On April 29, 1992, the Los Angeles riots began. People filled with confusion, rage, and vulnerability bombarded the streets after a jury, composed of 10 white people, one Latino, and one biracial person, delivered a not guilty verdict to four police officers who punched, tased, and kicked a Black man named Rodney King. 

This was decades before cell phones served as video cameras. However, King’s assault was captured on video by George Holliday. Holliday, a plumber, witnessed the brutality from a window in his home. The recording allowed TV news stations to broadcast the beating repeatedly. Millions watched in horror as King felt the blow of police brutality. 

At the riot’s conclusion, 58 people died, more than 2,000 people were injured and property damages were assessed at close to $1 billion.

On July 14, 2013, Black folks were anxious to hear the verdict of George Zimmerman, 30, who killed unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. There wasn’t much difference in the outcome of the two cases, except King lived. Zimmerman was found not guilty and protests erupted. 

Almost 10 years later, on January 27, 2023, police body-camera footage captured the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis Police officers. Prior to the release of the disturbing footage, Memphis police chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, warned that the officers beating Nichols is perhaps worse than footage of King being beaten by the four officers back in 1992.  

What King’s beating and Martin and Nichols’ death highlight is that America has not moved past racial paranoia. Most racial misgivings are predicated on fears that encourage violent racial encounters. Racial paranoia outlines how many police officers confront encounters with Black citizens. Racial paranoia outlines a commitment to extremist ideas, social distrust, and commitment to the idea of intuition—police often claim that they can spot a criminal from the look in their eyes. 

In July 2014, in Staten Island, New York, 43-year-old Eric Garner was choked by New York City Police officer Daniel Pantaleo. Five years after Garner’s death, in 2019, Pantaleo was fired from the NYPD for placing Garner in an illegal chokehold, but Pantaleo did not, and has not, faced any criminal charges. 

One month after the murder of Garner, on Aug. 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, white police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager. It was believed that Brown robbed a store. Security video footage proved otherwise. Again, echoing the 1992 LA riots, Ferguson erupted in protests.

In describing his encounter with Brown, Wilson compared himself to a five-year-old child trying to fight Brown, who Wilson compared to Hulk Hogan and a “demon bulking up the run through [gun]shots.” A jury decided not to indict Wilson.   

Decades after slavery, state-sanctioned violence against Black still functions as the main ingredient in Blacks’ experience with the criminal justice system. Since slavery, Blacks have been forced to navigate formal laws of policing as well as informal policing such as the Ku Klux Klan who worked in tandem with formal police as well as citizens such as George Zimmerman, who have the option to act as formal police officers. Highly publicized deadly and vicious encounters between Blacks and police continue to lower the already low trust levels of the criminal justice system. 

To put it plainly, policing the Black community has been tainted by state-sanctioned violence. And many Blacks are anxious, paranoid, and annoyed by the sight of the police. King’s beating by the four police officers should serve as a reminder of the racial paranoia that has plagued Americans of the post-Civil Rights generation. 

RELATED CONTENT: Fatal Memphis Traffic Stop Reminiscent of Rodney King Assault, Attorney Crump Says

The United States is mourning the loss of gold medalist Torie Bowie.

According to news from USA Track & Field (USATF), Mississippi native Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medal winner, was discovered dead in her Florida home earlier this week. A cause of death for the 32-year-old athlete has not been revealed. 

USATF is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion.

Her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/AHu5SejZ5N

— USATF (@usatf) May 3, 2023

Bowie won three medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She took home the gold medal in the 4x100m relay, silver in the 100m, and also bronze in the 200m.

On Wednesday, her management company, Icon Management, also shared the news on their Instagram account.

“We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter, and sister. Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken, and our prayers are with the family, friends, and everyone that loved her. As the story continues to develop, we ask that you please respect our privacy. @adidas @usatf“

 

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According to NBC News, the Orange County sheriff’s deputies had been asked on Tuesday afternoon “to conduct a well-being check of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days,” a spokesperson from the agency said.

Bowie was found dead in the Winter Garden home, and there “were no signs of foul play.”

Orange County Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said they are looking into the cause of death.

The Olympic champion’s last year of major international competition was in 2019, when she missed out on the long jump podium at the World Championships in Doha. She placed fourth in the competition.

