Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is improving after suffering cardiac arrest earlier this week during a nationally televised football game. Folks have shown stunning generosity, including raising millions of dollars for his toy drive.

And Hamlin’s former teammate has done something for the medical professionals who continue to help him through his ordeal.

According to the Minnesota Vikings‘ website, the team’s defensive tackle, Harrison Phillips went out of his way to make sure that everyone who is working on the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s ICU unit, Hamlin’s family, and the Bills’ training staff was fed earlier this week.

• Sisters Inc

by Stacy Jackson

January 6, 2023

#BlackGirlFollowTrain Is Full Steam Ahead on TikTok, Some Users Are Trying to Derail it, Calling it Racist

---

Black women creators are gracing the algorithm, and their followings are skyrocketing.

A recent trend on TikTok, known as the #BlackGirlFollowTrain, has grown rapidly where Black women are following other Black women back on the app in an effort to support each other, build community, and find compatible content.

According to sources, @momtotheking is the creator of the trend that quickly became one of the top hashtags on the popular app, and Black women went digging to find her, to ensure their sis got her credit.

https://www.tiktok.com/@momtotheking/video/7174960368412822830?_r=1&_t=8Yo0pvPm8YV&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7174960368412822830

Although the movement has nothing to do with bashing anyone else, some white users were not happy about the trend, calling it racist.

One Black user, @thewokemama, posted a video showing a white user in tears, complaining about the Black women who have been banding together on the app.

“I have been seeing this trend on TikTok about skin color,” the white woman said in her video. “Join me if you’re Black. Join the Black girl train. What if I got on there and said join the white girl train?”

https://www.tiktok.com/@thewokemama/video/7184174526085860651?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

However, other white users have backed the trend against the critics.

@iamthekarenator

This chick. #racism #whiteprivilege #blackgirlfollowtrain Here we have another hater.

♬ original sound – iAmtheKarenator

The original creator previously took to her page in December to address the negative controversies that had transpired around the trend.

“So you’re excluding showing love and support to non-Black women and that’s uniting women,” one user replied , questioning one of @momtotheking ‘s videos about her Black girl trend.

“It’s simple to not put yourself in business where it [doesn’t] belong,” @momtotheking captioned a video responding to the user’s comment and reiterating her initial intentions to unite the Black women.

https://www.tiktok.com/@momtotheking/video/7179451976390872363?_r=1&_t=8Yo0kf9cbBj&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7179451976390872363

User @tutortori provided some useful tips about participating in the ‘Black Girl Following Trend.’

@tutortori

#greenscreenvideo #blackgirlfollowtrain #blackgirlfollowparty #blackgirltiktok #blackwomanappreciation #tiktoktipsandtricks #scienceshowhost #womanscienceshowhost #blackscientist

♬ I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston

The hashtag has made such an impact on the app, other groups of people have tried to inherit their own following trains such as the #latinafollowtrain, #blackmenfollowtrain, and the #followtrain that has been circulating for those who aren’t specifying a group.

• Celebrity News

by Diamond Jeune

January 6, 2023

Former NFL Player Devon Still Was Scared to Have More Children After Daughter Battled Cancer

---

Former NFL player Devon Still recently opened up about how his oldest daughter Leah Still‘s battle with cancer temporarily turned him away from having more children. Devon shares Leah with his wife, Asha Still. 

Leah, now 12 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer when she was four, and medical professionals gave her a 50% survival rate. 

According to the American Cancer Society, neuroblastoma is a rare cancer “that starts in early forms of nerve cells.” Traces of this are located in the embryo and fetus. The causes of neuroblastoma are unknown, and the site clams that it is rare for it to be inherited from a parent. Neuroblastoma can be treated in various ways, including surgery and chemotherapy. 

Following Leah’s diagnosis, Devon shared his family’s journey on his social media platform and with news outlets. Leah would ultimately go into remission in 2015. During a January 5 interview with Today.com, the former football player revealed why Leah’s battle left him “traumatized.” Devon told the publication days after Asha gave birth to their third daughter, Amya, 

“I thought that something was wrong with me. So I was scared to have kids again, because I was traumatized from what I witnessed, and I never really dealt with that trauma. I (also) didn’t want to face the fear of whether it was something wrong with me if I had another kid and they were medically ill or fragile.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Devon Still (@stillinthegame)

Devon added that Asha eventually caught on and asked why he was hesitant about having more children despite them officially tying the knot in 2016. The 33-year-old explained that they had an in-depth conversation about it, which included Leah’s past cancer struggle and how it made him feel. Devon stated that this led to Asha comforting him.

After that discussion, Devon and Asha began trying to have another baby. The couple had a second daughter Aria, in 2019, but Asha suffered a miscarriage in 2020. Devon disclosed that following that event, he and Asha “decided to process” what happened before trying to “expand” their family again. 

The duo would announce in June 2022 that they were expecting their third daughter. Devon and Asha welcomed Amya on Jan. 4. A day after Amya’s birth, the couple uploaded a video on their respective Instagram accounts of Leah and Aria meeting their younger sister. 

Devon told Today.com that fans’ reactions to the clip were overall positive, and it gave hope to those with cancer that there is life after the disease. 

