBA Drafts Mielle Organics As First Textured Haircare Partner


Mielle Organics has inked a deal with the WNBA to serve as the league’s first textured haircare partner.

“The WNBA is excited to partner with Mielle, a brand that is committed to empowering women and supporting women’s sports,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “This year’s WNBA Live in Las Vegas will not only give us the chance to celebrate our game but also the opportunity to tip off this dynamic partnership with Mielle.”

The multi-year partnership will officially begin during the WNBA All-Star game in Vegas on Saturday, July 15, 2023. The brand is set to host a variety of activations across several events throughout the weekend.

 

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A post shared by Mielle Organics LLC (@mielleorganics)

This is the second foray into the world of women’s sports for Mielle as the brand recently welcomed LSU star basketball player Angel Reese as an ambassador through a NIL deal.

After being acquired by Proctor & Gamble in January, many wondered whether the brand would maintain its commitment to its mission and target demographic; however, the company’s recent moves seem to put those worries to rest. Mielle Organics remains one of the fastest-growing multicultural brands in history and continues to be a favorite of those looking for healthy and safe products for their natural hair.

The WNBA has shown a vested interest in capitalizing off of the stylish and glamorous way many players have begun to show up across the league. From posting tunnel outfits to collaborating with beauty brands like Glossier, the WNBA has started to take notice of the far-reaching appeal of its players.

Specifically, the league’s Black players have large followings who look forward to seeing their style on and off the court. Players like A’ja Wilson, Lexie Brown, Dijonai Carrington and Chelsea Gray have been turning the heads of major fashion houses and brands.

all-star, jersey

The 2023 WNBA All-Star Game Is Going Down In History With First-Ever Partnership With The Jordan Brand


For the first time the Jumpman logo will appear on a WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) basketball jersey.

According to Nike, the famed logo will make its debut at the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. 

The WNBA All-Star jerseys can be purchased online at the WNBA Store. Those in Las Vegas for the festivities can also buy the jerseys at WNBA Live, presented by U.S. Bank at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Michelob ULTRA Arena, and the NBA Store located in New York on 5th Avenue.

Over on the Nike website is a description of the jersey.

“The logo will appear on the chest of the uniforms, featuring a design inspired by the far reaches of outer space. The iridescent colors are inspired by space travel, the diagonal lines across the body and short are drawn from the tail end of a shooting star, and the tapering lines in the game star and the belt buckle are inspired by the Earth’s horizon.”

The 2023 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be held at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. EST).

The WNBA also announced it has partnered with the Black-founded and woman-led beauty brand, Mielle Organics, making the brand an official marketing partner and the league’s official textured hair care partner.

“The WNBA is excited to partner with Mielle, a brand that is committed to empowering women and supporting women’s sports,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison in a written statement. “This year’s WNBA Live in Las Vegas will not only give us the chance to celebrate our game but also the opportunity to tip off this dynamic partnership with Mielle.”

During the WNBA All-Star Weekend, Mielle will host an on-site activation that will have the brand interact with the basketball players and their fans during the fan festival at Mandalay Bay.

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner Says She’ll Never Hoop Overseas Again ‘Unless It’s To Represent My Country’

hip-hop, NYPL

New York Public Library Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip-Hop With Limited Edition Library Cards


Hip-hop started in the Bronx borough of New York City 50 years ago, and the New York Public Library system joins the Queens Public Library in doing its part to join in the celebration.

Starting on July 14, 2023, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, The New York Public Library (NYPL) and Queens Public Library (QPL) are releasing special limited edition library cards designed by the Shirt Kings, legendary artists in New York hip-hop. 

The Shirt Kings started making custom-designed shirts in 1986 when hip-hop started taking off nationally.

Meanwhile, the NYPL card will showcase the iconic “Wild Style” mural from the original soundtrack of the 1983 film.

In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, legendary hip-hop video host Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box, who is also Queens Public Library’s hip-hop coordinator, discussed how the limited library cards came into existence to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.

“So our card is designed by Legendary Shirt Kings from Queens. They’ve done custom-made for artists like Jay-Z, Nas, 3rd Bass, and many other legendary artists. They’re still in the community; we wanted local artists to create it. And I thought they would be the best because of their history with hip-hop. The card will be released on July 13, 2023, limited and then July 14, 2023, throughout our whole library system to our 66 library branches.”

“Brooklyn is doing something with Jay-Z, but I don’t really know exactly what they’re doing ’cause it’s a secret.”

On July 13, 2023, Queens Central Library (located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica) is hosting an official card release party with the Shirt Kings, McDaniels, and specially invited hip-hop artists from Queens. At the event, early access to the cards will be available.

“Uncle Ralph” also appreciates the hip-hop culture’s contribution to the world. Making its way to become the most prominent genre of music was no easy feat, and the celebration of the culture is good for the country.

“We’re celebrating 50 years. It’s a milestone we should look at it as a very important one for something that started with nothing and became the biggest genre of music in the world. And I’m excited, you know, it’s not just for the pioneers. It’s for young kids. They have to understand that. I don’t care if you’re into drill music. Whatever you’re into, this is ours. It’s a New York thing. We started this, and now it’s everywhere. And it’s around the world.”

