Hampton University and Stackwell, the digital investment platform designed to eliminate the racial wealth gap, today announced the launch of a new student investment program that will provide funded investment accounts and financial investment education to every member of the university’s freshman class.

Hampton is donating a total of $25,000 to seed Stackwell investment accounts for each student in the Class of 2026, which will be coupled with a financial literacy program from the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development (SFEPD). SFEPD’s program will allow every student, faculty member, staff member, and parent access to an online financial literacy course valued at $3,000 – free of charge. The goal of the program is to empower students and their families’ financial futures and encourage wealth building throughout their lives.

Hampton and Stackwell hope to grow the size of the program in the future, and will provide the same program and seeded investment accounts for successive incoming classes of students, continuing with the class of 2027 and beyond. The addition of corporate partners and benefactors will be vital in expanding the program in the coming years.

“This new program is a key component to delivering the #1 student experience in America,” said University President Darrell K. Williams.

“Hampton University is committed to investing in the advancement of our students as future leaders and building generational wealth on a national scale. We are proud to partner with Stackwell to bring such a unique and important program to our campus.”

This is the first program in the country to provide financial education and funded investment accounts for an entire class of students. Eligible students will sign up for their own Stackwell investment account, which will be seeded with funds from the university’s donation. Each student will also participate in a financial literacy program as part of their core curriculum, receiving a certificate upon its completion. Stackwell will engage with students throughout their time on campus to encourage the development of long-term saving and investing behaviors, highlighting the importance and impact of a lifetime commitment to investing and wealth building. The university’s goal is to graduate students who will have the benefit of a world class education, a fundamental understanding of finance and investing, and an investment portfolio that they can take with them and continue to build throughout their lives.

The Hampton-Stackwell program takes a holistic approach to financial literacy and wellness, differentiating it from other financial education programs at colleges and universities. The partners believe it is crucial to establish good financial habits at a young age to prepare students for long-term financial stability. By normalizing wealth building and participation in the markets, the students will be empowered to stay engaged in the market, establishing generational wealth building not only for the students, but their families and communities as well.

“We are honored to launch this new program with Hampton University and support the entire Class of 2026 as they embark on the critical first steps of their long-term financial journey,” said Trevor Rozier-Byrd, Founder and CEO of Stackwell. “We share a vision and mission of investing in our community, and together, we have created a program that will have an outsize impact across the Black community. This program can set a new standard for financial wellness and wealth creation, and we look forward to extending its reach to benefit thousands of students for years to come.”

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the racial wealth gap is the largest of the economic disparities between Black and white Americans. Federal Reserve data show the racial wealth gap for the Black community grows larger with each passing generation: white households hold on average eight times more wealth than Black households, with that figure growing to 17-times for the Millennial population and Gen Z. This new program focuses on the youngest generation of Hampton students who are disproportionately affected by the wealth gap and have the greatest opportunity to eliminate it by starting wealth building at an early age.

Hampton students will be able to sign up for their investment accounts starting on Dec.19, 2022.

• News

by Derek Major

December 12, 2022

‘New York Times’ Staffers Stage Historic Walkout As Union Leaders Claim Racial Discrimination In Fight For Higher Wages

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Journalists at the New York Times conducted a one-day strike Thursday as the NewsGuild took to the streets claiming its employee evaluations discriminate against minorities.

According to CNN, journalists at the Times are also demanding pay increases and a salary floor as part of its one-day strike, the first strike in more than four decades at the paper. Times staffers held a rally outside the newspaper‘s office in midtown Manhattan and members of the NewsGuild wore red in solidarity and held up signs. Speakers at the rally included author of the Times‘ 1619 project, Nikole Hannah-Jones.

“The goal is to show our company that we’re serious, that we deserve to be treated respectfully at the bargaining table,” Hannah-Jones told Fox News before she addressed the crowd.

“It’s really important for me to come and show solidarity, particularly with our lower-wage workers,” Hannah-Jones added. “We haven’t seen raises in two years and some of our members are really struggling to make ends meet to work here and live in the city. So, we want to show how serious we are about getting a fair contract.”

The Newsguild and the Times have been working on a new contract for almost two years while staffers at the paer have been working under the previous contract. NewsGuild New York President Susan DeCarava said rising tensions finally forced the staff to hold a walk-out, adding employee reviews discriminate against Black workers at the Times after data reporters evaluated the results of internal evaluations.

