Florida Police Chief Resigns After Flashing Badge, Asks for Leniency at Traffic Stop
A police chief in Tampa, Florida resigned from the police department on Monday after she was caught on video flashing her badge to get out of a ticket, according to 6ABC News.
Mary O’Connor quit the Tampa Police Department after the mayor asked for her resignation. The former police chief was riding in a golf cart with her husband on Nov. 12 when the couple was pulled over by a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. O’Connor was pulled over for driving on a road without a license plate tag.
O’Connor asked the deputy if his body camera was on before identifying herself as the police chief in Tampa and flashing her badge.
After O’Conner identified herself, the deputy responded, “Oh! How you ‘doin’?”
“I’m hoping that you’ll just let us go tonight,” said O’Connor.
Of course, the deputy let her go. “If you ever need anything, call me. Seriously,” she concluded.
O’Connor was put on administrative leave last month following the release of the bodycam footage while Internal Affairs completed an investigation. The mayor’s office released a statement announcing O’Connor’s resignation.
“Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has requested and received the resignation of Police Chief Mary O’Connor following the completion of an Internal Affairs investigation into a recent traffic stop involving O’Connor.”
“The Tampa Police Department has a code of conduct that includes high standards for ethical and professional behavior that apply to every member of our police force,” read the statement. “As the Chief of Police, you are not only to abide by and enforce those standards but to also lead by example. That clearly did not happen in this case.”
“It is unacceptable for any public employee, and especially the city’s top law enforcement leader, to ask for special treatment because of their position.”
O’Connor was sworn in as the police chief in March following a 22-year-long career in law enforcement. The mayor also noted Assistant Police Chief Lee Bercaw will serve as interim police chief as the city conducts a nationwide search for a new chief.
POWERHANDZ Inc. CEO Danyel Surrency Jones Hands Reigns To Darnell Jones, Co-Founder As Interim CEO
POWERHANDZ Inc. CEO Danyel Surrency Jones is moving on from a brand that continues to see a spectacular rise in the world of sports and fitness product technology under her leadership and transitioning the reigns to Co-Founder and former CEO, Darnell Jones, as interim CEO.
Danyel will remain Chair of Board and President of the Power To Give Foundation (501c3). The change was effective on Oct. 21, 2022.
As the only Black woman-owned global athletic training and fitness product tech platform, Danyel’s impact on what started as a great idea between two passionate inventors has grown into a global force that has not only helped countless of athletes stay at their peak but given new ways for the mainstream fitness community to stay active and achieve goals. Danyel’s signature style of leadership during her tenure at POWERHANDZ has been transformational in her relentless pursuit to demonstrate how a small company can impact a global community, through strategic partnerships and legacy work for generations.
A Lasting Legacy
“Every entrepreneur dreams of changing the world–each of you inspired me and our team to do just that. No matter the obstacle, we will continue the fight to innovate because we know our communities need us. I’m in awe of what we have done and so encouraged by what data is telling us we will do in the future,” said Danyel Surrency Jones, former chief executive officer, POWERHANDZ.
“I KNOW my next journey will build upon the last two decades of my career, specifically the last 8 years of building POWERHANDZ with no blueprint. The success we’ve enjoyed wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of so many people who believed in us and saw what we could deliver, despite our size. As an inventor, mother, wife and community activist–I now understand our greatest struggles give birth to our greatest purpose. I know the brand will continue to flourish under Darnell’s leadership and I am firmly rooted in gratitude for this journey and what’s to come.”
The year 2022 was a milestone year, which Danyel successfully led the brand through a multimillion-dollar capital injection from Vanguard Holdings Group, a global private trust in a broad spectrum of industries including sports, wealth management and real estate. In addition to the capital injection, Vanguard completed a private tender offer to purchase outstanding shares from the minority shareholders in PHI providing liquidity to the longstanding stockholders of POWERHANDZ and PHI. The Vanguard Holdings Group touches a myriad of industries and strong capital resources to not only continue to grow and develop the existing POWERHANDZ Collection and truly develop an innovative approach to sports performance technology, fitness training and athlete wealth building.