McDaniels also recognizes that the genre has produced many entrepreneurs and made someone like Jay-Z, a billionaire. Artists like 50 Cent, Will Smith, and Ice Cube are making significant contributions in other fields outside of hip-hop. The next 50 years should bring about more changes and innovation while giving a voice to the youth and those who choose to indulge in the hip-hop culture.

fantasia, swimwear

Fantasia Makes A Splash With A New Swimwear Line, ‘Addies Place’ In Honor Of Her Late Grandmother


Fantasia Barrino-Taylor is making a huge splash in the fashion space with a new, soon-to-arrive swimwear line.

The R&B singer told her Instagram followers about her new business endeavor, Addie’s Place LLC, and that she was ready to take the ladies back to the glory days of swimwear.

“Do you remember when swimwear was sexy yet classy? I want to bring that vibe back,” Barrino-Taylor captioned a slideshow of photos lounging in a white monokini.

She shared that Addie’s Place honors the life of her late grandmother. According to The Christian Broadcasting Network, the singer’s grandmother, Apostle Addie Collins, died from a massive heart attack in 2015 after serving as a pastor for several years.

The “When I See You” singer added that soon the Addie’s Place line would include exclusive nightgowns, swimwear, and a beautiful candle launch.

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A post shared by Fantasia Taylor (@tasiasword)

A load of Barrino-Taylor’s followers are already on board with the singer’s incoming launch. “Bring classy and elegance back PLEASE!!!!,” one user commented. Another said, “Here for it all!! It’s time, and this generation is READY 🔥🔥❤️.”

In another post flaunting the elegant swimsuit, the 39-year-old American Idol winner talked to her followers about having true independence.

 

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A post shared by Fantasia Taylor (@tasiasword)

“I’m sitting back admiring the fact I have true independence in having my own label, running several successful companies, watching my artists and team flourish in their gifts, bouncing back from people writing me off and overlooking me, rising from the bottom and healthier than I’ve ever been, my career is catapulting, I have four beautiful children, two grandkids and happily married to a king,” she wrote.

Celebrities Taraji P. Henson, Da Brat, and Tabitha Brown appeared in the comments under the post. They commended Barrino-Taylor and showed their support toward the singer’s life and career journey. “Your glow-up is so inspiring!!!” Henson wrote.

The Addie’s Place Instagram page already has over 40,000 followers. 

‘Da Cooler Boyz’ Philadelphia Youth Starts Water Ice Business At The Age Of 6

‘Da Cooler Boyz’ Philadelphia Youth Starts Water Ice Business At The Age Of 6


Chase Anderson was just six years old when he had the idea of starting his very own ‘water ice’ business. Now, at age 8, Anderson of Philadelphia is the city’s youngest CEO and owner of Da Cooler Boyz. 

“It makes me feel so good to give people water ice. I love it. It’s kind of my thing,” Anderson says of his mobile business. He, along with his mother Breonna and brother Sebastian, set up shop and serve water ice to local kids at schools, summer camps, parades, food drives, and other events.

Da Cooler Boyz has 800 bookings this year alone, according to ABC7 News.

Anderson’s mother credits her son for having the vision to create his own favorite summer snack and turn it into a business. “It kept him up at night, all he talked about,” she said. “So after playing around with mixes and flavors, the next thing I know he’s setting up and selling water ice outside. I support him in everything he does.” For the Anderson family, their commitment to local children does not stop at their business; they also give back. Ahead of the 2023-24 academic school year, Da Cooler Boyz will host a back-to-school drive to give away free school supplies to Philadelphia youth. Tutors, coaches, and daycares will be on- site to help get children enrolled for the year.

“We are now accepting donations and sponsors,” the company posted on Instagram. “Our goal is to give away 800 book bags or more to children throughout the city of Philadelphia. We will also giveaway uniform vouchers to take the burden off of some parents/ guardians.”

Philadelphia residents can send requests for booking Da Cooler Boyz through its Instagram and keep up with ways to support their many efforts to give back to local organizations and children.

reparations

Black Residents In Evanston, IL, Will Finally Receive Reparations, Here’s How


The town of Evanston, Illinois, will be the first city in the U.S. to keep its promise of paying reparations to Black residents.

The Chicago suburb expects to give $25,000 each to almost 140 residents by the end of the year, Newsweek reports. A memo from Tasheik Kerr, assistant to the city manager, claims the city has already met with 48 eligible recipients and 16 of them already received payments. Most of the recipients are elderly residents like 88-year-old retired postal worker Louis Weathers. To qualify, residents needed to have lived in Evanston between 1919 to 1969 and been victims of discrimination in housing or be a direct descendant of a Black person who did.

Weathers is a native of the historically Black Fifth Ward until 1969 when he was able to move to a more predominantly white neighborhood due to law changes. The Korean War veteran said he needed to threaten to file a complaint to the real estate board just to get the agent to allow them to sign a sales contract for him and his wife to buy a house.

Reparation talk at the federal level has been stalled for years but during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, things started to move again. For the city of Evanston, this has been a work in progress since 2019 after committing to spending $10 million over the next 10 years toward local reparations. Two years later, the program was approved for eligible Black residents to receive housing grants for down payments, repairs, or existing mortgages in order to fix the city’s past racist housing policies.

The reparations program is being funded through a 3% tax on recreational marijuana and a real estate transfer tax. According to News Nation Now, a little over $1 million in revenue has been generated so far.

Officials at the front of the reparations fight feel like this move by the town is a great example for others to follow. “I see it as like a test run for the whole country,” Justin Hansford, head of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center at Howard University, said.

California has been in the news for months in its fight for reparations for Black residents. In January, the San Francisco Reparations Committee advocated for a payback program with the recommended sum of $5 million each.

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