• Entertainment

by Iman Milner

March 28, 2023

R. Kelly Victim Is Granted Access To The Singer’s Music Royalties

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Justice continues to be served in the ongoing battles between disgraced singer R. Kelly and the many women he victimized throughout his career.

In the latest news, Heather Williams, a woman named as one of his sexual abuse victims, has been awarded access to his Sony Music royalties –estimated to be worth $1.5 million. Williams, who won a $4 million judgment from Kelly, is one of the first victims to “properly demand” her payout from Sony, according to Billboard.

She also had the state of Illinois on her side; as the Supreme Court ruled that her claims should take priority over a Chicago landlord who was also owed millions from the 56-year-old singer. Midwest Commercial Funding has been awarded $3.5 million from Kelly as property manager of a studio that the singer failed to pay rent for.

Williams filed a civil lawsuit against Kelly in 2019, alleging that when she was 16 years old, the singer lured her into his studio under the guise of having her be in a music video. He then repeatedly had sex with Williams, a minor. Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, is planning to fight back against the ruling in Williams’ favor, citing that it was a ruling by default brought on by the singer’s failure to respond.

“I’ve never in my career seen such a flouting of the rules to deny him even the opportunity to defend these civil cases, even when the courts were fully aware that Kelly was incarcerated, unrepresented at points, and facing multiple criminal indictments,” Bonjean says. “Indeed, much of these civil proceedings occurred without Kelly’s knowledge.”

Currently, R. Kelly is serving a 30-year sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering in New York City while also being ordered to pay $480,000 in fines and restitution. In February, he was sentenced on child pornography charges in Illinois and fined an additional $42,000.

The court has ruled that Heather Williams will continue receiving his royalties until her entire judgment is paid off.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 28, 2023

Anthony Broadwater To Receive $5.5M Over Wrongful Rape Conviction in Alice Sebold Case

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Redemption has come in the form of several million dollars for a man imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

According to The New York Post, a man who spent 16 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of raping writer Alice Sebold in 1981 has settled a lawsuit with New York State. Anthony Broadwater, now 62, will be given $5.5 million after settling the decades-old lawsuit against New York.

Broadwater’s conviction for raping Sebold was overturned in 2021.

The State of New York agreed to compensate Broadwater after he was exonerated for the rape of the award-winning novelist, who was attending Syracuse University in 1981. The wrongly convicted Broadwater sued the state for damages after having his conviction overturned by a judge in November 2021.

That was nearly 22 years after he was released from prison in 1999.

Broadwater’s attorney, Melissa Swartz, spoke to The New York Post Monday and said that all that is needed is the signature from Judge Ramon Rivera. Swartz anticipates Rivera will sign the paperwork to seal the agreement between both parties.

“Tony is grateful to the state of New York for swiftly resolving this matter,” Swartz said.

“I appreciate what Attorney General [Letitia] James has done and I hope and pray that others in my situation can receive the same measure of justice,” Broadwater said in a statement through a lawyer. “We all suffer from destroyed lives.”

Sebold who was a freshman at Syracuse University when the incident took place, told police that Broadwater reminded her of her attacker after seeing him in the street five months after she was assaulted, Complex reported. She later failed to point him out in a lineup but testified in court that he was the man who had forced himself on her.

Sebold apologized late last year in a statement posted on Medium, Sebold said as a “traumatized 18-year-old rape victim” she put her faith in the legal system and her goal wasn’t to ruin a young innocent man’s life.

“My goal in 1982 was justice–not to perpetuate injustice and certainly not to forever, and irreparably, alter a young man’s life by the very crime that had altered mine,” Sebold wrote. “I am grateful that Mr. Broadwater has finally been vindicated, but the fact remains that 40 years ago, he became another young Black man brutalized by our flawed legal system. I will forever be sorry for what was done to him.”

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 28, 2023

Episcopal Church of New York Apologizes For Participating In The Transatlantic Slave Trade, Pledges $1 Million Against Racism

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The New York Episcopal Church is doing the right thing in acknowledging their participation in slavery.

CBS News reported that the Episcopal Diocese of New York is now apologizing for joining in on the slave trade. The church feels so bad that not only are they setting up a reparations commission, but they’re also pledging $1 million towards education and work in the community.

