No Surprise Here: Controversial NYC Bishop Lamor Whitehead Accused of Falsifying Bank Documents
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 9, 2023

No Surprise Here: Controversial NYC Bishop Lamor Whitehead Accused of Falsifying Bank Documents

Lamor Whitehead’s 15 minutes of fame is starting to fade as new charges are being presented against him.

The New York-based bishop, who made headlines after being robbed on livestream, is facing fraud charges. The NY Daily News reported that Whitehead told a bank his business had $2 million in its coffers, when it had less than $10

Documents from the Manhattan Federal Court claim the bank account, allegedly belonging to Anointing Management Services LLC, doesn’t exist.

This is not the first time Whitehead has been in trouble with authorities.

Last December, the 44-year-old was arrested while driving a Rolls Royce, and charged with embezzlement. He allegedly applied for a business loan worth more than $100,000, embezzling one of his congregation members’ retirement fund in 2018. The loan was denied, but that didn’t stop him from attempting again in 2019, applying for a loan worth $1.3 million using faked documents as part of an application for a six-bedroom, seven-bath home.

He was also charged with allegedly scamming another parishioner out of $90,000, and spending it on luxury goods. He even promised to use his “influence” in an extortion scam to get “favorable actions” from the city in real estate deals.

Whitehead is known for leading the congregation of Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn. His sermons surround “prosperity gospel” and ask his followers to “sow,” or donate money, to the church. His lawyer said they are prepared to fight all the allegations against him. “We are going to be fighting those allegations,” his attorney, Dawn Florio, told The New York Post. “Lamor Whitehead will be pleading not guilty when he is arraigned on the … indictment and denies those charges.”

He is currently free on a $500,000 bond.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 9, 2023

Sheryl Lee Ralph Laughs at Megyn Kelly and Claps Back at Criticism Over Singing Black National Anthem at Super Bowl

Controversy stemmed from the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ being sung at the Super Bowl last month. Conservatives and perceived racists had a problem and stated that there is only one true national anthem.

Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph sang that song at the Super Bowl and Megyn Kelly had something to say about it.

On the latest episode of Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out The News, which appears on Comedy Central every Wednesday, the Emmy-winning performer was a featured guest. Ralph got a chance to respond to Kelly’s statements after the performance, as well as the Tweet that Rep. Lauren Boebert released shortly after.

In a Tweet sent out on Feb. 12, Boebert wrote, “America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM. Why is the NFL trying to divide us by playing multiple!? Do football, not wokeness.”

And, the “host” of Tooning Out The News also replayed Kelly’s comments as well.

“There is no reason to have a Black national anthem sung before the Super Bowl. But there’s one national anthem. It unites us all. It’s about love of country.”

“There’s no point in dividing us by race going into something that is already unifying us as a country,” Kelly said.

After hearing the clip, Ralph immediately burst into laughter.

“Oh, that woman is amazing. I mean I wish that she was as smart and as beautiful as she is. Can you imagine?

“That song, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is 123 years old. And it was written to commemorate the birthday of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. I mean, The fact that people want to feel divided by such sentiment and such lyrics, it tells you that there are some people in the country, in the world, that I guess there’s nothing that will ever truly make them happy until America is no longer the home of the free and the brave.”

Watch the video clip below:

New Reports Show Gang Members Climbing Leadership Ladder at Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 9, 2023

New Reports Show Gang Members Climbing Leadership Ladder at Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

A new report is shaking things at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Rolling Stone reported at least half a dozen active gangs and cliques sit at the highest levels of the department. The report gave a recommendation to the new sheriff in town, Sheriff Robert Luna, saying, “It is time to eradicate this 50-year plague upon the County of Los Angeles.” Some of the gang names listed in the report include the Executioners, the Banditos, the Regulators, the Spartans, the Gladiators, the Cowboys, and the Reapers.

The 70-page investigation described a deputy-gang culture rooted deep within LASD, and a threat posed to the public. Deputies are actively seeking out violent encounters with the public, hoping to prove themselves worthy of gang membership. “Tattooed deputy gang members” ironically have climbed the leadership ladder within the department. The leader at the forefront of the investigation is Alex Villanueva, who recently lost his 2022 reelection bid.

Villanueva allegedly promised “reform” by hiring gang members as his right-hand men, but has constantly denied those allegations. Special Counsel Bert Deixler said the reports says otherwise.

“Contrary to the statements of the prior sheriff, deputy gangs exist and operate in the department, as they have for the last 50 years,” Deixler said, according to Fox News. “They are a cancer.”