“It turns out that they are weighted against employees of color at the New York Times. For example, no Black employee at the New York Times has ever received the highest rating possible. Nikole Hannah-Jones is in our unit. Tell me how she is not doing that caliber type of work,” DeCarava told Fox News.

DeCarava added that discretionary pay increases at the paper are dependent on internal evaluations and as a result, Black staffers aren’t getting the increases they deserve. The union president said the NewsGuild is pushing for a more regulated system in which “everyone is guaranteed a raise” on an annual basis, but doesn’t feel the Times is bargaining sincerely.

In August, the Times reported a gain of more than 180,000 digital subscribers. This year alone, the paper has purchased The Athletic, a subscription-based sports website, and the game Wordle, which rose to popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Texas Southern University’s Center for Justice Research has received a $351,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity to form the HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub.

The Hub will facilitate a two-year collaboration between HBCU researchers, community organizations, and community members working toward reducing mass incarceration and violent crime, according to a release.

“The Walmart Foundation grant will open up new opportunities for collaboration, strengthening our partnerships here in Houston while widening our reach and impact across other U.S. cities and crime-impacted communities,” commented Dr. Howard Henderson, Director of the Center for Justice Research. “Community input will be vital to this work, and Hub meetings will necessarily involve community members with lived experience of the impacts of violent crime and mass incarceration.”

The Criminal Justice Research Hub is part of a broader network of community leaders, nonprofits and policymakers working together to advance criminal justice prevention initiatives, made possible by the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity.

“We must be more intentional about creating meaningful opportunities for young people at the highest risk of becoming justice-involved and providing resources to communities that will help to break the cycle of incarceration for Black young adults,” said Dr. Marvin Carr, Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. “We’re excited to support Texas Southern as they launch the HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub to further this work.”

The Hub will leverage the strength of these collaborations to work toward solutions to rising violent crime rates. Hub researchers will also conduct need assessments in Houston and researchers’ respective cities to determine culturally responsive, data-driven interventions and policy solutions.

“Texas Southern University is committed to finding solutions for urban issues through our outstanding faculty researchers, including the team in the Center for Justice Research,” said Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, Texas Southern University President.

“CJR plays a critical role in community-based criminal justice reform efforts and advocacy. We thank the Walmart Foundation for this gift that will enhance their efforts and assist the university and our community as we continue on our path to Carnegie R1 research status.”

The Hub will also focus on researcher development, incorporating the Center’s Researcher Development and Training Institute and focusing on cultivating a diverse cohort of criminal justice researchers and social engineers.

“CJR’s work continues to support and diversify the field of criminal justice researchers by providing opportunities to engage in solutions-oriented projects in the community,”  Dr. George Kieh, Dean of the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs said.

The HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub aims to expand the capacity of HBCUs to provide solutions for the crime and incarceration problems facing communities around the country and seeks to address the root causes of mass incarceration and violent crime.

Jackson State University’s Fall 2022 commencement was a celebration of the ultimate academic milestone for the more than 500 graduates inside Lee E. Williams Athletic & Assembly Center on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. 

The keynote speaker was award-winning journalist Roland S. Martin, who is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show in history focused on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports, and culture from an explicitly African-American perspective.

JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., greeted the audience with enthusiasm.

“It is indeed an honor for me to preside over this commencement exercise as we salute the awesome class of 2022,” he said.

Hudson thanked and recognized the families and friends in attendance saying they have gone above and beyond in supporting the graduates in many ways. He further acknowledged JSU faculty, staff, alumni and the university’s commencement committee before turning his attention back to the Fall Class of 2022.

“This is your day. We are here to celebrate you. So, I encourage you to enjoy this accomplishment, for it is a tremendous milestone in your life and a major step in your career. Congratulations and enjoy your ceremony,” he urged.

Graduating Senior Aria Brent served as the student speaker for the occasion. The journalism and media studies major told her peers that the one word she would use to describe their time at “Thee I Love” was growth.

“The story of becoming a JSU Tiger is summed up with three T’s,” she said. “Trial, tribulation and triumph.”

Upon her arrival at JSU as a freshman, the Columbus, Ohio, native said she looked forward to having her mind challenged, and her life changed. Brent summarized her thoughts about the challenges she and her peers faced during matriculation. The most significant being the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, she reminded listeners that they overcame those obstacles, and despite the trials, they have now triumphed.

“Please understand that growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes you will digress before you can progress, and other times you will feel extremely stagnant. The important thing is to keep going,” Brent said.

Martin took to the podium to “bring the funk.” Based on the crowd’s response, he did just that.