During a special service this past weekend, the Right Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche and bishop of the New York diocese, talked about how sorry they were for the transatlantic slave trade, as well as for being involved in the oppression and exploitation of enslaved people. “The apology being offered here today is offered by the Diocese of New York as an entity. Maybe as a family,” Dietsche said. “Make an apology for the things we did corporately to further the suffering of others under slavery.”

The bishop broke the process down into three steps – lamentations, apologies and reparations.

Dietsche mentioned that African-American slaves built churches in the city. Like many freed slaves, their families were denied equal access, even after emancipation. Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, who is the first Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church to hold that position, said that the apology was, according to Gothamist, “a sign of spiritual work that has been done.”

“Now some might say that apology is not enough, and to be sure, by itself it’s not,” Curry said. “But you have been engaged in the work of unearthing our history, unearthing our story, telling stories that had not been told, telling of pain that has been borne sometimes in silence.”

The Episcopal Diocese of New York has close to 50,000 members, with about 200 parishes across the tri-state area, including the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Orange, Dutchess, and Westchester counties.

Team Janine! Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson will take over hosting duties for NBC’s Saturday Night Live on April 1.

Producers of the long-running comedy sketch show announced the lineup for the coming weeks on Twitter, which includes Brunson, and musical guest Lil Yachty, who will also be making his first appearance on the show.

The hosting gig will no doubt be another career milestone for Quinta, who has taken home an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award this year alongside her Abbott Elementary co-stars. The show, which Brunson created, has quickly become one of the must-see shows on television with her castmates Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti winning over new fans each week. Lil Yachty is also making his way back into the limelight with his new album, Let’s Start Here. It peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Album chart. The rapper has been busy producing some of our favorite tracks from other artists including Drake & 21 Savage‘s “BackOutsideBoyz” and “Privileged Rappers” from their 2022 offering, Her Loss, in his free time.

Brunson’s episode of Saturday Night Live will also mark the first since the SNL editors and post-production staff and NBC reached a new tentative deal that will give them 60% pay increases over a three-year contract. The deal staves off a strike that would have taken place this week.

“Thanks to the tremendous resolve of the crew, we reached a deal that represents real achievement in each of the areas our members identified as key, including dramatic improvements in wages,” said Cathy Repola, National Executive Director of Motion Picture Editors Guild. “We’ll defer detailed public discussion of the terms until after our negotiators have had a chance to meet with the full crew to review the deal and hold a ratification vote.”

We now have Saturday plans!

• Arts and Culture

by Iman Milner

March 28, 2023

Hov Did: Damson Idris Talks Jay-Z Sponsoring His Green Card And Supporting “So Many People”

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We’re all getting ready to say goodbye to Franklin Saint but Damson Idris is here to stay and it seems we may have Jay-Z to thank for that.

In a new episode of 360 with Speedy Morman, the Snowfall actor got real about his life and the road that led him to retire our favorite narcotics dealer after six beloved seasons—including a very special favor from Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

Morman asked the 31-year-old actor if it were true that the Brooklyn icon was a reference for his green card.

“He was”, he said before positing, “how could you possibly know that?” He went on to say that he asked the rapper to vouch for him, something that Idris said was just the start of the support from Jay-Z.

“He’s done many things for me over the years, he’s always supported me”, the British-born actor said, “he supports everyone.”

Apparently, the rapper’s good deeds extend beyond Damson.

“He supports so many people that you don’t even know,” he said. “Genuinely, I should tell everyone this right now: if you ever run into Jay-Z, just say thank you and keep it moving. He is definitely a pioneer of the culture and of everything. I’ve never told him this but he’s a huge idol of mine. Thank you for that reference.”

Along with Jay-Z, LeBron James’ childhood friend and sports industry disruptor, Rich Paul, also played a role in getting Damson Idris into the country.

“Those guys are really like my big brothers”, he shared, “I’ll be in Miami at like 12 a.m. and I’m like,, ‘Yo I want to go to Carbone and Hov will get on FaceTime like, (in a Jay-Z impression) ‘Damson, you gotta win a couple more Emmys before you can call me at 11:30′ and then boom reservation made. It’s amazing to have giants like that who have your back.”

The interview, which also delved into Idris’ private life with new girlfriend Lori Harvey, is part of Complex‘s ‘Complex Covers’ collection.

