• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 6, 2023

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and Founder Taraji P. Henson Partner With Kate Spade New York to Spearhead a Program That Provides Mental Health Resources for Women on HBCU Campuses

---

This Spring, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and Kate Spade new york are teaming up to create more accessible mental health resources for women and girls, and together are announcing the launch of ‘She Care Wellness Pods,’ a new program that aims to reach over 25,000 Black women on HBCU campuses with frontline mental wellness care.

This first-of-its kind program was concepted by actor, filmmaker and founder of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracie Jade Jenkins, Executive Director of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. In partnership with trusted community resources, the program will take a multifaceted approach through the opening of ‘She Care Wellness Pods,’ physical structures installed on campuses that offer a range of services, including:

• Free mental health virtual and in-person therapy sessions for women students experiencing an exacerbation of stress, anxiety and depression.
• Hangout spaces will provide psychoeducation sessions that allow students to connect with peers and mental wellness professionals to address students’ specific challenges.
• Self-regulatory practices including yoga, meditation, art, sound and dance therapy, all provided by certified practitioners.
• Workshops and seminars on a variety of student requested topics.
• Rest pods for silence and respite, to reset from daily stressors.

Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s mission is to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the African American community. As the U.S.’s pioneering Black mental health advocacy group, BLHF provides access to localized and culturally competent therapy and integrated wellness resources through a network of clinicians, practitioners, counselors, and thought leaders. ‘She Care Wellness Pods’ is a part of BLHF’s broader initiative, ‘Meeting You Where You Are,’ offering hassle-free access to mental health resources in traditional and non-traditional spaces where African-Americans convene. The initiative also includes ‘He Care’ and ‘They Care Pods.’

Women’s empowerment has been at the forefront of kate spade new york’s social impact work for over a decade and is a core pillar of the brand. Over the last ten years, kate spade new york and its Foundation have invested $25M in women’s mental health and empowerment partnerships. This year alone, kate spade will invest over $5M dollars to help destigmatize the mental health conversation and provide access to resources for women and girls globally.

“Tracie and I grew up in a community where women were expected to store the pain and struggles of inequities and disparities faced daily in education, healthcare, and the workplace. We believed that mental health was a commodity for the rich and those who didn’t look like us. We are grateful for this partnership with kate spade new york. Together, we are changing the narrative and charting a new course for women who are experiencing the ‘Strong Black Woman Syndrome,” says Taraji P. Henson. Tracie Jade continued, “In this revolutionary endeavor, Black women on HBCU campuses will be afforded the opportunity of empowerment through the modality of self-regulation experiences.

“Our social impact mission is to empower women and girls across the globe by putting mental health at the heart of our approach. Women and girls’ mental health has long been underfunded, undervalued and under-acknowledged, and we are so proud of our partnership with Taraji, Tracie and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, an organization that shares our commitment to providing mental health resources to communities that need it the most,” says kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser.

Fraser continued, “Over the past 10 years, we have seen firsthand how interconnected a woman’s positive mental health is to her empowerment, and as we kick off our 30th anniversary this year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to reach more women and girls with direct access to resources and support. Through our partnership, we’ll work with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide accessible resources to over 25,000 young women across HBCU campuses through the She Care program and make a tangible difference in their everyday lives.”

“The Alabama State University Family is honored and humbled to be selected as the first ever HBCU to partner with two amazing advocates of mental health and wellness such as the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york,” says Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Alabama State University President. “ASU is synonymous with innovation and history making, working alongside our partners enables us to fulfill our commitment to what we deem as “Communiversity” which allows us to impact not only our campus, but also the broader community by advocating and raising the level of awareness regarding the absolute importance of mental health and wellness.”

“The stress of balancing college life, separation anxiety, relationship issues and depression commonly occur on college campuses,” says Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis, Alabama State University Sr. Director of Health Services. “The She Care Wellness pods will be impactful for helping students cope with these issues and focus on a healthy mental well-being, ultimately restoring JOY.”