After she stopped competing, she became a professional fashion model and, in 2019, walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week. She was featured in Valentino’s 2018 Resort campaign and did modeling work with designer Stella McCartney.

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg are not only back in the studio preparing another album, but they are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic 1993 album, Doggystyle. That celebration will also feature a return to the stage for the pair.

The iconic rappers, who became stars as solo artists in the early 1990s, will perform at the Hollywood Bowl on June 27 and 28. An announcement was made on the social media accounts of The Hollywood Bowl.

“Just Announced! @SnoopDogg & Friends celebrate the 30th Anniversary of “Doggystyle” at the Bowl with conductor @derrickhodge and the ReCollective Orchestra produced by @drdre on June 27 & 28. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 5, at 10 AM. Learn more: https://bit.ly/HB23SnoopDogg“

The 30th anniversary of the release of “Doggystyle” will include performances backed by an orchestra led by conductor Derrick Hodge and the ReCollective Orchestra—no word on who will be on stage both nights with the pair. Two nights of Snoop and Dre will no doubt feature a collection of their famous friends who have appeared on records by both artists over the course of 30 years.

The last big performance featuring both artists was at the halftime show of the 2022 Super Bowl when Dr. Dre headlined a lineup that included Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Anderson Paak, and Kendrick Lamar. The show occurred at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Snoop and Dre’s home state. 

TMZ reported that Dre and Snoop are currently working on their new album, which is tentatively titled Missionary. The LP is slated to be released later this year and will be the first album the two have collectively worked on together in many years.

Things have gone well for both friends. Dr. Dre is a music industry icon and Snoop has become quite the entrepreneur, launching everything from wine to cereal.

With the news of Kevin Durant becoming the third NBA player in Nike history to be given a lifetime contract, behind Micheal Jordan and LeBron James, another former professional basketball player shared about the time he signed a lifetime contract with a competing brand.

According to AfroTech, during an exclusive interview with The Players’ Tribune‘s podcast, “Knuckleheads,” former NBA player Grant Hill discussed why he went to Fila to sign a lucrative deal after Nike “kind of lowballed” an offer to him to be a part of the sneaker giant’s team.

Several months ago, Hill appeared with former NBA players-turned-podcasters Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles and expressed his reason for going with Fila instead of Nike during his playing days. In the early 90s, Hill was partially responsible for helping the brand become relevant..

Hill told the hosts the company was courting him, specifically Nike owner Phil Knight.

“He wanted to have me at the Great Wall of China via satellite for the NBA Draft,” Hill said. “And so all my people were like, ‘That’s a great idea.’ And I’m thinking, ‘I want that moment with Commissioner Stern.”

When the contract negotiation took place, a roadblock developed, and Hill said he was “kind of lowballed” by Nike. After getting advice from his father to check out Fila, the grass was greener on the other side!

“They had a couple sheets of paper at the conference room,” he said. “I turned to that second page and the money? I was like, ‘You know I can wear some Fila.'”

Hill ended up signing his lifetime deal with Fila in 2018. ESPN reported that his retro sneakers would be rereleased, and other editions and remixes were included in that deal.

“Fila was there for my first professional steps on the court,” Hill said at the time. “We have now come full circle, and I am thrilled to be a part of the family once again.”

Hill and Fila began their relationship in 1994. In 1997, the Atlanta Hawks co-owner inked a seven-year, $80 million contract with the company. Then in 2018, the lifetime contract was signed.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2023

New Study Shows Companies Spend $21 Billion A Week On Communication, Costing Employees Their Mental Health

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies were forced to invest in different communication vehicles for their employees, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew.

A new study conducted by Loom, a video communication software company, shows over 1,000 workers spend close to four hours a day communicating through emails, instant messages, video conferences, and the phone. It may not sound bad as long as the conversations are work-related, but it costs corporations a hefty sum—companies are dishing out $21 billion per week because of it.

It’s also causing focus and work-life balance difficulties for employees.

According to the report, 51% of workers are doubling up on messages to create a trail of accountability, while 50% want to ensure more people see their message. This highlights how productive work time is being mismanaged and crossing into employees’ personal lives, using workplace verbiage on the regular. Terms like “follow up” and “circle back” have been used with friends or family, which shows how employees have been told to switch up their vernacular; 17% who’ve been told to stop using a specific word or phrase.