On Monday, several outlets reported that Lamar Jackson had requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. 

Jackson took to his Twitter account to thank fans for their support and love, but his decision to leave Baltimore is to the benefit of his family. 

“A letter to my Fans

“I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions,” Jackson tweeted.

He added, “[I]n regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football…”  

A letter to my Fans

I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me. Let me personally answer your questions

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) March 27, 2023

ESPN reported that John Harbaugh, the Ravens head coach, was asked about Jackson’s request during the NFL’s league meeting. 

“I haven’t seen the tweet. It’s an ongoing process,” Harbaugh said to ESPN. “I’m following it very closely, just like everyone else here. I’m looking forward to a resolution.”

“I don’t know what direction it’s going to go,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t tell the future. But I know whatever happens is going to be good. It’s going to be OK. I have my hopes. I love Lamar Jackson.”

Harbaugh added that he hasn’t spoken to Jackson in some time, but he remains optimistic that Jackson will suit up as a Raven once the season begins. 

“You got to plan for all the contingencies, for sure,” Harbaugh said. “I’m pretty fired up about Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson is a great player. Lamar came back in great shape last year. He’s fired up to play. That’s the Lamar that I’m looking forward to seeing.” 

ESPN also reported that Sashi Brown, the Ravens president, expressed nothing but love for Jackson. 

“We love Lamar. We want Lamar back,” Brown said.

He continued, “We’ve seen the tweet today. We’ve been in good communication with him. These are hard circumstances. But we’re committed to trying to get something done.”

• News

by Iman Milner

March 28, 2023

That’s Foul Play: Jrue Holiday And Other NBA Players Scammed Out Of $13 Million

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NBA all-star and current Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard, Jrue Holiday, is among the current and former players who were defrauded by a former financial advisor out of $13 million.

According to a report by CNBC, Darryl Cohen, who once worked for Morgan Stanley, is accused of transferring money from the accounts of several NBA clients. Federal prosecutors confirm that Cohen has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Additionally, he is charged with one count of investment advisor fraud, “which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.” The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will also be tacking on an additional charge to Cohen for defrauding the players out of $1 million.

Cohen did not act alone in his crimes. Former NBA agent Charles Briscoe has also been “charged with one count of aggravated identity theft,” while Brian Gilder and Calvin Darden, Jr. were also complicit in the plans. The schemes included expensive life insurance policies, swindling charitable donations, and plans to acquire a WNBA team, according to MarketWatch. Cohen allegedly misappropriated funds to pay off his own credit card debt and build sports facilities in his backyard. All four members of the fraudulent plot could potentially spend up to 40 years in prison.

“These defendants believed that defrauding their professional athlete clients of millions of dollars would be a layup. That was a huge mistake, and they now face serious criminal charges for their alleged crimes,” said Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York in a press release. Though court papers did not identify the names of those affected by the scams, an attorney representing the players named Holiday, Chandler Parsons, and Courtney Lee as victims.

Morgan Stanley said that Darryl Cohen was released from his position in 2021 and that it is prepared to help with the investigation.

The esteemed ballerina continues to take major leaps in her career.

Misty Copeland will receive the 2023 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award, given each year to support the creativity of an exceptional visionary artist, according to Broadway World.

“We are honoring Misty for her immense artistry and achievement as one of this country’s premier ballerinas,” said Pamela Tatge, executive and artistic director of Jacob’s Pillow. “We are also recognizing her work as an activist and change-maker. As the Pillow and our field as a whole seek to address systemic racism and the need for greater equity, inclusion and access in all aspects of our work, we are excited to honor one of this country’s greatest champions of expanding the ranks of who belongs in ballet on both sides of the footlights. Misty persevered when many would have given up.”

Born in Kansas and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland began her ballet career at the age of 13, training in a free ballet class offered by her local Boys & Girls Club. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to hold a position as a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre.

A Broadway performer, philanthropist, mentor, and New York Times bestselling author, Copeland announced her Be Bold initiative in September 22, an after-school dance program structured for Black and Latino students at two Boys and Girls Clubs in New York City.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Jacob’s Pillow,” Copeland said. “This treasured team’s longstanding commitment to the arts and dance are perfectly aligned with my desire to bring this art form to as many people as possible.”