If you ever wondered what would have happened if the Jan. 6 attacks were successful, then this series lays out an alternate reality.

“1/6: The Graphic Novel” was co-written by Harvard Law School professor Alan Jenkins and New York Times best-selling author Gan Golan. Using comic book format, the writers detail shocking things that would have occurred if the overturn of the 2020 presidential election went the way co-conspirators wanted.

Scenes like giant Confederate flags flying over the Lincoln Memorial and armed federal agents taking over a news broadcast occur in the first issue of the four-part series. “Under the authority of the Fair and Balanced Media Act of 2021, this network has been declared an enemy of freedom,” the officers shout, weapons drawn. “Turn off those cameras.”

Jenkins and Golan call their work a “tale of what was, what could have been and what still might be.”

Their series is one of many works popping up regarding the attacks. “This Place Rules,” a disturbing documentary streaming on HBO Max, follows interviews of far-right extremists, QAnon followers, and other conspiracy theorists.

Plus, the official Jan. 6 report should be dropping soon, as publishers are fighting for rights to the manuscript, according to the New York Times.

While there are fictional depictions of what could have happened that gloomy day, Golan says real-life heroes will be included. Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman, who led the mob away from the Senate chamber, will make an appearance.

The story takes a fact-and-fiction approach, using a full research team and rewriting the story during the hearings, as new revelations and details appeared. Both writers hope the graphic novel will give people an inside look at a world Golan says “we need to work very hard to avoid.”

The first chapter is already available for download and three more issues are expected to be released this year.

After not hearing from or seeing Theophilus London for several months, his family reported him missing last week in Los Angeles. The rapper was reportedly found “safe and well” earlier this week.

According to an Instagram post from London’s cousin, Mikhail Noel, aka Dj Kellz, on Thursday underneath a photograph of the recording artist, Noel wrote, “We have found Theo. He is safe and well, at this time the family would love prayers and privacy. Thank you all!!!”

According to ABC News, the Los Angeles Police Department acknowledged that London has been “located in good condition” and is in direct contact with his family.

“Truly appreciate everyone’s support in finding my cousin. It’s refreshing and rewarding to have such a strong support system of family and friends!!! God bless each and everyone of you all. ❤️❤️🙏🏾”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mikhail DjKellz Noel (@iamdjkellz)

NBC Los Angeles reported that the rapper was spotted walking in West Los Angeles by friends who had set out to look for him, according to his father, Larry London. The friends ended up taking him home and soon London will be en route to be with his family in New York for a funeral. He will then take off to Trinidad to recapture himself.

“Theo is in Los Angeles and heading to family in New York for a grandmother’s funeral and after that we want him to go to Trinidad to recuperate and to regenerate and get himself together,” his father told the media outlet. “He’s been through an ordeal. His mind is fragile. He needs to get back to writing his music.”

The 35-year-old London, Trinidad and Tobago native was raised in the borough of hip-hop legends, Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. in Brooklyn. He appeared on the Grammy-nominated song, All Day, off of Ye‘s album in 2016. He was the featured artist with Paul McCartney on the song that was nominated for best rap performance.

London is no stranger to albums. He has released three studio albums, 2011’s Timez Are Weird These Days, 2014’s Vibes, and his last project, 2020’s Bebey.

He also appeared on Young Franco‘s Get Your Money, which was released in September.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

January 6, 2023

First Black State Assemblyman to Represent Middletown, CT Killed in Wrong-Way Car Crash

---

Connecticut state Rep. Quentin Williams was struck by a wrong-way driver, just hours after he was sworn in for his third term on Wednesday, ABC News reported. Officials said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Early on Thursday, the 39-year-old lawmaker, affectionately known as “Q,” was traveling in the left lane on Route 9 in Cromwell when a driver, identified as 27-year-old Kimede Mustafaj, was driving north in the southbound lane, the wrong direction, and crashed into Williams head-on.

According to Connecticut State Police, Williams’ vehicle was “fully engulfed in flames” upon impact and “came to an uncontrolled final rest in the left shoulder.” He was identified by officers following an autopsy.

Mustafaj, whose vehicle “came to an uncontrolled final rest in the grass center median,” was also pronounced deceased on the scene.

The case remains under investigation as of Thursday, police said.

The fatal accident brings sadness and dismay to not only Williams’ colleagues but the residents of his hometown of Middletown. Since 2019, the Democrat has served in Connecticut General Assembly as the first African American to represent the City of Middletown, according to his online biography.

During his tenure, Williams championed social and racial equality, human rights, accessible housing for all, and supporting youth programs to help prepare them for successful futures.

This new year accompanied by his swearing-in further cemented his legacy.

“Rep. Williams was an amazing human being. His infectious smile could instantly make a difficult day better,” Connecticut House Majority Leader Jason Rojas said in a statement, per ABC News. “He was an amazing husband, friend and colleague. He loved community and serving others. Truly — a friend to all who knew him. This is a terrible tragedy and a great loss to our state.”

More tributes poured in via Twitter.