The She Care initiative is a continuation of Henson’s work with the kate spade brand, having served as a member of kate spade new york’s Social Impact Council since its inception in January 2022. Alongside Henson, the Social Impact Council includes women’s empowerment and mental health leaders from around the globe such as Jazz Thornton, Latham Thomas, Elisha London and more, who bring unique expertise and work hand-in-hand with kate spade to propel positive change, and encourage more conversation, education and research around the cause.

Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york will launch their first ‘She Care Wellness Pod’ at Alabama State University, a public historically Black university in Montgomery, Alabama. The She Care initiative will officially launch in April 2023, ultimately rolling out to additional HBCU campuses.

The She Care Wellness Pods were built by S.I. Container Builds, a woman-owned modular construction company that specializes in repurposing shipping containers and building with sustainable materials.

The She Care Wellness Pods were designed by Saudah Saleem Interiors in collaboration with Kiyonda Powell Design Studio. The design of the She Care Wellness Pods embodies and evokes a sense of joy and empowerment, serving as a haven place of renewal.

Tamar Braxton‘s ex-hubby Vincent Herbert is in hot water, it seems.

According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, the music executive and former TV producer is in debt to the tune of $80,000 to Beverly Hills jeweler Michael Greene. Greene & Co. claim that Herbert purchased custom diamond pieces back in 2020 that he has yet to foot the bill for.

Greene claims that Herbert paid him via a $20,000 check, after which he credited the rest of the balance as a courtesy due to his ability to “pay for the jewelry, his career, and his involvement in the music industry.” Upon cashing the check, he was alarmed to find that it bounced due to insufficient funds. Greene then reached out to Herbert who apologized via text and promised to pay off his balance in person.

However, he never showed up and failed to respond for a full year.

In 2021, the jeweler decided to file a lawsuit against the former Tamar and Vince co-star for $66,000. Now, after two additional years, he is seeking $81,000 in damages.

For many fans of the former reality TV star, this doesn’t come as a surprise, as Herbert has been at the center of many lawsuits since Braxton filed for divorce in 2017. The singer was granted a default in court when Hebert failed to show up. His troubles didn’t end there. In 2018, he was sued by LDNX Records for $380,000 and when he failed, again, to appear in court, the company was awarded a judgment of $506,116 – their original asking amount with an additional $124,968.37 in interest.

The music producer was also evicted from a Los Angeles condo in 2019 due to unpaid rent totaling $38,000. In addition to his dwellings circumstance, Sony Music filed a lawsuit against him over a failure to pay advances and a court awarded them $4 million, which the company seized by way of his royalties.

A court hearing in the Greene & Co. case is scheduled for next month.

SOUR PATCH KIDS is calling current or prospective students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) seeking scholarship funds to participate in the third annual “Mischief for Change” scholarship program. The brand has committed $1 million in scholarships over five years for eligible students attending HBCUs. To date, the program has supported 21 students attending HBCUs across the country – future changemakers who were selected for demonstrating how they are/will change the world for the better. SOUR PATCH KIDS is proud to partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) for this program that inspires change and invests in the next generation of Black leaders.

“The Mischief for Change scholarship is helping empower students who are the next generation of changemakers,” said Candyce Jefferson, Senior Brand Manager for the SOUR PATCH KIDS brand. “The SOUR PATCH KIDS brand is about playful mischief, and this scholarship supports students who challenge the norm to spark meaningful social change. We are excited to welcome the 2023 scholars into the family and partner with HBCUs to support Black students pursuing their education and aspiring to positively transform the world.”

“Sample Our Schools”
SOUR PATCH KIDS is also calling “atten-hut” to HBCU marching band fans who want to create a free, custom marching band sample kit as part of the “Sample Our Schools” program – a first-time campaign element. Users can mix fight song tracks from Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, and Winston-Salem State University marching bands to produce custom tracks. Fans can post their own mix using the samples and tag @TheRealSourPatchKids on TikTok for a chance to be featured on the brand’s social media page and help spread the joy and talent found at HBCUs.

HBCUs play an unmatched role in elevating Black students and the Black community. Many students rely on scholarship funds to help with the significant financial challenges as college costs have risen.