With sales in over 87 countries, POWERHANDZ has consistently expanded its industry-leading training innovation across a myriad of professional and youth sports organizations, fitness disciplines and e-commerce giants like Amazon. Continuing a global theme, the brand was a signature partner at the 2022 World Boxing Council’s 60th Anniversary convention in Acapulco Mexico. Representing another victory with a key partner in a sport with athletes like Andre Ward, Errol Spence, Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis who are a part of the POWERHANDZ community.
The Next Chapter
While Danyel has had tremendous success, she’s also worked closely with Co-Founder Darnell Jones and former CEO who will be stepping in, as interim CEO. As someone who brings a wealth of experience as an executive operator and who has been involved in over $100 million in exits in the sports and fitness technology industry; he is uniquely suited to not only continue a strong vision and strategic roadmap but also bring a wealth of knowledge to continue to accelerate the brand with key partners.
“Danyel’s legacy will be a guiding light and I am proud of what she has done as an executive in this industry. She knocked down doors that others said were permanently closed,” said Darnell Jones, interim chief executive officer, POWERHANDZ.
“This brand is my journey. I’m that kid who started on the playground and dreamed of the NBA–but I knew it took lots of training to accelerate my performance. I am deeply motivated to see people improve their performance no matter if they are LaMelo Ball, a kid playing pick-up ball at the YMCA or a mom getting back into fitness after childbirth. I know our future includes analyzing more data to create better innovation that integrates into a new lifestyle that focuses on improving physical and mental health.”
While Darnell will be overseeing the daily cadence of activity, the brand will be conducting a nationwide search for the next POWER CEO and will be seeking someone who not only possesses the business and sports acumen, but also shares the brand’s commitment to philanthropic causes. An announcement will be made upon final selection in mid 2023.
Give Your Kitchen An Upgrade With This 5-Piece Japanese Knife Set
When outfitting a kitchen, one of the essential tools to add is the kitchen knife. Arguably the centerpiece of any cutlery set, the right blade can not only be the difference between good and bad cooking experiences, but it can last decades with the proper care.
Japanese kitchen knives are among the most popular for seasoned chefs and laypeople. Their hardness, materials and weight make them the go-to for those looking to enhance the cooking experience.
Five high-quality Japanese knives are included in this set: an eight-inch Chef’s knife, a seven-inch Cleaver, a seven-inch Santoku knife, a five-inch Santoku knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife.
Each knife features 7Cr17 high-carbon steel that makes for superior hand control. In addition, they’re forged at a 15-degree angle. Comfort is catered to, as well, with ergonomic Pakka wood handles. And each knife comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty should you run into any issues with them.
Verified purchasers have rated this knife set 4.5 stars.
“The knives are super sharp, the handles have a nice feel and balance. Totally recommend these knives if you’re looking for a new knife set,” writes verified purchaser Edward Yom.
The knives are packaged in a gift box, making for the perfect holiday offering.
Whether you’re looking to tackle carving a turkey or ham for the holidays or need something less industrial such as a 5-inch knife for dicing up cheese and fruits for a holiday charcuterie tray, any of these knives will easier handle the task.
McDonald’s USA Deepens Commitment to HBCU Student’s Financial and Mental Health NeedsMcDonald’s USA Deepens Commitment to HBCU Student’s Financial and Mental Health NeedsMcDonald’s USA Deepens Commitment to HBCU Student’s Financial and Mental Health Needs
McDonald’s has remained committed to feeding and fostering communities when they need it most, starting with a warm meal and a smile.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Golden Arches, with its Owner/Operators and partners, will increase resources and investment to more HBCU students through the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program, providing access to mental health resources and awarding $1 million in scholarships, up from $500,000 in 2022. College students should be able to focus on their studies and create unforgettable memories with new friends, but socioeconomic and pandemic-related concerns continue to impact Black students at HBCUs, leaving many in need of financial and mental health aid. As stated in a May 2022 study by the American Psychological Association, “HBCU students report that student loan repayment, financial assistance and education, and future educational expenses, are major contributing factors to stress.” So, McDonald’s partnered with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Alkeme to relieve some of this pressure.