Devastated to lose my friend Quentin Williams. CT has lost an amazing leader who filled every room he was in with optimism, hope and happiness. pic.twitter.com/OaJdcmrDj5

— Jim Himes 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@jahimes) January 5, 2023

We are overcome with disbelief and heartbreak at tragic news of the loss of Representative Quentin Williams (“Q”) last night. A champion for Middletown and CT, Q had just yesterday been sworn in and appointed House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. pic.twitter.com/Hbsps3xp82

— CT House Democrats (@CTHouseDems) January 5, 2023

Hard to articulate my grief right now. State Representative Quentin Williams was a champion for Connecticut. Glad I got to hug my friend “Q” one last time on the floor of the House yesterday. Sending love and prayers to his wife Carrissa and his family.https://t.co/IIxBwZ1RwA

— Raghib Allie-Brennan (@raghibct) January 5, 2023

Viola Davis‘ portrayal of Nanisca, an Agojie general, in The Woman King and the experiences of shooting the movie in South Africa brought a different meaning in the actress’ life. So much so that she and her husband, Julius Tennon, decided to renovate their home in honor of the film. 

The couple, who have been married since 2003, purchased their Los Angeles estate in 2016 for a reported $5.7 million. The property is about 7,545 square feet and has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a wine closet.

Davis, Tennon, and their designer Michaela Cadiz, opened up about the entire renovation process, which occurred when the star was filming The Woman King, in the February issue of Architectural Digest. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis)

Before the changes, their interior designer, Cadiz, considered Davis and Tennon’s home minimal because of the residence’s various gray-colored walls. Cadiz told the publication that after meeting the couple and seeing how “vibrant” they were, she felt they needed to liven up the place. She said:

“Viola and Julius have such vibrant personalities, but their house was very minimal — 50 shades of gray. They asked for something not too fussy or pretentious, something comfortable, a place to relax and recoup their energy. But they also wanted something special, a feast for the eyes and the spirit. Finding the right mix was the key.”

In the article, Davis  agreed with Cadiz’s remarks, despite living in her home with Tennon and their daughter Genesis Tennon for five years before making a mutual decision to change anything.

The 57-year-old explained, “I always want to go big and bold, but not too bold, not garish. We were working in South Africa…and we were inspired by the incredible color and culture there.”

This understanding led to the previous dull colors being amplified with various wallpapers, including a dragonfly pattern on the ceiling of their main closet, clouds on their living room walls, and a blue couch. The other changes included images of Muhammad Ali plastered throughout Davis and Tennon’s home gym. As for their daughter Genesis’ room, the 12-year-old had an animal print wall covering on one side, while the others were filled with posters of  her favorite shows, including The Umbrella Academy and  Stranger Things

At the same time, each room in the house had a specific color, consisting of yellow, pink, and green. Lastly, one of the ways that Davis and Tennon decided to pay tribute to The Woman King, besides adding similar colors they saw in South Africa, was by bringing back a Agojie warrior sculpture and placing it in the doorway. 

To learn more about the other changes Davis and Tennon made to their home, check their Architectural Digest cover story, out now.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that UFC owner and promoter Dana White struck his wife on New Year’s Eve at a Cabo San Lucas nightclub.

Some people may have noticed that the story is not dominating the headlines.

This observation was not lost on comedian and radio host, D.L. Hughley, who took to his social media accounts to question why  the media hasn’t given White the same coverage that Chris Brown received under similar circumstances.

Hughley first took his observation to his Twitter account, where he mentioned Chris Brown, Bobby Brown, and Antonio Brown in direct reference to the opposite treatment White has gotten from media outlets.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

January 6, 2023

12 Honored With Presidential Citizens Medals by Biden on Two-Year Anniversary of Capitol Riots

---

Today, Jan. 6, marks the second anniversary of the 2021 Capitol insurrection, when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the monument in an attempt to block the certification of the 2020 election.

For President Joe Biden, today is a new day to honor the individuals who made behaved extraordinarily when faced with mayhem, as well as officers who lost their lives or were injured as a result of the attack.

The White House announced that during an East Room ceremony Biden would bestow the Presidential Citizens Medal to 12 individuals, who one White House official said, “made exemplary contributions to our democracy surrounding January 6, 2021″ and demonstrated “courage and selflessness,” according to CNN.

The Presidential Citizens Medal, first established by executive order in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, is one of the country’s highest civilian honors, recognizing American citizens for over 50 years.

Among the recipients at today’s ceremony are seven police officers, including a posthumous medal to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who suffered strokes and passed away the day after he responded to the attack, and an award to Officer Eugene Goodman, who was credited with directing rioters away from the entrance of the Senate floor while lawmakers evacuated the building.

Included in the twelve are Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges, and former officer Michael Fanone, AP News reported.

Others honorees include election workers who were threatened to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Shaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman, two Black women election workers in Fulton County, GA, recalled how that traumatic day triggered racist threats and public defamation by Trump and his supporters.

“There is nowhere I feel safe. Nowhere. Do you know how it feels to have the president of the United States target you?” Freeman told the House panel, per CNN.

Biden is also recognizing Michigan’s secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, and former Arizona House speaker, Rusty Bowers, who resisted pressure from Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani to overturn results.