Deixler said he interviewed several people who claimed to be scared or worried about professional damage.

The timeline of hired leaders doesn’t make things any better. According to the report, Villanueva promoted Timothy Murakami, an alleged tattooed Caveman, to become Undersheriff, and Lawrence Del Mese, accused of being a tattooed Grim Reaper, as Chief of Staff. The report stated Special Counsel “repeatedly sought” to meet with Villanueva and Murakami, but both refused.

Del Mese testified that his tattoos were removed before joining the Villanueva team since they are “a bad look.”

 

Black Couple Settles Lawsuit Against Real Estate Company That Gave Higher Appraisal Thinking It Was White-Owned
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 9, 2023

Black Couple Settles Lawsuit Against Real Estate Company That Gave Higher Appraisal Thinking It Was White-Owned

Racism has led to a potential windfall for a Black couple in California who have settled with a real estate company after it gave a higher estimate for their home to a white friend who pretended to be the owner.

Paul Austin and his wife, Tenisha Tate-Austin, filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in 2021. The defendants were appraiser Janette Miller and Miller and Perotti Real Estate Appraisals in San Rafael. The Austins also filed a lawsuit against AMC Links LLC, an appraisal management company in Utah.

In a written statement, Austin said, “We’re glad that we can put this lawsuit behind us. Having to experience everything that came with receiving the lowballed appraisal was overwhelming. Being able to tell our story and knowing we had legal recourse helped.”

The Marin City, California, couple said the defendants provided an appraisal that undervalued their property because they are Black. They were joined in the lawsuit by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Fair Housing Advocates of Norther California executive director Caroline Peattie said the settlement came down to the stress brought to the Austins and the uncertainty of the outcome.

“Obviously we felt we had a strong case or else we wouldn’t have pursued it in the first place,” Peattie said. “Filing a lawsuit on the strength of the evidence is one thing and how a judge will rule is a separate question. You’re never assured of a particular outcome. I think everybody involved with the case was ready to move on.”

In 2020, the Austins were looking to refinance their mortgage to make renovations to their home. AMC Links commissioned Miller to appraise the Austins’ home at the request of their mortgage broker.

Miller’s estimation of the value of the home was $995,000—or $455,000 lower than the 2019 appraisal. The Austins, suspecting racism, requested a second appraisal, which they received from another person who was hired by AMC Links. This time, a white friend took their place. Any evidence that a Black family lived there was removed. This time, the appraiser valued the house at $1.48 million.

Tate-Austin said, “We missed out on a better interest rate because of the unfair appraisal we received.”

A confidential settlement was reached with AMC Links, according to Fair Housing Advocates of Norther California. The settlement amount was not disclosed and, according to the agreement, AMC Links “denied any wrongdoing.”

Georgia Bookstore Owner Found Dead in Creek; Ex-Boyfriend Charged with Murder, Kidnapping
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 9, 2023

Georgia Bookstore Owner Found Dead in Creek; Ex-Boyfriend Charged with Murder, Kidnapping

The body of a Georgia bookstore owner was found in a creek after she was reported missing by her family.

According to 11 Alive, the body of Erica Atkins, 42, who owned Birdsong Books in Locust Grove, Georgia., was discovered several miles from the bookstore on Monday.

A fisherman found her body in Cedar Creek in Putnam County. She was reported missing the previous day Jail officials from Henry County said 38-year-old Romero Johnson, a bookstore employee, has been arrested in connection to Atkins’ death and faces charges of kidnapping and murder.

Atkins’ friend, Shanna Amoah, said she is “devastated” by the loss.

“Erica was a busy woman. She was committed to helping her community. She donated books–donated her time. In fact, she came last year to my summer camp and read to my kids–donated her time there,” Amoah said. “Erica was just a pillar in our community. She just won National Small Business of the Year through the Chamber of Commerce.”

Law and Crime reported that Johnson is also Atkins’ former boyfriend as well as an employee at Birdsong Books.

After the Locust Grove Police Department responded to a report of a missing person at the home of Atkins at 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, investigators determined there were “suspicious circumstances” about her disappearance. Johnson immediately became a person of interest.

According to a police report, between 11:30 p.m. March 4 and 12:30 a.m. March 5, Johnson “willfully and knowingly” abducted his former girlfriend. He “dragged a body-sized sheet” that he used to conceal Atkins’ body from her garage. He eventually placed it into the rear of his car.