There is nothing wrong with adding a new word or two to the rotation, but it has become a focus of employees, and that is taking away from work. Loom co-founder and CEO Joe Thomas said how people communicate can be a sensitive topic. “People deeply value team connection—not only 
for improving productivity and collaboration, but also for increased 
 job satisfaction, decreased stress, and the peace of mind that 
comes from expressing your true self at work,” Thomas said.

So what can be done to change this? Like the rest of the world, Loom executives suggest artificial intelligence platforms that Thomas feels can reduce jargon and simplify communication regardless of security issues.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants to know why out of 180,000 cities in America, buses of migrants have only been sent to the cities led by Black mayors.

During The Wall Street Journal’s “Future of Everything” Festival, Adams expressed his dissatisfaction with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden on how the surge of migrants affects the city, questioning if there was some underlying message to Black leaders.

“It’s a failure of our national government, and it is really disrespectful what Governor Abbott is doing in Texas in placing this on the laps of New Yorkers,” Adams said.

Adams said he didn’t know if Abbott’s action was intended to be racist, but he is sticking with the facts. “The fact is, he had a hundred and seventy-five thousand other cities that he could have sent it to, but he decided to send it to cities that were already struggling, that happened to have Black mayors.”

According to Adams, the city is responsible for over 30,000 migrants, which includes those in homeless shelters and relief centers. Per WSJ, Texas loaded 52 state-chartered buses between April and September 2022 to transport nearly 2,650 people to New York City.

Adams also addressed Biden’s error on the issue. “I think President Biden has done a great job in the recovery of our city. But he’s wrong on this issue. You cannot allow people to come to this country, pursuing the American dream, and then set them up for failure in the process,” Adams said.

Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesman for the governor, said New York City and other northern cities were the location choices of migrants. “With millions of residents, New York is only dealing with a fraction of what our small border communities deal with on a day-to-day basis. The real crisis isn’t in New York City—it’s on our southern border,” Mahaleris said.

The New York Post reported that 1,300 migrants arrived in New York City between Sunday, April 23, to Wednesday, April 26. The surge that began on April 19 prompted eight new emergency shelters to open. Adams is seeking state and federal funding to cover nearly $4.3 billion worth of costs.

Former NBA player Jason Thompson has launched a new hydration therapy and wellness service in Sewell, NJ.

Last month, Thompson announced that along with his partner, LaNette Keeton, they launched the Hydrate IV Therapy & Wellness service. The new business offers vitamin IV drips, vitamin shots, NAD therapy, wellness testing, aesthetic services like Botox, and additional services.

“It means a lot to be able to make a positive impact on this community. I spent a lot of my career traveling, but I can’t wait to finally be back home and share something that is so important to me,” said Thompson in a written statement.

Thompson partnered with Keeton due to her successful entrepreneurial career as the founder and CEO of several infusion and IV therapy businesses. The purpose of the wellness service is to help the community when it comes to the physical health of fitness and to prevent illnesses.

This is an extension of Thompson doing things in his hometown. The passion he has is to help promote health and wellness, which he has been doing since he established the Jason Thompson Foundation in 2018. The foundation’s mission is to “educate communities on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and provide resources to support this effort.”

With the resurgence of making self-care and mental health a priority, especially among Black men and women, Thompson’s new hydration therapy and wellness center will further add to the conversation and encourage more people within his own community to take a serious approach to their health needs. Thompson still resides in his hometown in South Jersey and is a current Rider University men’s basketball coaching staff member.

RELATED CONTENT: New Study Shows Black People Live Longer in Counties With Black Physicians

• News

by Iman Milner

May 3, 2023

Mother of Man Arrested For News Station Shooting Shares Emotional Words, ‘Fathers Need To Be Fathers’

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Yesterday morning, a 26-year-old Memphis man, Jarred Nathan, allegedly walked into a local news station and opened fire, according to Fox 13 News. According to Nathan’s mother, the absence of fathers in the household in cases like this one was partially to blame.