“As HBCU students invest in their future and passions, McDonald’s and its franchisees remain committed to providing the tools and resources they need to help them succeed, “said Courtney Holeman, Greater Richmond, Va. McDonald’s Franchisee.
“Through meaningful partnerships like this, we can ensure students are well-equipped to confidently manage their finances and care for their mental health on their journey to academic success.”
Recipients will also receive a year-long subscription to Alkeme, a Black-owned streaming platform that provides therapist and expert-led wellbeing courses, guided meditation and livestream sessions centered around the Black experience. Through this new partnership with Alkeme, students will be able to access curated customized content and resources that center the HBCU experience and empower students to achieve their personal goals.
Applications are open now through March 27, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST to incoming and current HBCU students at tmcf.org, with winners being announced in Summer 2023.
“It’s important to build a community of culturally competent practitioners who truly understand and represent the Black experience to best support the needs of Black students,” said Ryan Mundy, founder of Alkeme Health. “We want to empower our community to be the best and highest versions of themselves, and that is why we are honored to partner with McDonald’s to help remove mental health barriers for HBCU students and provide resources to inspire wellness.”
Launched in 2020 to help HBCU students across the country break through financial barriers of achieving education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program is committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders across the country through monetary support and resources.
“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is dedicated to helping transform the lives of students at HBCUs by preparing them for the next generation of leadership in the workforce and in life,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
“We, alongside our more than 20-yearlong partners at McDonald’s, remain committed to providing the support needed for Black students to succeed at all levels.”
(Image: Courtesy)
Students interested in applying for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be 18 years old or older
Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior attending an HBCU during the 2023-2024 academic school year
Have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
Demonstrate leadership abilities and financial need
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Says He Owns Nine Skyscrapers in NY, Plans For A Casino
He’s a champion in the ring and in business.
Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather spoke about his entrepreneurial moves during a sit-down interview with the Earn Your Leisure podcast.
According to the interview, Mayweather revealed that he owns nine skyscrapers in New York and is involved in the opening of Caesars Palace Times Square, where Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation will be the official entertainment partner of SL Green and Caesars Entertainment in their bid for the state-of-the-art gaming facility.
“Just in New York alone, I got nine skyscrapers. I got a casino coming to New York City in Times Square,” Mayweather said.
“SL Green is a company that I’ve been working with for so many years, and Andrew Mathias you know, great business guy,” Mayweather said.
“‘You see that building right there?’” Mayweather recalled as he reflected on a walk he went on with Mathias, president of SL Green Realty Corp. “He said, ‘Yeah, We own that. You see this building? We own it.’ So we was walking and walking. Then he said, ‘You know, a boxer makes money when he boxing. A football player makes money when he playing football. Basketball player makes money when he playing basketball.’ He said, ‘but New York real estate, you make money when you sleep.’”
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Caesars Palace Times Square is expected to generate 7 million new visits to Times Square, attracting billions in economic benefit to the New York area.
“New York is a beacon, the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of Times Square, the true crossroads of the world,” Jay-Z said in a press statement. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State.”
Five More Women Accuse Comedian Bill Cosby Of Sexual Assault In New York
Five more women have accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault in New York, according to Variety. The women filed a lawsuit on Dec. 5 against the comedian and NBC.
Lili Bernard, Cindra Ladd, Eden Tirl, Jewel Gittens, and Jennifer Thompson all claimed that Cosby either forced them to perform sexual acts or raped them between 1969 and 1992. The women filed the lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act, which opens a one-year window for sexual assault accusers to file civil claims, regardless of the statute of limitations. Cosby was convicted of a criminal sexual assault charge in 2018, but he was released in 2021 after the conviction was overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
The women all said that Cosby pretended to be their mentor in order to assault them. Ladd, a former Hollywood executive, claimed Cosby raped her in 1969. She said the assault happened at his friend’s apartment after Cosby gave her a capsule when she complained of a headache. Ladd said he told her the capsule was a “miracle cure.”
“Each time he reassured me, asking, ‘Don’t you trust me?’ Of course I did. This was Bill Cosby.”
