This week, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) took to the United States Senate Floor and made the case for the passage of the CROWN Act by unanimous consent.

The CROWN Act provides legal protection against racial discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles including locs, cornrows, twists, braids, and Bantu knots. Disappointingly, the CROWN Act did not pass in the U.S. Senate, but we remain grateful for Senator Booker’s bi-partisan leadership as the original lead sponsor in Congress.

In 2018, Dove launched the national effort to advance legislation to outlaw hair discrimination as part of its unwavering commitment to beauty inclusivity, becoming the co-founder of the CROWN Coalition to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. The CROWN Coalition is a powerful alliance including — the National Urban League, Western Center on Law & Poverty, and Color Of Change, along with 100+ CROWN Act supporting organizations.

The CROWN Coalition and the CROWN Act movement were co-created by four Black women, Esi Eggleston Bracey (President of Unilever USA and CEO of Unilever North America Personal Care) who is a longtime champion of beauty inclusivity and executive sponsor, Adjoa B. Asamoah (ABA Consulting CEO and chief social Impact and legislative strategist for the CROWN Act), and JOY Collective co-owners Kelli Richardson Lawson and Orlena Nwokah Blanchard (CEO and President, respectively), the marketing and communications masterminds for the CROWN Act movement. Together, this team widely known as the “Core Four” launched the public policy and culture shifting campaign, with former State Senator Holly J. Mitchell introducing the first bill in 2019. The co-creators have tirelessly worked to drive awareness of the social and economic harm caused by hair discrimination. Today, the CROWN Act or legislation inspired by the CROWN Act provides legal protections to approximately 24 million Black citizens across the United States.

Dove and all CROWN Coalition members believe diversity and inclusion are key drivers of success across all industries, sectors, and society at large.

The CROWN Act and laws inspired by the CROWN Act have been enacted in 19 states. For more information and a full list of states that have outlawed race-based hair discrimination in addition to CROWN Coalition members visit www.thecrownact.com.

• Arts and Culture

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Migos Rapper Hosts ‘Offset Toy Giveaway’ Two Days Before Christmas

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Migos rapper Offset hosted a toy giveaway in an Atlanta suburb on Friday, according to WSBTV. Despite the cold weather, the recording artist’s first Offset Toy Giveaway took place as scheduled in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The recording artist thanked the community and children for always supporting him while noting the hard times he was currently going through. His cousin and fellow Migos member, TakeOff, died on Nov. 1.

“I just wanted to give back to my community. Thanks to all the kids for always supporting me and always listening to me and always just being there for me, you know,” he said. “Y’all hold me up. You know we’ve been going through a tough time, but God is good.”

The Migos rapper was also given the inaugural key to Gwinnett County during the inaugural toy giveaway. Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson told Offset that she was proud of all he does to support the community. Atlanta City Councilman Byron Amos was also in attendance and presented the recording artist with a community service award for his contributions to Atlanta’s musical culture.

“We’re so proud of you and all you are doing to uplift and support our community,” said Hendrickson.

Offset, whose legal name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, told the press that he liked to see celebrities giving back.

“I like to see when celebrities give back to the community, and you know, do their best to make sure that the kids get where they need to go,” he said.

The Migos rapper also said that while it may be his first toy giveaway, it certainly will not be his last. The 31-year-old shared an announcement on Instagram that said he would continue to help those in need.

“I’m going to make sure that I do more for my community, not just holidays or a one time thing. I want to be able to change it. Thank God for blessing me to be able to bless others it’s not just gifts, it’s help to my side the NAWF be a better place.”

 

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• Entertainment

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Lupita Nyong’o Shares Cute Video Of Herself And Boyfriend Selema Masekela On Instagram

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Actress Lupita Nyong’o shared a video of herself with sports commentator Selema Masekela on Instagram to announce the couple’s relationship on Dec. 23.

The popular Instagram trend captured Nyong’o and her beau snapping their fingers and looking side to side along to the song “The King’s Affirmation” by Iniko and Reuel Williams. The couple changes their outfits several times throughout the video, starting off in blue and white matching robes. Nyong’o also captioned the post.

“We just click! 💘 @selema#thisismylove#nuffsaid.”

 

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A post shared by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo)

The couple is also seen wearing matching purple cheetah swimsuits as their second ensemble. The third ensemble featured Masekela in a yellow suit and Nyong’o in a matching light blue and yellow dress with a high slit. The couple’s fourth transition featured the Ocasr-winning actress wearing a black and orange dress with a matching headdress while Masekela wore an orange suit with a black lapel.

The couple’s final ensemble featured the actress in a shiny orange dress with matching ankle-strap high heels and Masekela in a dark suit. Masekela was also wearing a dress shirt that matched Nyong’o’s dress with a pair of what appeared to be blue suede shoes.