Nathan allegedly entered the Fox13 Station and brandished a weapon at an employee working in the front of the building before firing one shot and fleeing the scene. Though no injuries were reported, he was charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. His mother, Marsha McKinney, had an emotional interview that struck a chord. “I think that my son is crying out for attention because he needs some help,” she said. “Anybody that would come to the news and shoot at anybody for that is a cry for some help. And if he once again needs some help and you’re telling me that was the case, then he needs some help.”

McKinney revealed that her son has struggled with mental health issues for some time.

She also made a plea to absent fathers. “Fathers need to be fathers to their sons. This is a reflection of why his daddy should’ve been there,” she said in tears. “You teach your boys how to be men. They need their fathers. If they’re not at home with their sons, no matter who they’re around…it has not been an easy road for me, as a parent.”

Nathan, who was allegedly armed with an AR-15, said he had no intentions to harm anyone but that he was frustrated about no one listening to him. A friend of the Memphis man said he planned to take him to a shelter later that evening.

According to his mother, Nathan has been receiving treatment at a mental health treatment center in Shelby County since he was 16. “I want the viewers to know that he’s not a bad person at all,” she said. “He’s one of the nicest and kindest you will meet. Everybody has another side to them.”

Nathan was given a $250,000 bond on the charges.

Gracie’s Corner has been capturing the hearts of children, caregivers, and educators everywhere with their catchy rhythmic adaptions of nursery rhymes and educational content for kids.

Who knew what could happen when soca, reggae, and a fire 808 beat was placed over “Apples & Bananas?!” or remixing the ABC’s song could get everyone on their feet and ready to dance? With nearly two million YouTube subscribers and videos with over 73 million views, Gracie’s Corner has become a leader in educational content for today’s youth.

The family-run brand created a movement by seamlessly blending the worlds of education, music, and dance in ways that captivate audiences of all generations. In a mere three years, Gracie’s Corner has emerged as a cultural sensation, harnessing the timeless power of music to connect families worldwide.

And it’s a family affair! The Houston-based Hollingsworth family writes, produces, and performs each track with incredible enthusiasm. Dad and mom, Javoris and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, Ph.D., decided to apply their backgrounds in music, education, chemistry, and psychology to create “Gracie’s Corner” and their daughter Graceyn, the eldest of three, enjoys being the voice and singer behind the main character “Gracie.”

 

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The family-run brand has built a business from its original music that teaches kids their numbers and ABCs, as well as affirmations, effective breathing exercises, and coping skills for children under 12. Speaking with BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Hollingsworth family opened up about the start of Gracie’s Corner and what they have planned for the legacy they’re building.

What was your initial inspiration to start Gracie’s Corner?

JAVORIS: During the pandemic, like most parents, we were juggling our work from home and homeschooling with our children. We had two younger children (less than one and 2 years old at the time) and sometimes we were so busy with everyday work and school (for Graceyn) that we did rely on children’s books and educational videos on different streaming platforms to help out. One day while watching and searching for content we identified a notable gap; there was not a lot of representation for Black and Brown children in the space. Instead of remaining upset about it, we took things into our own hands and decided to create educational and empowering content that featured children of color.

How do you feel about the response to Gracie’s Corner?

JAVORIS: It has been surreal. We knew something like Gracie’s Corner was needed, but it’s the response and viewership that truly told us that many families were just as hungry as us for this type of content. It’s been amazing getting feedback from our supporters, letting us know how much our videos have taught their children and we love watching the videos they post, showing parents jamming and dancing with their little ones. We take great pride in helping to create these co-viewing experiences for millions of families.

 

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What does legacy mean to you? What impact do you hope Gracie’s Corner brings?

JAVORIS: Legacy to us is creating or doing something that years or even decades later you will be able to see the ongoing impact. We hope that years later, families will remember and still talk about the positive impact of Gracie’s Corner on their life or the life of their little ones. We also hope that each child that views our content will grow up filled with self-confidence and a true sense of belonging in our diverse society.

What surprises you most about the large audience you’ve built?

JAVORIS: It’s been so cool to see how our viewers are worldwide, from Europe and Asia to Africa, and the various islands. As we continue to tap into other languages, our goal is to build upon this growth.

With the rise of Black content creators in the digital space, what advice do you wish someone would have given you?