The four-time author reminded the graduates that “you belong in every room you are about to enter” before requesting that they repeat the phrase to their nearby peers for good measure.

Martin then shared a story about one of his nine nieces, now in college. He recalled that when she was in kindergarten, there was a noticeable change in her joyous free spirit.

“One day, she began to ask us, ‘Is this ok?’ ‘Is this ok?’ It was weird because that was never Anna,” Martin explained.

It was later revealed that Anna’s teacher had criticized a picture the kindergartener had drawn by telling her it was not good.

“From that point on, Anna began to question herself and question what she did,” he shared., according to a release.

As a result of the interaction, Martin had his niece removed from that class. “It offended us that a teacher would somehow stop this amazing, wonderful mind and begin to say her artwork wasn’t good enough when she’s a kindergartener, when she should’ve been teaching them to think far beyond what they were actually doing,” explained the four-time NAACP Image Award winner.

Martin said he is reminded of this story whenever he encounters someone suffering from imposter syndrome. The syndrome is defined as a “psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.”

“I’ve heard a number of brothers and sisters who are CEOs say that they have imposter syndrome. They feel as if they have not earned [the right to] or don’t belong in certain places,” he said.

Martin described the feeling as strange, saying he was never one to believe there are places where he does not belong. In fact, the journalist has been in rooms with some of America’s most elite figures throughout his career. He has interviewed multiple U.S. presidents, distinguished entertainers, and top athletes.

“As people of African descent in this country, from the inception, we have been made to believe and think, and we passed it on to multiple generations, that we are second class,” Martin said.

He shared that while at TV One, home of his former show, “News One Now,” staffers would say, “We’re a Black network,” in a manner that suggested the show was somehow inferior to other shows due to its association with Blackness.

“And, I would say to them if anyone says that again you will not have a job because the statement alone implied what we were doing was not as good as someone else,” he said.

Martin touched on how Black newspapers would often be overlooked by politicians opting to share their stories and interviews with the daily newspapers.

“I have refused in my career and life to believe what we have is second class,” said Martin, who spent six years as a contributor for CNN. “I refuse to allow others around me to have that mindset because the reality is what we have always done has been first class.”

Martin then acknowledged pioneer Black journalists and media outlets like The North Star, a nineteenth-century anti-slavery newspaper published by abolitionist Frederick Douglass and investigative journalist Ida B.Wells-Barnett, who was a founding member of the NAACP. He called out the greatness of Robert Abbott, who founded the Chicago Defender in 1905, which grew to have the highest circulation of any Black-owned newspaper in the United States.

“I think of all of these institutions, Ebony and Jet, that actually told our stories and carried the weddings and birthdays of Black people when mainstream media would not even mention our names. I have refused to allow, even in the 21st Century, for anybody to act as if we don’t belong where we are,” Martin sermonized and was met with applause.

He detailed that the cycle repeats generationally when Black people pass down a second-class mindset and let others define who they are or convince them that they don’t belong.

“Then it means when we’re in the workplace, we’re not negotiating how we should be. We’re not asking for the promotion the way we should be. We’re not demanding the same resources the way we should be,” he declared.

Martin said he is unwilling and unable to allow his Blackness to have a Black tax or for anyone to limit somehow “who we are, what we can do, and then say what we do is simply not good enough.”

Labeled “The Voice of Black America,” Martin lived up to his moniker, imploring listeners to never walk into a room and believe they do not belong. He then added that when one walks into a room, folks should know they are in the room.

“There are some folks who are present, but there are some folks who have presence,” he said, encouraging graduates to embrace their confidence and swag and not to let others deter them or box them in despite the relationship.

In closing, the founder of the Black Star Network quoted a scene from Ava Duvernay’s movie, “Selma,” and informed JSU graduates that they have been prepared for this day.

“You have been positioned by God to live in this moment of history to be able to create a new world that we’ve never seen before. Don’t let anybody deny you your place in history to be able to redefine America in a new image,” Martin implored. “This is your moment to lead. This is your moment to create. This is your moment to stand up. This is your moment to be able to challenge and show the world exactly who you are and what we are made of.”

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

December 12, 2022

Sprucing Up for the Holidays? Black-Owned Brands to Source From For Eclectic Decor

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It’s time!

The holiday season is known as a time for giving, but make sure your home is taken care of first. Whether you’re hosting the holidays or just want to set the mood, these Black-owned brands may have the decor you need for your space.

If you’re hoping to create the perfect holiday mood, here are BLACK ENTERPRISE’s top 8 Black-owned brands of 2022 to source from for eclectic design styles this year.