Bernard was a guest star on The Cosby Show in 1992 and claimed the comedian drugged her several times before assaulting her. She said that once, she woke up as Cosby was raping her and trying to smother her with a pillow. Bernard also claimed that Cosby threw her down the stairs and threatened to destroy her career. Bernard first came forward at a press conference in 2015 with Gloria Allred. She filed a separate lawsuit against Cosby in 2021.
Tirl also guest starred on The Cosby Show and alleged that an employee escorted her to the comedian’s dressing room. She said Cosby locked the door before he kissed her neck, grabbed her breasts, and pressed himself into her back while he whispered, “This is making love.”
Gittens claimed the comedian drugged and assaulted her while she was at his home to discuss a role for her on The Cosby Show. Thomson claimed Cosby forced her to masturbate him. Cosby, 85, denied the claims through his attorney, Andrew Wyatt.
“As we have always stated, and now America can see, this isn’t about justice for victims of alleged sexual assault, it’s ALL ABOUT MONEY,” said Wyatt.
“We believe that the courts, as well as the court of public opinion, will follow the rules of law and relieve Mr. Cosby of these alleged accusations. Mr. Cosby continues to vehemently deny all allegations waged against him and looks forward to defending himself in court.”
Skeptics Address Privacy and Security Concerns With Viral Artificial Intelligence Self-Portrait Generator
Social media timelines are flooded with a new wave of self-portraits that users are generating with artificial intelligence (AI).
Prisma Labs’ Lensa AI, an all-in-one editing app, is responsible for bringing these magic avatars to life, after users fulfill the requirement of uploading 10 to 20 photos of themselves to power up the artwork.
“Six years ago, @prisma made a blast turning photos into art with the power of #neuralnetworks,” a post shared on Prisma Labs’ official Instagram page read.
“Today @lensa.ai, the project by Prisma Labs team, is taking it one step further with mind-blowing AI avatars! This is not a filter or an effect. These AI avatars are generated from scratch but with your face in mind. Upload 10-20 pictures, give it a few minutes, and get hundreds of artworks created by #artificialintelligence for you,” the caption continued.
Controversial perspectives have come about regarding the AI images that most users believe are harmless. Some allege that the application has taken stolen images from creators.
Hey everyone!
I know a lot of people have been posting their Lensa/other AI portraits lately. I would like to encourage you not to do so or, better yet, not to use the service. These AI seem like harmless fun but they are predatory and intend to replace artists. (1/9)
“Friends. This Lensa app everyone’s using uses the Stable Diffusion model. This uses the Laion database which is the most insidious one, containing millions of stolen artworks, medical photos and stolen/illegal intimate content. Please be mindful about these things,” said Shaun Sunday of Brainbeast Studios.
According to Good Morning America, cybersecurity expert Andrew Couts said that it is almost impossible to know what happens to users’ photos after being uploaded into the app. He shared that his main concern is that data could potentially be lifted from the phones of those who use the app.
“It’s impossible to know, without a full audit of the company’s back-end systems, to know how safe or unsafe your pictures may be,” Couts said.
“The company does claim to ‘delete’ face data after 24 hours and they seem to have good policies in place for their privacy and security practices.”
ABC News reported that the developer of Lensa AI claimed the uploaded images are used “solely for the purpose of creating their very own avatars.”
Skeptics of the app encourage readers to carefully read and understand the app’s Terms & Conditions.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Is Facing Calls To Resign Amid KKK and Black Santa Controversy
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is in hot water and facing intense pushback for comments he made earlier this week about a Black Santa, the KKK, and the Ashley Madison dating site.
According to The Hill, the controversial remarks came during a hearing on the case “303 Creative v. Elenis,” which asks whether a Colorado web designer can refuse service to a same-sex couple. During the arguments, Alito, the conservative justice who authored the summer ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, asked Colorado Solicitor General Eric Olson if a mall Santa Claus would be required to take a picture with a child dressed up in a KKK outfit under the Colorado law.
“So if there’s a Black Santa at the other end of the mall and he doesn’t want to have his picture taken with a child who’s dressed up in a Ku Klux Klan outfit, that Black Santa has to do that?” Alito asked Eric Olson, Colorado’s solicitor general, who is defending the state law at issue in the case.