“We are thrilled to partner with the 2023 Sour Patch Kids Mischief for Change scholarship and are appreciative of them supporting our students,” TMCF CEO & President Dr. Harry Williams said. “We are aligned in enhancing pathways toward economic mobility for HBCU students. Our mission is to foster student success through educational excellence and prepare the next generation of workforce talent. When students are afforded these types of scholarship opportunities, they experience the kind of economic mobility that is life-changing and can have generational impact.”

Participation in the “Sample our Schools” program and applications for the SOUR PATCH KIDS Mischief for Change scholarships can be found via the “Sample our Schools” landing page, Sourpatchkids.com/mischiefforchange. Applications for the SOUR PATCH KIDS Mischief for Change scholarship are currently open and will close on May 8 at 11:59 PM ET. Winners will receive one of 10 scholarships.

More information about the scholarship and the “Sample Our Schools” campaign, created by DAVID Miami, can be found at Sourpatchkids.com/mischiefforchange or tune into the brand’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels at @SourPatchKids.

Housing affordability remains near all-time lows and is a challenge for many homebuyers. According to new survey data from Realtor.com^®, recent LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) buyers are going into homeownership weighed down and more burdened by housing costs than white and non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lower down payment, higher sales price and loan denials creates cost crunch for communities challenged by lower incomes

April is Fair Housing Month and it creates an opportunity to shine a light on the need to create more equitable housing opportunities and access for all individuals. Realtor.com^®‘s data shows that LGBTQ+ and BIPOC buyers are more likely to put smaller down payments on a home, with nearly two-thirds (65%) putting down 20% or less of a home’s purchase price when buying compared to about half (53%) of white, non-LGBTQ+ buyers. LGBTQ+ and BIPOC buyers were also nearly 9% more likely to pay over a home’s asking price to get their offer accepted – 86% paid over asking compared to 79% of white and non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

A smaller down payment on top of an above-asking home price generally equates to a higher interest rate and monthly mortgage payment, and that means LGBTQ+ and BIPOC buyers are likely to pay a larger share of their income toward housing than other buyers. That’s especially challenging for budgets, as a higher percentage of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC homebuyers were also more likely to fall into lower income groups than white and non-LGBTQ+ buyers. Realtor.com^®also found that LGBTQ+ and BIPOC buyers face challenges during the mortgage process, and are 1.7 times more likely to have been denied mortgages two or more times.

“More Americans than ever before are stretched thin because of the growing housing cost burden, but our data shows that LGBTQ+ and BIPOC buyers are potentially spending even more of their income to own a home of their own, which can make it difficult to afford other essentials like food and transportation and creates even greater inequalities,” said Laura Eddy, Realtor.com^® vice president, Research and Insights. “With the rising costs of homeownership taking a greater toll on budgets, resources like down payment assistance can help reduce the overall financial burden of buying a home and make it more accessible to a wider range of individuals.”

Down payment assistance helps reduce upfront costs of buying a home

To help address the homeownership disparity in America, Realtor.com^® teamed up last year with the Homeownership Council of America to donate to and raise funds for HCA’s Equity Down Payment Assistance Fund, which helps make owning a home more accessible for BIPOC and low-to moderate-income homebuyers. Since its inception, the Equity Down Payment Assistance Fund has already helped several buyers close on a home, including Jose, a Mexican-American from the Los Angeles area. Jose is a first-generation homeowner and is proud and excited to be celebrating the magic of many “first” experiences, like celebrating the holidays with his daughter for the first time in their own home.

“I believe there is a huge problem with the homeownership gap and the effects of those gaps go on for generations,” said Jose. “Being the first one in my family to purchase a home is definitely a proud moment – I get choked up thinking about it, because my parents came to this country with a dream. Having a home of my own felt like freedom.”

There are 5.37 million Americans who qualify for down payment assistance, according to the Urban Institute, but data from the National Association of Realtors^®  shows only 3–4% of recent homebuyers have taken advantage of these programs when buying a home. Realtor.com^® aims to raise awareness of down payment assistance programs and other tools to help address the homeownership disparity in America.