1. Sustainable Home Goods

Founder, LaToya Tucciarone partners with artisan entrepreneurs around the world who utilize ethical and eco-friendly methods, to produce the highest quality, earth-friendly goods, offering customers one-of-a-kind home designs.

Customers can shop sustainable home accessories that include candles, baskets, Christmas stockings, throws, tableware, and more.

 

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Shoppers who order items from the Sustainable Home Goods website by Dec. 13 are guaranteed Christmas delivery!

2. The Black Art Depot

Founded in 2004 in Atlanta by Kani Saburi Ayubu, The Black Art Depot supplies African-American art, gifts, collectibles and African decor, striving to bring happiness into the hearts of others.

Shoppers will find candleholders, coasters, decorative plates, figurines, ornaments, tree toppers, and other holiday decorations at this 100% minority- owned and -operated business.

New Product: Skating Girls Christmas Ornament Set by Kurt Adler: https://t.co/1E7Xx5UFj0 pic.twitter.com/IKk6Fft3Bw

— The Black Art Depot (@blackartdepot) November 28, 2022

3. African American Expressions

A favorite of Atlanta housewife Kandi Buruss, African American Expressions offers culturally authentic designs to their customers.

Although they are recognized as the world’s largest black-owned gift and greeting-card company, the shop has extended its supplies to include Christmas-themed figurines, lanterns, and other home decorations to fill your space.

 

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African American Expressions (@black_gifts) • Instagram photos and videos

4. Marion Art Handmade

The perfect wreath is a necessary piece of decoration for holiday lovers, and designer Marion Bette Beaton has shoppers covered with her Marion Art Handmade collection. Starting out with experience as a theater set and costume designer, Beacon found her love for crafting wreaths after working as senior retirement community manager and decorating the main lobbies with wreaths.

Customers can choose from a variety of her handcrafted designs on her etsy.com store, Marion Art Handmade.

Face one of her breathtaking wreaths every time you walk up to your front door this holiday season.

Beacon also takes custom inquiries and pick up orders for those local in Tucson, Arizona.

5. Restore The Hope

Looking for Black Santa? We found him over here at Restore the Hope. Designer Debra L. Mars offers shoppers a variety of HBCU Santas and Black Nutcrackers to place around the home for the holidays. As previously mentioned in BLACK ENTERPRISE, her partnerships with HBCUS has contributed to designs repping Howard University, Morehouse College, Grambling, FAMU, and more. Her designs are inspired by her research on iconic names such as Thurgood Marshall, Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Purchases can be made through her etsy.com store, Restore The Hope.

6. Peace + Riot

Shoppers can find a variety of eclectic home designs and from this shop owned by interior designer Achuziam Maha-Sanchez and husband Lionel. The Brooklyn boutique offers art, vases, tableware, and even bar products. Maha-Sanchez’s combines an eclectic and global taste inspired by an African and Caribbean heritage.

 

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For shoppers who want an in-store experience, Peace + Riot is located at 401-403 Tompkins Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11216.

7. xN Studio

Check out some gorgeous home designs created by founder Nasozi Kakembo. Home decor items from xN Studio provide shoppers with the perfect aesthetic for their home. From indigo and mudcloth textiles to woven bowls, these blends of modern and classic designs are sure to spruce up your home for the holiday season.

Shoppers can take advantage of FREE Shipping on orders $150+ everyday. December 16 is the last day to order in time for 12/24 arrival in the U.S.!

 

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xN Studio (@xnstudio_) • Instagram photos and videos

8. The 125 Collection

The holidays just aren’t complete without the perfect aroma to set the tone in your home. Get a hold of one or more of these luxurious and festive holiday candles from The 125 Collection.

This female, Black-owned brand, based in Harlem, NY, offers shoppers a mix of floral, clean, and cozy scents with fun quotes and designs to add to their holiday aesthetic.

These unique vegan candles offer approximately 80 hours of burn time with a lead-free, cotton wick.

 

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Candle lovers can choose from a variety of scents including Spicy Blood Orange, Lavender & Sage, Tobacco Flowers & Vanilla, Sparkling Birch, and Metallic Rose.

Don’t Forget!

Once home is taken care of, extend some of your holiday cheer to your friends and family and invite them over to see your newly decked out space.

If you’re on social media this holiday season, make sure you post and tag your favorite Black-owned brands you shopped from this year, and don’t forget to use that #BuyBlack hashtag!