Detectives obtained surveillance video footage from across the street which show Johnson placing the body into the vehicle.

Human blood was discovered in the rear passenger compartment of Johnson’s vehicle. The vehicle had been cleaned and vacuumed. Police officers found blood and one of Atkins’ earrings at the same location on the driveway where Johnson allegedly dragged Atkins.

Atlanta News First reported that the Henry County Magistrate Court confirmed that Johnson had a court hearing Tuesday; no bond was set. His next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for March 31 at 9 a.m.

by Booker Jones

March 9, 2023

Lifetime Announces Second Janet Jackson Documentary and Keyshia Cole Musical Biopic

Lifetime is serving Black culture consumers that good stuff. On Wednesday, Lifetime and A&E announced that Janet Jackson’s life story will receive another treatment. 

Janet Jackson: Family First follows 2022’s four-part docuseries (which also on Lifetime and A&E) and will show Jackson on her upcoming “Together Again” tour, where she will reconnect with her brother Randy Jackson. 

According to Deadline, Janet Jackson: Family First will be produced by Banijay’s Workerbee and directed by  Ben Hirsch with Jackson and Randy Jackson serving as co-producers. 

“I was touched by the love and support from the wonderful fans who enjoyed the documentary,” Jackson said in a statement. “I am excited to continue to share my story, and welcome fans into my life and the ‘Together Again’ tour. Thank you for your never-ending support, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.”

On June 3, Lifetime and A&E will also show a two-hour documentary TLC Forever, which will shed light on the legendary trio. 

Keyshia Cole is set to executive produce—while also making her acting debut, playing herself—in Lifetime’s Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story. This musical biopic, directed by D’Angela Proctor and Manu Boyern, follows Cole’s early days in Oakland, where she withstood trials and tribulations on her journey to become a successful crooner. Cole’s mother Frankie Lons will be played by Debbi Morgan. 

Deadline also reports that Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story (which premiere Saturday, June 24) will feature a new song by Cole, “Forever is a Thing.”

Earlier this year, Cole was accused of degrading her mother for financial gain, a claim she denied on Twitter. 

by Booker Jones

March 9, 2023

Bronny James’ High School Season Ends with Loss Against Master P’s Son

Bronny James’ high school basketball career is over. 

In California high school hoops action Tuesday, Notre Dame, led by Duke University-bound Caleb Foster, and Master P’s son Mercy Miller, rolled through Sierra Canyon, 80-61. 

According to Daily Mail, Foster finished with 28 points, while Miller, who recently committed to the University of Houston, added 18. Notre Dame advances to the CIF Southern California Division 1 state championship game against the Northern California winner, either Granada-Livermore or Salesian-Richmond.

James’ loss came less than 24 hours after he was upgraded to a five-star recruit after being ranked the No. 9 prospect in the class of 2023 by On3. He previously sat at No. 24. For most of James’ high school career, he has been considered a four-star recruit.  

However, ESPN has him as the No. 28-ranked prospect in its Top 100 rankings of the 2023 high school class, also grading him as a four-star recruit. 

“Even with the brightest of spotlights on him, Bronny continues to grow in his game,” said Jamie Shaw of On3. “He entered Sierra Canyon as a freshman and arguably as the most famous high schooler in sports. This fame has followed him, and even continued to grow. But so has Bronny’s game.”

Earlier this week, James’ father, NBA super-duper star LeBron James, praised his son in a widely-circulated tweet: 

“Man Bronny definitely better than some of these cats I’ve been watching on league pass today.  Sh*t lightweight hilarious.” 

​​Bronny James finished the season averaging 14.2 points, 2.4 assists, and nearly two steals a game. These stats, combined with a serious national schedule, earned him an invite to the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit. 

With him being eligible to enter the 2024 NBA draft, as of now, Bronny James is predicted to be the No. 10 pick by the Orlando Magic in a mock 2024 draft. 

Miami-Dade County Names Street After Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 9, 2023

Miami-Dade County Names Street After Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson returned to her hometown near Miami on Monday to witness the renaming of a street in her honor.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Street winds through a suburban neighborhood in Cutler Bay, just south of Miami, Politico reported. The area often features peacocks strolling through yards and roosting in oak trees.

Jackson touched on the inspiration she hoped her street-naming will give the next generation.

“I hope that this street naming will also serve as a testament to what is possible in this great country,” she said.

“This in many ways is as much a celebration of us as it is of me, and I’m saying that because I grew up among all of you.”