The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award was created in 2007 by an anonymous donor who gives $50,000 annually to Jacob’s Pillow, $25,000 of which goes to the award recipient.

Copeland will accept her award at Jacob’s Pillow’s Season Opening Gala in the Berkshires on Saturday, June 24.

• Technology

by Iman Milner

March 28, 2023

It’s Not a Game: Howard University Takes Home $80,000 At ESports Tournament

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The Howard University Call of Duty team, Cold Steel, just gave the legendary HBCU another reason to have school pride.

Cold Steel took home an impressive $80,000 share of the $500,000 prize pool at this year’s Mountain Dew Real Change esports tournament in Atlanta. A representative for the tournament told The Hilltop, “The MTN DEW Real Change Challenge is an extension of MTN DEW’s commitment to investing and uplifting Black entrepreneurs through the MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund, which launched in 2021. The MTN DEW Real Change Challenge supported Black gamers at HBCUs by sponsoring a nationwide HBCU esports tournament, in partnership with CXMMUNITY”.

The win was a great indicator of what’s possible for the future, as team members remarked on how far they’ve already come. Senior marketing manager, Deante Taylor, shed light on how they managed in their first tournament, versus how they performed in February, saying, “…we had no proper system setups, no proper equipment. We were even on dorm Wi-Fi.” This year, with the help of Verizon, Gaming Cxmmunity Co. made it possible for Howard to launch a brand new esports lab. There’s no doubt that the upgrades contributed to the team’s success and ability to compete at the next level.

Gaming Cxmmunity Co. has helped 11 HBCUs build state-of-the-art gaming labs in order to prepare them to take part in competitions. In three years, the company has grown from a network of two schools to 35. Through its partnerships with brands like Mountain Dew, the company has been able to host tournaments and continue building bridges that make the gaming world more accessible to HBCU students.

The Howard University team faced tough competition on their road to victory, with some of the best teams from fifteen other HBCUs descending upon the tournament. A key to their success was the pride many members of the team felt in representing their historic institution. Reese Samuel, who also is part of the NEC champion swim team, split his time between both sports – going so far as flying back and forth to Atlanta to attend the tournament. “Being on the team has been great. We have a lot of team spirit and pride in what we do. It feels good to be seen and noticed. Outside of that, I love the environment that the team creates,” Samuel said.

Howard University continues to be a place for Black people to push boundaries and succeed limitlessly.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

March 28, 2023

Florida School Officials Ban ‘Ruby Bridges’ Film After One—One!—White Parent Complains

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The 1998  Disney movie Ruby Bridges was recently banned at a Florida elementary school because one white parent complained that it wasn’t appropriate for second graders.

According to The Tampa Bay Times, a North Shore Elementary mother submitted a complaint after she did not allow her child to watch the film when it was shown in early March. Emily Conklin wrote that the “use of racial slurs and scenes of white people threatening Ruby as she entered a school might result in students learning that white people hate Black people,” per the news outlet.

The iconic story of a 6-year-old girl who endured racial heckling and harassment when she integrated New Orleans schools in the 1960s has been a “staple of Pinellas County Black History Month lessons for years,” reported The Times.

However, Pinellas school officials responded to the formal challenge dated March 6 by pulling the film from the St. Petersburg school until it can be reviewed.

The banning comes at a seeming perpetual controversial time in Ron DeSantis‘ Florida. The Florida governor’s concern with “woke” culture is fostering an environment that has caused educators to be unsure if even the most basic Black history lessons are appropriate for students.

“They are terrifying teachers. People don’t want to be teachers in Florida,” The View’s Ana Navarro said during a Friday broadcast. Florida’s “insanity” and “manic paranoia,” she said, was compelled by DeSantis’ recent tactics.

“They are banning absolutely everything that isn’t the kitchen sink, and tomorrow, I may wake up, and the kitchen sink has been banned,” she said, per The New York Post.

Ric Davis, president of Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students, sent a concerning open letter to the community, questioning leadership decisions.

”Many from historically marginalized communities are asking whether this so-called integrated education system in Pinellas County can even serve the diverse community fairly and equitably,” Davis wrote. “At the highest level of decision-making in the district, they have to have more sensitivity to the diversity of the community they serve, and not overreact because one white person objected to something.”