Nyong’o has remained quiet about her relationships in the past. Rumors that she was dating actor Jared Leto in 2014 led to the actress clarifying that the two were just close friends back in 2019. Nyong’o became close to Leto during the awards season in 2014. Nyong’o won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in 12 Years a Slave, while Leto also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Dallas Buyers Club. The actress was also linked to actor Michael B. Jordan, her co-star in Black Panther.

Nyong’o’s new beau also shared the news on Instagram with the caption, “Hearts are synched. My whole and actual love @lupitanyongo. ❤️❤️❤️#outkickedthecoverage 😉.”

• News

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Tory Lanez’ Father Calls Prosecutors ‘Evil’ After Son Found Guilty Of Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

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Rapper Tory Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion on Friday, and his father did not take the news well, according to KTLA News. Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan in the foot following a party at Kylie Jenner’s house in Los Angeles back in 2020. 

A jury of five men and seven women deliberated for 24 hours before coming to a guilty verdict on Dec. 23. Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, had pleaded not guilty to shooting the rapper. The 30-year-old was found guilty of three felonies including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. The Canadian native is facing up to 22 years in prison and could also face deportation after he serves his sentence.  

Lanez had no reaction as he was handcuffed following the guilty verdict and led away. However, his father, Sonstar Peterson, stood up and began shouting after the jury was dismissed.  

“This wicked system stands judged before God almighty!”  

Peterson then pointed at the prosecutors and called them wicked.  

“You two are evil, wicked people. You know exactly what you did,” he added. 

Peterson was physically removed from the courtroom by deputies but continued his rant outside the courthouse. “It’s not over, God does not lose!” 

Tory Lanez father’s reaction to the GUILTY verdict.
pic.twitter.com/kjibUDhKPS

— Rap Alert (@rapalert1OO) December 23, 2022

“You know wanna know exactly how I’m feeling? I just stood here in the Los Angeles County and witnessed the worse miscarriage of justice that this world has ever seen.,” he continued.

He went on to call out Desiree Perez, Alex Spiro, Roc Nation and Jay Z. Peterson also called Perez wicked.

“You wicked witch. You snitch.”

 

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A post shared by HIPHOLLYWOOD (@hiphollywood)

Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascón praised Megan Thee Stallion, whose legal name is Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, for her bravery in testifying against Lanez. Pete testified that the rapper had shot at her feet as he yelled, “Dance, b—h” during an argument.  

“You showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks that you did not deserve,” said Gascón. “You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face and you have been an inspiration to others across LA County and the nation.” 

Lanez’s attorney claimed that Pete’s former friend Kelsey Harris shot her in a jealous rage. Harris testified that she did not know if Lanez shot Pete, but she vehemently denied it was her. Prosecutors argued that Harris had changed her story from her original statement, noting that she previously stated that Lanez shot Pete. The judge allowed prosecutors to present a text message from Harris to Pete’s security on the night of the shooting that read, “911,” “Help” and “Tory shot meg.”  

According to NBC News, Lanez’s sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 27.  

• News

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Missing 5-Month-Old Twin Baby Found Alive, Woman Arrested in Indianapolis For Kidnapping

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The missing twin baby from Columbus, Ohio was found safe inside his mother’s stolen vehicle in Indianapolis on Dec. 22, according to ABC News.   

Kason Thomass was found three days after he and his twin brother, Ky’air Thomass, were kidnapped after their mother’s car was stolen from a restaurant parking lot in Columbus. A 24-year-old woman identified as Nalah Jackson was seen with the stolen vehicle and was arrested on Dec. 22 in Indianapolis.  

Ky’air was found safe in his car seat in the parking lot at the Dayton International Airport on Dec. 20. However, Kason remained missing and was not with Jackson when she was arrested several days later. Baby Kason was later found safe near a Papa John’s in Indianapolis.  

Deputy Chief Smith Weir said that investigators found Jackson after they received several calls Thursday morning from people saying they had spotted Jackson. She was found on Interstate 65 just north of downtown Indianapolis. 

“The 5-month-old boy is in good health and being transported to a hospital to be checked out,” said the IMPD.

“We are grateful to the public for their help throughout this investigation, and for the tireless work of our officers and our many partner agencies.” 

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also announced the good news.  

“Kason Thomass was found alive and safe tonight in Indianapolis near a Papa John’s pizza location,” she said.  

“We are grateful to the public for their help throughout this investigation, and for the tireless work of our officers and our many partner agencies. They never stopped, never gave up hope, and would not rest until Kason was found. We are beyond thankful for their relentless dedication.” 

Sgt. Shawn Anderson and Sgt. Richard El were two of the first IMPD officers on the scene after 5-month-old Kason was found. Footage of him being held by an Indianapolis police officer was shared on Twitter with an announcement that he was safe and sound.  