“No, because Ku Klux Klan outfits are not protected characteristics under public accommodation laws,” Olson responded.
The comment came after Black Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson pondered whether it would be legal for a mall Santa to refuse to take pictures with children who are not white. A few seconds later, Alito cut off liberal Justice Elena Kagan adding, “You do see a lot of Black children in Ku Klux Klan outfits, right? All the time. All the time.”
The Desert Newsreported Alito’s comment has received numerous rebukes from Black political advocates, including former NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill, who tweeted that the comments were “really upsetting.”
Earlier in the proceedings, Alito suggested Kagan was familiar with the Ashley Madison dating website for people who want to have extramarital affairs.
During the proceeding, Alito asked Olson if an unmarried Jewish person who wanted a Jewish photographer to take a picture for the website JDate would be required to do so.
“Jdate … is a dating service, I gather, for Jewish people,” Alito said.
TIMBER! Watch Shaquille O’Neal Get Pushed Into Giant Christmas Tree During Live Taping
Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith were having so much fun while filming Inside The NBA on Tuesday night that Shaq ended up tumbling face-first into a gigantic Christmas tree.
Hilarious video captured the moment Shaq, 50, and Kenny, 57, made a dash for the big screen to cover the Halftime Report when “The Jet” shoved Shaq into the massive Christmas tree on set.
“Don’t cheat!” Kenny playfully shouted at Shaq as they ran off.
But somewhere in the short race, Kenny decided Shaq wasn’t playing fair and pushed his co-host into the Christmas tree. Shaq’s stature met with gravity and the 7′ 1″ NBA champion ended up at the bottom of the tree under the bristles.
Shaq’s feet waved hello from under the tree as the rest of the cast burst out in laughter. The show shared the clip on Twitter along with a follow-up showing Shaq cleaning the Christmas tree bristles off his head.
“”This means war Kenny, this means war,” Shaq jokingly said.
Fans of the show seemingly knew Shaq’s run-in with the tree was coming. Viewers have watched him trip over cords and other set props so much, it’s become part of his signature on the show.
“Minutes before he did that I’m watching the show and I’m like “dang with this Christmas set they have now, I wonder how many weeks it’ll take for Shaq or one of them to be shoved into the Christmas tree or for it to fall on them” 🤣🤣” one fan wrote.
Shaq has hosted Inside The NBA alongside Kenny, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson Jr. since the 2011-2012 NBA season started. O’Neal’s addition led to the launch of his Shaqtin’ a Fool segment that highlights bloopers from around the league.
The quartet is known for joking throughout the show, with Shaq being the main one who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty all for a good laugh.
20-Year-Old Jackson State University Student Accused Of Killing Flynn Brown Denied Bond
The 20-year-old Jackson State University student accused of killing 22-year-old Flynn Brown will not receive bond, according to WAPT News. Brown was found dead inside a vehicle on campus in Jackson, MS. on Dec. 2.
Randall Smith of New Orleans was arrested in connection with Brown’s death. The freshman at Jackson State University appeared in court virtually on Dec. 5 with a public defender. Smith, who turned 20 on Nov. 30, was denied bond by Hinds County Judge Johnny McDaniels.
Brown was discovered at approximately 8 a.m. inside a Dodge Charger in the parking lot between Campbell College Suites and Dixon Hall. He died from apparent gunshot wounds. Flynn was a star football player from New Jersey who had earned a spot on the school’s team for the next season. The president of the university, Thomas Hudson, J.D., announced the sad news on Dec. 2.
“JSU family, it is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of a JSU student. The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
Fans attending the SWAC Championship Game on Dec. 3 were still in shock from the tragic news. One fan, Brelinda Pruitt, shared her condolences for both students’ families.
“My condolences to both of the families because each one of them lost something special. One lost a son that she will never see again and the other lost a son that she will never see again.”
McDaniels said Smith would not receive bond due to the nature of the crime. A preliminary hearing for Smith was scheduled for Dec. 15.
Another fan, Chester Owens, spoke about gun violence in the city. “It’s just so many things going on in Jackson right now with the gun violence. There needs to be some kind of control and the control needs to start at home,” he said.