She went on to credit her upbringing in the residential town and time studying at Miami Palmetto Senior High School for paving the way for her current role in the Supreme Court.

“This is where I got my start, and I really do believe that there is an important connection between my experience growing up in this area and my current position as associate justice,” Jackson said.

“It was while I was studying and competing and growing up here in this community that I gained self confidence in the face of challenges,” she continued.

“I learned how to lean in, in spite of obstacles, to work hard to be resilient, to strive for excellence, and to believe in myself and what I could do if given the opportunity.”

Jackson made history last year when she became the first Black woman to serve as U.S. Supreme Court justice. But she’s also the first Supreme Court justice to hail from Florida.

“I hope that people who are driving by might have a moment of reflection about what it means that a person from this neighborhood, and someone with my background, could take what this place has to offer and be well-equipped enough to then go out into the world and do what it takes to not only become the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of United States, but also the first former public defender and the first associate justice who is from the great state of Florida,” she said.

Fantasia Teams Up with American Red Cross to Fight Sickle Cell Disease
by Stacy Jackson

March 9, 2023

Fantasia Teams Up with American Red Cross to Fight Sickle Cell Disease

It’s time to roll up those sleeves and contribute to an important cause.

R&B singer Fantasia Barrino-Taylor recently partnered with The American Red Cross to donate blood and help those who suffer from sickle cell disease.

The recent honorary inductee of the Divine 9’s Sigma Gamma Rho took to her Instagram page to drop knowledge on the “Black Excellence” in the blood of the Black community and encourage her followers to follow her example.

Revealing her fear of needles, Barrino-Taylor stressed to viewers how important the matter is, showing brief moments of her conquering her fear for the greater cause.

“Ya’ girl went to donate blood with @americanredcross,” Barrino-Taylor wrote in the beginning of the reel’s caption. “I’m afraid of needles, but I went through with it. Check out some behind-the-scenes footage from my experience. It wasn’t scary at all. In fact, it was humbling to know our blood can help save lives.”

“Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. So, I encourage my family, friends, fellow D9 members and @sgrhoupdates sisters to roll up a sleeve to donate lifesaving blood,” she added.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fantasia Taylor (@tasiasword)

Barrino-Taylor provided her fans, supporters, and fellow Divine 9 members with information to help support patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood donations play a significant role in helping sickle cell patients. Research found that more than 100,000 people are battling sickle cell disease, with the majority being of African descent.

The singer is no stranger when it comes to being a part of.a greater cause.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the “Good Lovin'” singer pledged Sigma Gamma Rho in November 2022, checking off her longtime goal of becoming a part of a sisterhood.

“I love what you support and I love what you do. And I won’t disappoint. I promise, I won’t,” Barrino-Taylor said to her sorority sisters during the induction ceremony.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 9, 2023

Bill Gates’ Daughter Calls Out Internet Trolls Shaming Her ‘For Being in an Interracial Relationship’

Bill Gates’ daughter, Phoebe Gates, is calling out all of the social media trolls who flooded her comments section with hateful remarks about her Black boyfriend.

Since going public with Robert Ross in May 2022, the younger Gates, 20, has received a swarm of comments about her boyfriend being Black, Blavity reported. The disparaging comments included racist remarks and accusations that Ross was only dating Gates for her money.

As Gates and Ross continue strong into another year together, the Stanford student addressed those who are bothered by her interracial romance.

“It’s 2023. I’m done being memed for being in an interracial relationship,” she told The Information in an interview published on Friday.

With over 200,000 Instagram followers and 65,000 TikTok followers, Gates is a social media influencer on top of being the daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates. But with so many eyes on her, Phoebe Gates said some things are hard to deal with.

“The misconceptions and conspiracy theories about my family and my relationship with my boyfriend,” she shared.

In January, Gates shared a photo of her standing beside Ross on New Year’s Eve that was flooded with comments calling Ross a gold digger.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phoebe Gates (@phoebegates)

“City boys up,” one onlooker wrote.

“Got the bag,” added another.

“I’m pretty realistic that people start following me because of my family name,” Phoebe Gates said. “And people probably find it funny to see my dad being a goof and playing.”

But despite the shady comments, she enjoys breaking assumptions by sharing her real life.

“People have a lot of preconceptions about me, so TikTok has been a chance for me to tell my own story and also use the attention my family name might bring to spotlight issues that are important to me, like women’s health and sustainable fashion,” she said.

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