“Holding him was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my career,” said Anderson.  

Jackson faces two felony counts of kidnapping and is currently awaiting extradition to Columbus. 

• News

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Patriots Fan Berated By Aggressive Raiders Fan In Viral Video Invited To Home Game By Robert Kraft

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A Patriots fan who kept calm despite an overly-aggressive Raiders fan flailing her arms and screaming in his face after a Las Vegas game was invited to a home game by Robert Kraft on Wednesday.  

Jerry Edmond deserves every award available after keeping his composure during a football game in Las Vegas on Dec. 18. Edmond had traveled to Sin City to watch the New England Patriots play against the Las Vegas Raiders and was verbally abused by an aggressive Raiders fan during the game.  

The Patriots lost Sunday’s game with a final score of 30-24, and a Raiders fan who was seated close to Edmond celebrated by getting in his face and screaming at him, seemingly to gloat. The fan flailed her hands and yelled at Edmond while she was inches away from his face as her companion repeatedly tried to restrain her. Cell phone footage was taken by another fan seated nearby and shared on Twitter on Dec. 20. The fan also noted that the Raiders fan had been “chirping” at Edmond the entire game. 

“Someone find me this man. I owe him a beer,” wrote the fan.

“Entire game this lady was chirping at him for CHEERING for the Patriots in ‘her’ stadium. Absolute s— ending for NE & she’s up in his face. He stayed calm after seeing the worst loss ever. I know I wouldn’t. He deserves some love.” 

Someone find me this man. I owe him a beer. Entire game this lady was chirping at him for CHEERING for the Patriots in “her” stadium. Absolute shit ending for NE & she’s up in his face. He stayed calm after seeing the worst loss ever. I know I wouldn’t. He deserves some love. pic.twitter.com/gaKuSv3YqO

— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) December 21, 2022

After seeing the video, Edmond responded on Twitter and identified himself. He also noted the Las Vegas game was his first-ever NFL game.

“I’d like to thank everyone for all the kind words,” he wrote. “I’m the Patriots fan in the video. My name is Jerry Edmond and that was my first-ever NFL game. I didn’t want to ruin my experience by retaliating toward that woman, so I kept my cool.”

The Patriots chairman and CEO personally called Edmond on Dec. 21 and invited him to the Patriots game on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, which Edmond accepted. Kraft told Edmond that he liked the way he conducted himself at the Raiders-Patriots game in Las Vegas and hoped his second NFL experience will be better than the first.

“I think you represented in our brand in a very classy way,” Kraft said.

Kraft also said Edmond will receive a customized jersey as well as pregame field passes so that he can watch warmups.

• Sports

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

Lashinda Demus To Receive Gold Medal After Russian Athlete Found Guilty Of Doping at 2012 Olympics

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Retired track star Lashinda Demus will receive a gold medal for her performance at the 2012 Olympics in London after a Russian athlete was found guilty of doping, according to ABC News.

The Athletics Integrity Unit announced on Dec. 21 that Russian 400-meter hurdler Natalya Antyukh would lose her Olympic gold medal because of doping.

The Athletics Integrity Unit oversees track and field doping cases and said on Wednesday that Antyukh was handed a penalty two months ago stripping her of results between July 2012 through June 2013. Evidence of anti-doping reportedly came from a Moscow anti-doping laboratory database, and Antyukh did not appeal the penalty.

The Athletics Integrity Unit announced that the International Olympic Committee could now begin the process of reallocating the Olympic medals to the true winners. In addition to Demus receiving a gold medal, Zuzana Hejnová from the Czech Republic and Kaliese Spencer from Jamaica will also receive silver and bronze medals, respectively.

 

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A post shared by Lashinda Demus OLY (@ldemus)

Upon learning the news, Demus said in an email that she deserved everything that would have accompanied her gold medal in 2012, including the missed compensation. Antyukh beat Demus by .07 seconds at the 2012 Olympics.

“I’m not afraid to say that I then deserve the official title, medal, recognition, and missed compensation that goes along with it all.”

Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit Brett Clothier said it was important to note the true winner, “even if a decade later”.

“The AIU remains committed to investigating all cases of potential violations and securing the appropriate outcomes,” said Clothier. “The integrity of the sport of athletics is our utmost priority and we are pleased, in this instance, that athletes who competed fairly at the highest level will ultimately be acknowledged as the rightful medal winners.”

Demus also won a gold medal at the 2011 world championships.

• Women

by Kia Morgan Smith

December 24, 2022

Jury Finds Canadian Rapper Tory Lanez Guilty of Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

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By Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) –Daystar Peterson, the Canadian rapper known as Tory Lanez, was found guilty by a Los Angeles jury on Friday of shooting fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion in both of her feet after an argument in 2020, prosecutors said.