JAVORIS: The advice I wish someone had given us early on was to be prepared for the swarm of people (lots of them) and opportunities that come your way once you reach a certain level of success. It was so hard for us to sort through and navigate, but we finally have good guidance and direction with the help of our team, including attorneys and talent agency (UTA). Also, trademark and copyright before you do anything. We were fortunate to submit paperwork shortly after we started, but it did take some time.

Dr. Arlene, why was it important for you to incorporate breathing and coping skills into your content?

DR. ARLENE: As a psychologist that has worked with children in mental health for almost two decades, the one thing I’ve learned is that we all need a way to cope with stressors and different emotions. Learning these skills and obtaining the tools (for your toolbox) early on can actually be preventative. I want all our children to be happy and healthy; this is a great start. I also want parents to understand the power of positive attention and affirmations; research points to the wonderful impact it can have on self-esteem as that child grows.

 

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Are you open to taking “Gracie’s Corner” to mainstream television, or have there been any offers for a TV show?

JAVORIS: We are interested in reaching as many children and families as possible. Mainstream TV is one way that can happen. We have definitely been in talks on how we can increase viewership on other platforms as well as create new and fresh longform content that will emphasize music and dance but also allow others to learn more about the characters through their adventures.

What do you hope for the future legacy of Gracie’s Corner?

JAVORIS: We believe that Gracie’s Corner will continue to grow globally and expand to various areas such as merchandise in retail stores, live shows, longform productions where you will get to know more about each character, and maybe even children’s entertainment spaces (e.g, fun facilities, amusement parks). Our hope is that people will see what was built by a single family and know that the sky is the limit; they too can create and have a strong/lasting impact.

Graceyn, what do you hope that children take away from watching your content?

GRACEYN: It can be tons of fun creating a YouTube channel with your family. Initially, for my channel, I wanted to unbox toys and make slime; but this has been done many times over. Plus, my dad wasn’t completely on board with the idea. I’m so happy we went in a different direction and I have been able to showcase my love for singing.

Are there any upcoming projects we should know about?

JAVORIS: Yes, we have some amazing collaborations with other artists that we will release soon…we are excited about this and can’t wait to share it with our viewers.

After accepting a plea deal for his alleged New York City bowling alley attack, Trey Songz will have to take anger management classes.

The troubled singer pleaded guilty on May 2 to a single disorderly conduct violation in connection after Songz was accused of repeatedly punching a woman in the face and dragging her by the hair inside the bathroom of the bowling alley last October, TMZ reports.

A man also claimed the singer punched him in the eye during the altercation. Songz turned himself into authorities weeks after the alleged attack and was given a desk appearance ticket.

With Songz pleading guilty and accepting the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the 10 original charges against him, which included assault and aggravated harassment. Since the most serious charges were dropped, the R&B crooner will have to complete 12 anger management classes by August.

Sources close to the singer say he has already started.

“We appreciate the New York law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office for their comprehensive investigation and careful consideration of all evidence, which ultimately confirmed what we had known all along and resulted in the District Attorney’s office choosing not to pursue any of the original charges against our client,” Songz’s attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said.

“With each and every one of the 10 original charges now dismissed by operation of law, Trey looks forward to putting this matter behind him.”

The “I Invented Sex” singer hasn’t seen much success on the music scene in recent years while having his name tied to assault charges. In addition to the incident in New York City, Songz was named in a $25 million lawsuit by a woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her at a party in March 2016, Vulture reported.

The woman, identified as Jane Doe, refiled the lawsuit and increased it by $5 million after having her initial $20 million lawsuit filed in February 2022 dismissed last November after Songz’s legal team argued the claim was past the statute of limitations.

In both lawsuits, the woman claimed to have had a consensual relationship with Songz and was expecting to get intimate again at the party in March 2016. But instead, Songz allegedly threw her to the ground and anally raped her as she screamed in pain, begging him to stop.

“This case is much more than about one singer and one viciously abused sexual-assault survivor who has the courage to take action,” Doe’s attorney, George Vrabeck, told Rolling Stone.

RELATED CONTENT: Singer Trey Songz Civil Rape Case Dismissed After Statute of Limitations Expired