• Technology

by Black Enterprise Shop

December 12, 2022

Enjoy Microsoft Office For Windows At A Fraction Of The Price – $29.99 Today Only!

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Few programs have been as influential as Microsoft Office.

No matter how limited your tech skills are, you’ve likely crossed paths with the famous software suite. Students, professionals, and casual computer users alike have used the software for a class project, a professional presentation, or for simple budget charting and planning.

More than 1 million people worldwide count among the users of Microsoft Office’s power-packed software suite. And while it has undergone some cosmetic changes, it remains just as innovative and impactful decades after its release.

With this December Deal of the Day, you can purchase a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $29.99.

Purchase of this discounted December Deal of the Day unlocks access to all eight Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher and Access.

The programs have been updated to the 2021 versions and received enhanced user interface upgrades along with a fresh take on tools, customizable fonts and layouts. It all comes together to form an aesthetically pleasing experience for all users.

Once purchased, you’ll receive download links to access your software keys. Customer service is available should you run into any issues or questions. Buyers must redeem their code within 30 days of purchase. Updates are included, and there are no monthly or annual fees to use the product. Each program can be accessed via desktop computers with Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. One GB of RAM and 4 GB of hard-disk formatting are also required.

Thirty verified purchasers have rated this product 4.5 stars.

“There’s no business life without Microsoft Office. This StackSocial deal is cheaper than any I have ever seen,” writes Sree Velicheti.

Microsoft Office has been a titan for decades and isn’t relinquishing its hold on the space any time soon. Purchase this lifetime license today to take advantage of all it offers.

Prices subject to change.

• News

by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

Vigil Held For Stepfather And Daughter Killed In Atlanta Car Accident

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A vigil was held for a father and daughter killed in a car crash in Atlanta, Georgia on Dec. 3, according to 11Alive News. The vigil took place at the Greater Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church on Dec. 8.

Nicholas Jeffries, 33, and his daughter, 10-year-old Janyla Henderson, died after the vehicle they were riding in crashed at approximately 3 a.m. near the intersection of Campbellton Road SW and County Line Road SW.

Officers from the Atlanta Police Department confirmed that only one vehicle was involved in the accident, a  2008 Dodge Durango driven by 24-year-old Zyria Sensley. Sensley was the best friend of Evelyn Henderson, Janyla’s mother.

Henderson said that Sensley was driving her, Janylya, Jeffries, her friend and her son home when Sensley lost control of the vehicle and flipped it several times. Henderson said that after the crash, Sensley tried to help Janyla but then ran away from the scene. The authorities said that she was speeding.

Relatives of one of the passengers, Rob Martin, said that he told them Sensley panicked.

“He said all he could hear her say was, ‘I can’t go to jail. I ain’t going to jail, because my baby girl need me.'”

At the vigil, Henderson expressed her sorrow and thanked everyone for their support.

“This is my first time back on the scene since I found them,” said Henderson. “It’s so hard but seeing everybody here, seeing all the people; people I don’t even know people that just knew my baby, knew her father I just want to say thank everybody.”

“She was the sweetest little girl in the world,” Henderson said. “Today, we were supposed to go vote. Me and her.”

Sensley was arrested on Dec. 8 and charged with two counts of homicide by a vehicle as well as other traffic-related charges.

• News

by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

New York Teen Drowns Day Before 18th Birthday While Vacationing With Mom In Florida

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A 17-year-old teen from New York died while swimming in Cocoa Beach, Florida on Dec. 3, according to Times Union. Danielle Marceline was vacationing with her best friend Mary Doyle, her mother, Christine Marceline and a family friend.

Danielle’s mother said they had gone on vacation after her daughter missed several months of school due to anxiety and changing schools because of COVID-19. They also wanted to boost the spirits of a family friend who had lost her son in March and her husband in October. Danielle planned the trip by herself, which was also to celebrate her 18th birthday.

According to the Cocoa Beach Police Department, Danielle was swept away by the strong ocean current at around 1 p.m. Officers responded to a 911 call after a bystander called about two females in distress. Brevard County lifeguards were able to save Mary, but Danielle was pushed further out to sea. The U.S. Coast Guard was also alerted, but they were unable to save the teen. Her body was found the next morning around 1 a.m. by a couple walking on the Florida beach six blocks south of Minutemen Cswy.

• News

by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

New Details Reveal Punch Was Thrown In Defense Of Quavo On Night TakeOff Died

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New details from New York Times reporter Joe Coscarelli reveal what happened leading up to the shooting that ended the life of Migos rapper TakeOff.