The jury found Lanez, 30, guilty of three felony counts: carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle; assault with a semiautomatic handgun; and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Lanez faces over 20 years in prison and a potential deportation to Canada.

A lawyer for Megan Thee Stallion said after the verdict: “The jury got it right. I am thankful there is justice for Meg.”

Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion, 27, had earlier testified Lanez shot at her feet after a pool party in the Hollywood Hills in July 2020, adding the shooting was preceded by an argument that got heated when the two began attacking each other’s music careers.

Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, needed surgery to remove bullet fragments in her feet, CBS News quoted her as saying.

The sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 27. Megan Thee Stallion was not present in court on Friday. Lanez, who was free on bail during the trial after a period of house arrest, was taken into custody.

Jurors reached a verdict on Friday following hours of deliberation across two days after a trial of about two weeks.

“Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault and sexual violence because they are too often not believed,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement after the verdict.

“You (Megan Thee Stallion) showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks you did not deserve. You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face,” Gascón added.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in WashingtonEditing by Chris Reese)

• News

by Niko Mann

December 24, 2022

New Survey Finds Black and Women Small Business Owners Have Increased Revenue Despite Recession

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A new survey found that many Black-owned and women-owned small businesses are seeing an increase in sales despite the recession, according to ABC6.

According to the senior vice president of Bank of America, Carol Lee Mitchell, female business owners expect their revenues to increase even more over the next year.

“In fact 63 percent of our women business owners are telling us that they expect revenues to increase over the course of the next 12 months. And that includes our minority business owners,” she said.

Bank of America‘s 2022 Women and Minority Business Owner Spotlight also found that 87 percent of Black business owners are committed to promoting social change through their businesses. That commitment led to 34 percent of Black business owners announcing they’ve increased their customer base. Forty-seven percent of women small business owners plan also to expand their businesses over the next 12 months.

Consumer Reporter Nydia Han says that driving social change has paid off handsomely for businesses.

“Driving social change is really paying off for them,” said Han.

Mitchell added that standing up for a cause is also helping businesses to thrive.

“It’s not just about driving sales and revenue but it’s also standing up for a cause and a purpose, a greater purpose. That means a lot to the individual as well as to the community,” Mitchell said.

The survey also found that 60 percent of female entrepreneurs taught themselves how to start and own their own businesses, and 71 percent of women small business owners said that they feel able to handle a recession. Gabrielle Taylor began her business in August of 2020 during the pandemic to help senior citizens stay out of nursing homes. Her business, By Your Side Home Care in Pennsylvania, helps people to stay in their homes by providing elder care. Taylor said that the pandemic helped her to be innovative.

“It forced us to kind of think outside the box or change the norms of how we normally would run the business,” she said. “By creating these care plans we are able to allow them to basically age in place.”

A 2021 survey published in the Harvard Business Review also found that Black women are more likely to start a business than white men.

Racism is alive and well, and a Black Italian rugby player has recently spoken out about an incident involving his teammates.

Cherif Traore, a Black player on the Benetton Rugby team, took to his social media account to express the racism he has recently encountered from team members. He claimed that his teammates had given him a rotten banana during a Secret Santa exchange between team members. The incident occurred at a holiday dinner with his fellow rugby players this past Wednesday.

Traore talks about the tradition the team has every year that includes a Secret Santa (This is a gift exchange between friends, coworkers, or anyone whose names are randomly picked or assigned to others without revealing the person giving the present) portion of the dinner. He described it as a “friendly and playful” moment.

(Written in Italian but translated to English)

“A moment where you can afford to give anonymous gifts to your mates, even stingy, ironic ones. Yesterday, when it was my turn, I found a banana inside my present—a rotten banana inside a bag of moisture. Apart from calling the gesture offensive, what hurt me most and seeing most of my mates present laughing. As if everything is normal. I’m used to it, or better, I’ve had to get used to it, having to make a good face on a bad game whenever I hear racist jokes in order to try not to hate the people close to me.”

He said his penchant for being silent when confronted with racism would no longer occur. He is speaking out now so that others in his position will not experience the same issues he has. Traore also hopes that whoever did this will be held accountable.

 

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Benetton Rugby has placed a statement on the team’s Instagram account condemning the incident:

“Benetton Rugby and the Italian Rugby Federation, following the incident involving some of the members of the franchise, would like to reiterate their firm condemnation of all forms of racism and discrimination, which they do not have and they shouldn’t have any place in the Italian rugby movement, in sport, of civil society. Benetton Rugby and the FIR (The Italian Rugby Federation, which is the governing body of Italian rugby) informs the Federal Prosecutor has launched investigations necessary to ascertain the facts, as well as collective and individual responsibilities, to protect the Game’s founding values and reputation.”

The team also stated that one player had been suspended until the investigation into this matter was completed.

 

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