“At Realtor.com^®, we believe the dream of homeownership should be achievable by all, but inequality and a history of discriminatory housing policies have made it harder for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to overcome housing hurdles, and since housing is a predominant way to build wealth, that’s led to a significant wealth gap across generations,” said Mickey Neuberger, CMO, Realtor.com^®. “Reducing unfair housing cost burdens and giving greater access to communities who have been locked out of homeownership opportunities can help address that gap, and it’s why we’re joining forces with others in the industry and bringing new tools and resources to more individuals to help lift their financial strain.”

To increase awareness of down payment assistance programs and make them more accessible to shoppers, all for-sale home listings on Realtor.com^® now include information about down payment assistance under the Monthly Payment section. The tool, also available at Realtor.com/fairhousing, puts information about more than 2,000 programs right at consumers’ fingertips, so they can quickly and easily find available local, state or national programs by sharing some basic information. The tool’s functionality is provided by Down Payment Resource, whose technology matches buyers with assistance programs that meet their individual home buying needs.

To watch a video about Jose’s home journey, search for down payment assistance programs, and find more Fair Housing tools and resources from Realtor.com^®, visit Realtor.com/fairhousing.

Tiana Akoh-Arrey, a 9-year-old girl from London, England who was bullied for her natural hair, turned her sad experience into a success through a book she wrote called My Afro: Twin Best Friends. The is being well-received all around the world and has even landed on Amazon’s bestsellers list.

Tiana has always loved reading and writing at a young age. She was just 4 years old when she started writing full sentences. And at only 6 years old, when she felt ridiculed for her hair, she thought of writing about it.

“One day at school, a kid made fun of my afro and said that it made me look like a lion,” Tiana told Good Morning America. “That made me really sad, so I asked my mom to straighten my hair to look like my other friends who did not have an Afro. She explained to me that I should learn to be proud and accept my hair as it is because it’s beautiful. I was trying my hand at writing short stories, so I decided to write about my hair.”

After reading the story, Tiana’s mother Dorothy felt deeply impressed that she decided to submit her daughter’s work to Conscious Dreams Publishing. Tiana’s story was then published, making her a published author at the age of 7.

My Afro: Twin Best Friends is inspired by Tiana’s own experience with her thick Afro hair. In the story, the main character has a best friend with silky, straight hair but they want to look alike for picture day.

“The story follows my journey as I explore friendship, self-acceptance, and identity. Through this, readers can learn how to embrace who they are and celebrate differences in others.”

The book reportedly sold more than 700 copies, surpassing sales benchmarks for a first-time published author and having it on Amazon’s bestsellers list. Tiana has also been recognized as one of The Week Junior’s Heroes of the Year for 2022.

“I am really proud of myself, and it has confirmed the assurance my mom gave me that bullying is never about me but the bully trying to express their dissatisfaction in seeing someone different and trying to make others feel small,” Tiana said. “I am happy I have managed to not feel small but also helped other girls have the courage of wearing their Afro hair in all shapes and styles without feeling embarrassed about their hair or caring what people say. I feel like I have been empowered and also empowered others.”

For more details and/or to purchase the book, visit https://amzn.to/3nOGdbD

This news first appeared on Blacknews.com

• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 6, 2023

National Kidney Foundation Appoints Vizient, Inc. Executive to National Board of Directors

---

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Monica Davy, Senior Vice President and Chief Culture, Diversity, and Impact Officer at Vizient, Inc., to its National Board of Directors. Davy was nominated and approved at NKF’s most recent Board meeting held in April.

“We’re so excited Monica has joined the NKF Board of Directors and will bring her extensive expertise in DEI initiatives to the Board,” said Tracy McKibben, Chair of NKF’s National Board and a living kidney donor to her mother. “Monica brings more than 28 years of experience in workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as supplier diversity, civil rights, and cultural transformation. We look forward to working with her as we continue to build greater awareness of kidney disease and ways to achieve optimal kidney health.”

Monica Davy resides in Dallas, Texas, and is responsible for guiding the overarching strategy, program implementation, and ongoing support for the company’s culture, DEI, and corporate social responsibility initiatives at Vizient, Inc. Davy leads a diverse team of 21 staff members and is two years into the company’s five-year DEI plan focused on nurturing a learning and growth culture, attracting and retaining diverse top talent, and ensuring corporate responsibility.