TakeOff died in Houston on Nov. 1. The recording artist, whose full name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was killed outside of 810 Billiards & Bowling during a dice game. Ball had rented the venue for a private event with his uncle, Quavious Keyate Marshall, the Migos member known as Quavo. Ball died at the scene after a fight he was not involved in broke out and shots were fired. Patrick Xavier Clark — a strip club promotor also known as DJ Pat — was arrested on Dec. 1 in connection with the Ball’s death.

In a Twitter post shared on Saturday, Coscarelli noted shots were fired from both sides after someone on Quavo’s side, Willie Bland, threw a punch. The post also noted that video surveillance showed Quavo arguing with a man named Michael Prince and two young men named Cameron Joshua and Christopher Watkins. Bland reportedly struck Joshua before Clark and Bland fired their guns in opposite directions.

“New details in the killing of Takeoff from a search warrant affidavit filed this week: -both sides allegedly fired shots after a punch was thrown in defense of Quavo -suspect charged in part bc of fingerprints left on a wine bottle he was holding during the shooting.”

new details in the killing of Takeoff from a search warrant affidavit filed this week:

-both sides allegedly fired shots after a punch was thrown in defense of Quavo

-suspect charged in part bc of fingerprints left on a wine bottle he was holding during the shooting pic.twitter.com/ms51RkK10Q

— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) December 9, 2022

Video evidence showed Clark holding a wine bottle from which his fingerprints were later lifted, and he was identified. Bland allegedly told investigators that he saw Quavo turn to walk away when he saw Joshua begin to pull out his gun. Bland said that is when he hit Joshua. Upon hearing gunfire, Bland said he began shooting toward Joshua, assuming he was the one shooting. Forensic evidence indicated that Clark and Bland both fired guns while no video evidence showed Joshua firing his weapon.

Ball, who was an innocent bystander, was shot in the head and the torso. The 28-year-old was laid to rest in Atlanta on Nov. 11. 

• News

by Niko Mann

December 11, 2022

Shanquella Robinson’s Mother Says Friends Lied And Cried While Visiting Her Before Funeral

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During the Dec. 7 episode of Nightline, the mother of Shanquella Robinson provided new details about the group of friends who accompanied her daughter on vacation to San José del Cabo, Mexico.  

Robinson died on Oct. 29 in the villa the group rented for their vacation. One of her friends called Robinson’s mother and told her that her daughter was ill. Later, they said she died from alcohol poisoning.  

However, a video soon circulated on social media contradicting the group’s story and captured one woman repeatedly beating a naked and defenseless Robinson. The coroner’s report noted Robinson died from a severe spinal cord injury and broken neck. Salamondra Robinson described receiving a phone call from an unidentified person informing her that the group had been fighting her daughter during the vacation.  

“I got a call from somebody, I didn’t even know who it was, and they said ‘they were over there fighting that girl,’” she said.

“And that’s the way they left it, just like that. And hung up. Said ‘they were over there fighting her. I don’t know why they keep telling her alcohol poisoning.’” 

Robinson’s mother said she later confronted the group when they came to visit her in Charlotte, North Carolina prior to the funeral and discussed choosing outfits to wear. 

“They were crying. They said they never had a fight. They even sat here and said they were picking out what they were wearing to the funeral,” she recalled.   

Ms. Robinson went on to say that as the family continued to plan her funeral services, more information came to light about Shanquella’s death. She remembered receiving a call notifying her of the police report and autopsy results.  

“Oh, just couldn’t believe it… You know. Oh, we just got sick on the stomach.” 

She confronted one of the friends again after learning the results and said he sweated through his shirt. “He was sweating so bad, it’s like it was eating him up.”  

Shanquella’s father, Bernard Robinson, said he was disturbed to learn her friends did nothing and even encouraged her beating. “I could just feel her suffering,” he said. “The last breath she took out of her body.” 

Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant for an unnamed female in connection with Robinson’s death, which they classified as femicide. The FBI also opened an investigation. Local prosecutor Daniel de la Rosa Anaya confirmed the warrant and said he has requested her extradition.  

“There is an arrest warrant issued for the crime of femicide to the detriment of the victim and against an alleged perpetrator, a friend of hers who is the direct aggressor,” he said. “Actually, it wasn’t a quarrel, but instead a direct aggression. We are carrying out all the pertinent procedures such as the Interpol alert and the request for extradition to the United States of America.” 

Ms. Robinson added that she wanted justice for Shanquella.  

“It’s hard, but I want the world to see it. I want everything to come out because I want justice for my child.”