Prior to joining Vizient, Inc., Davy served as Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion and was responsible for promoting, monitoring, and enforcing diversity and equal employment opportunity standards at the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). She oversaw the diversity requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act within NCUA’s business practices and among regulated entities. Davy holds degrees from Howard University School of Law and George Mason University. She is an Advisory Board member of the Children’s National Foundation.

Davy is a living kidney donor to her son who was born in 2001 at 29 weeks and was diagnosed with Prune Belly Syndrome and kidney failure. He began rejecting her kidney around 2011, so Davy’s husband participated in a kidney swap so that their son could receive a moderately matched kidney in January 2020. Today, their son is 21 years old and in his junior year at George Mason University.

“As a living kidney donor, I feel blessed that both my husband and I were able to support our son with the gift of life,” said Monica Davy, SVP Chief Culture, Diversity, and Impact Officer at Vizient, Inc. “I’m honored to join NKF’s Board of Directors and share my expertise with the largest kidney organization in the country because far too many people knowingly and unknowingly struggle with kidney disease.”

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson has revealed that the R&B group TGT—which consists of him, Tank, and Ginuwine— may bless fans with a second album. 

During a recent sit-down on iHeartMedia’s R&B Money, which is hosted by Tank and J. Valentine, Tyrese announced that Atlantic Records has agreed to sign the supergroup for a sophomore album. 

“I got some great news for you, Tank and J,” Tyrese said. “Atlantic Records has officially agreed to sign TGT for a second album… yeah.” 

TGT made its debut 10 years ago with Three Kings, which was nominated for a Grammy, featured hits such as “Sex Never Felt Better” and “I Need.” The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts.  

Ginuwine once spoke with You Know I Got Soul about the supergroup and how it affected his career. 

“I believe that brought me back and brought me to the forefront with the people and gave me relevancy again to the point of where music is now,” Ginuwine said. ”I’ve always continued to do shows and always continued to just be out there and do what I do, but that brought me to another level because I was pretty much done. I was pretty much going to do what Frankie Beverly does and just tour off all the songs he’s already done and try to get in the right mix with that crowd. But Tank and Tyrese really helped me to get back into music and I’m still growing now. It’s sort of a new beginning for me.”

When asked if he felt the group accomplished everything they set out to, the “Pony” crooner said “not yet.” 

“There’s a lot of different things going on within the group,” Ginuwine said. “We have to give that time first. That’s expected when it comes to three powerful entrepreneurs and successful solo artists. Everyone has their family, so for all the families to gel, there’s going to be some friction. But once we get that together, there’s not going to be a lot that can stop us.”

According to Tank, cited by Vibe.com, the group split over disagreements on money. Tank accused Tyrese of not wanting to equally share the money.  

Well, hopefully, the trust issues have been quelled, and the group can come together to create powerful music. 

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 5, 2023

White 74-Year-Old North Dakota Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Choking 11-Year-Old Black Girl Who Was Playing In His Driveway

---

A white man who assaulted two Black girls in his neighborhood in North Dakota has been sentenced to spend 2 years in jail for the crime committed.

According to Inforum, Larry Wayne Baldner, who already pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, a Class C felony; and simple assault, a misdemeanor, was given a prison term of two years. He made the guilty plea after he assaulted two Black girls after also using a racial slur at them.

On Monday, April 3, Cass County Judge Susan Bailey handed down the sentence. A felony preventing arrest charge was previously dismissed.

On Sept. 21, 2021, Baldner had a confrontation with the two young Black girls in a driveway that he shares with his neighbors at the 2700 block of 33rd ½ Avenue South, in Fargo. He attacked two of five children who were occupying the driveway when they were playing basketball. He directed the kids to get off the driveway before assaulting them.

Baldner, who is a 74-year-old white man, slapped an 11-year-old Black girl as he also used an anti-Black slur in the confrontation. The girl and her sister confronted Baldner, and he grabbed the 11-year-old by the neck and hair, according to the complaint filed. He physically lifted her off the ground and choked her. Her sister was able to retaliate and hit him in the face to help free her sister. The 11-year-old had her hair extension ripped from her head and Baldner also hit her sister in the face as well.

The prosecutor, Joshua Traiser, stated that “Baldner unnecessarily belittled the children by using racial epithets at the time of his attack. A significant term of incarceration is necessary to hold Baldner accountable and to send a message that this court and this community takes racialized violence seriously.”

Baldner’s defense attorney, Erica Skogen Hovey, also added, “Mr. Baldner could have reasonably believed that he was legally justified to use force to defend himself and his property against the danger of imminent unlawful bodily injury or to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry or trespass in or upon his premises.”

Kwame Brathwaite, an influential photographer whose activism introduced the masses to the “Black Is Beautiful” movement, passed away at the age of 85.

On Sunday, Brathwaite’s son, Kwame Brathwaite, Jr., announced his death on Instagram through a touching tribute to his late father.

“I am deeply saddened to share that my Baba, the patriarch of our family, our rock and my hero has transitioned,” he wrote.

“Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. Kwame Brathwaite January 1, 1938 – April 1, 2023.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kwame Brathwaite (@kwamebphoto)

Brathwaite’s work helped inspire a generation of artists that came after him, including Rihanna’s Fenty fashion line, as per The Atlantic. His photos were some of the first that highlighted the beauty in Black culture, but only started receiving mainstream recognition in the form of museum exhibits and written studies, Art News reported.

“His images, carefully calibrated to reflect a moment precisely, made black beautiful for those who lived in the 1960s, and continue to do so for a generation today who might only now be discovering his work,” historian Tanisha C. Ford wrote in Aperture in 2017.

His portraits of Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and the Grandassa Models gave a visual representation of Black beauty and power in an age when cries for civil rights ran rampant, as noted by NPR. With the Grandassa Models, Brathwaite aimed to inspire Black women to embrace their natural beauty and stop conforming to Eurocentric standards of womanhood.

“We said, ‘We’ve got to do something to make the women feel proud of their hair, proud of their blackness,'” Brathwaite told The New Yorker.

Some of his popular work includes capturing The Motown Revue at the Apollo in 1963, The Jackson 5’s first trip to Africa in 1974, and the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

Brathwaite was born Ronald Brathwaite in Harlem in 1938. He was inspired by Marcus Garvey and got his start organizing concerts in the Bronx and Harlem with his brother Elombe Brathwaite. Together they created the African Jazz Art Society & Studio, AJASS.

His most recent exhibitions included “Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite” at The New York Historical Society.

• News

by Booker Jones

April 5, 2023

Former Nebraska University’s Football Coach Mickey Joseph’s Assault Case Has Been Dismissed

---

Nebraska University’s football coach Mickey Joseph’s assault case has been dismissed as a result of the alleged victim refusing to testify. 

USA Today reported that on Wednesday a hearing was scheduled. However, Erica Pruess, a prosecutor in the case, received an email from the alleged victim saying she would not testify. 

The report also said the Arizona police were unable to deliver a subpoena, which made the alleged victim a material witness in the case. 

According to a court filing obtained by USA Today, police made seven different attempts to deliver a subpoena to the alleged victim’s home. The police officer added that on one occasion, he saw someone through the window, cited by USA Today. 

Initially, the alleged victim alleged that Joseph pushed her and put his hands around her throat as she and the former Nebraska interim football coach had an argument. 

“He pushed me on the couch and strangled me,” she said, according to a police affidavit obtained by USA Today. The outlet also said that she said she struggled to breathe until she managed to push Joseph off her. 

According to the report, the alleged victim went into the kitchen, where Joseph grabbed her, which caused her to fall. While falling, the alleged victim said Joseph punched her.  

Police said the alleged victim had visible marks and swelling around her left eye, which police believed was consistent with her story of being punched.

Joseph coached Nebraska’s football team as its interim coach after the program fired Scott Frost. Joseph coached Nebraska for nine games in 2022 before he was placed on administrative leave before the school announced that Joseph had been removed from the football program, according to USA Today. 

Joseph was initially charged with assault by strangulation or suffocation.