• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 15, 2022

Georgia Officials Investigating Police Officers Seen On Video Beating Black Man in Prison Cell

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Yet another police beating has been captured on video and has gone viral. Investigators are looking into the latest incident, which was filmed at a jail in Camden County, Georgia on Sept. 3.

According to The Associated Press, the video shows five deputies jumping on Jarrett Hobbs, who was booked on traffic violations and drug possession.

The surveillance clips reveal the five men punching the victim on his head and neck as they entered his prison cell. Hobbs’ lawyer, civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, released the video publicly on Monday.

“It’s undeniable that Mr. Hobbs was approached by jailers and he was assaulted, punched multiple times in the back of his head, kneed in his head and dragged out of his cell,” Daniels said. “This is a brutal beating, a brutal attack.”

Daniels is calling for authorities to pursue criminal charges against the police officers.

A statement was released by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office via the department’s Facebook page.

“A video published on social media is a portion of an incident that occurred at The Camden County Sheriff’s Office Jail has the public questioning the actions of the correction officers. Sheriff Jim Proctor, and members of the Command Staff, have reviewed the video. Sheriff Proctor has ordered an internal investigation of the incident to begin immediately. This investigation will include all recorded video from the time the inmate entered the facility on September 3rd, 2022 until his release on September 30th, 2022. If deemed necessary an additional agency will assist with the investigation.”

Prison records reveal that Hobbs, who resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, was arrested on Sept. 3 and was initially booked on charges of speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and possessing an illegal drug.

He was later charged with aggravated battery, simple assault, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

On Oct. 20, a judge’s order stated that one of the probation officers testified that Hobbs “punched one deputy in the face while punching another deputy in the side of the head. One deputy sustained a bruised eye and a broken hand as a result of the incident.” It was also revealed that Hobbs was punched in the head and the probation officer stated that he was “unaware of the exact sequence of events.”

• Celebrity News

by Eric Moody

November 15, 2022

Drake Loses $2M Bet Following Israel Adesanya’s Title Fight Loss At UFC 281

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Hip-hop recording artist Drake is out $2 million Monday morning following his wager in Saturday night’s UFC 281 title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Drake is known for taking high betting stakes in gambling as he reportedly wagered cryptocurrency worth over $1 billion on various sports and casino bets in just two months.

Regarding cash losses, the rap superstar is not shy in UFC betting, despite losing a total of $430,000 between two fighters he bet on the same night during UFC 278 earlier this year in August.

While Adesanya seemed to have the upper hand at the beginning of his UFC 281 fight Saturday night, Pereira ultimately prevailed, becoming the new middleweight champion.

This fight marks the third time Pereira has defeated Adesanya, with their previous matchups being kickboxing matches.

Drake was not as lucky in betting this time around as he was during UFC 276, when he wagered $1 million in the fight between Adesanya and Jared Cannonier.

DRAKE DROPPED $2M CAD ON ISRAEL ADESANYA 😳

(via @Drake) pic.twitter.com/gW4olBM1lU

— br_betting (@br_betting) November 13, 2022

Drake took to social media before the fight and posted a caption with his ticket on Instagram that stated, “Been focused on the album gotta get back to stacking up.”

The rapper may now be redirecting his betting losses back to the recording booth, where he has consistently hit his mark.

His latest joint project with fellow rap artist 21 Savage titled Her Loss, launched at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, including all 16 songs that debuted on the Billboard chart’s top 40.

But his success on the project has also been met with a potential loss after Vogue publisher Condé Nast filed a 30-page lawsuit alleging violation of the media company’s trademark rights over a fake magazine cover when promoting the joint album, according to NPR.

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium released an official open letter in support of Megan Thee Stallion denouncing violence against Black women.

The collective consists of Black philanthropists, activists, and figures who are all dedicated to creating movements, securing funding, and providing resources for causes that aid women and girls, Essence reports.

Consisting of prominent public figures like Marc Lamont Hill, Tamika D. Mallory, Angela Rye, Bevy Smith, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and ‘Me Too’ founder Tarana Burke, the leaders came together to extend their support to the Grammy Award-winning rapper who has seemingly been mocked for her 2020 shooting incident with rapper Tory Lanez.

Most recently, the shooting was referenced by rapper Drake in a line that seemingly suggested Megan lied about her claims against Lanez, Vulture reports. Meg took to Twitter to respond to Drake and others she feels have used her traumatic experience for their own personal gain.

“Stop using my shooting for clout bitch ass N- – – -s!” she tweeted.

Now, in a letter released on Saturday, the Southern Black Girls Collective praised Megan for her success in music and serving as a role model to young Black women. Read the letter in part below.

“Dear Megan,

You are larger than life in many ways; your name is in lights, your face on billboards, your songs in the history books…and this is still just the beginning of your story. In a very short amount of time, you’ve achieved success probably beyond your wildest dreams,and it seems that each day brings a new announcement about something amazing you’ve done or are preparing to do. Women all over the world consider you an inspiration, in part because you make them feel good about themselves. You’re a special kind of talent and a special kind of person; the place you hold in your fans’ hearts is a testament to that.

As you’ve risen to the top, you’ve also had to endure a lot of obstacles along the way. In the face of triumph and tragedy alike, you always keep your head held high, maintain your poise, and push forward. However, while so many of us celebrate you for your strength and perseverance, it must be said that you have been treated in ways that no young woman–no person at all–should be treated.

It must be said that our culture has failed you, one of its most brightly shining daughters.

In July of 2020, you experienced a violation of the highest order at the hands of someone whom you considered a friend. Since then, you’ve had to endure public harassment and taunting not only from that person but from others choosing to stand with him. Bloggers have circulated rumors and excitedly reported on the most traumatic experience of your life as if it were juicy gossip, often perpetuating the idea that you’ve got a reason to lie, that you shouldn’t be believed. You’ve consistently been clear about what happened to you, but instead of being met with widespread support, people who should have had your back have chosen to stay out of the matter.

You don’t deserve any of this, Megan. You deserve to be heard, to be believed, and most importantly, to be safe.

There is no amount of power or prestige that can prevent a woman from becoming a victim of violence and there is no level of achievement that exempts women from our society’s complacency with that violence.

We salute you for the bravery it has taken to defend yourself in the court of public opinion, though you shouldn’t have had to do so at all. We raise our voices against those who have made light of this heinous example of violence against women and will drown them out with our demands for society to take what happens to Black women seriously. You are not alone. You are believed, loved, and supported.

We stand with you Megan.

• Politics

by Derek Major

November 15, 2022

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Fights Federal Government Taking Over Rikers Island

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The Legal Aid Society filed paperwork Monday asking the federal government to take control of the Rikers Island correctional facility away from New York City leadership.

The New York Times reports that Legal Aid lawyers who represent Rikers detainees filed a request for an outsider, known as a receiver, to run the facility where almost 6,000 people are held. The letter could be the opening salvo in a drawn-out process that will determine the future of the facility.

Judge Laura T. Swain will now decide whether to appoint a receiver. While Legal Aid lawyers are in support of a federal monitor, none of the other parties named in the case—including the city government, the monitor, Steve Martin, and the Department of Justice (DoJ)—support the appointing of a monitor, although the DoJ said it might join the request later or submit its own request for other measures.

The leadership of Rikers Island and its issues have drawn the ire of many city politicians, including New York City Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán. Eighteen Rikers inmates have died this year alone. Additionally, a report filed by Martin found the monthly rate of stabbings at the facility “increased exponentially” in 2021 and increased further this year.

“Uses of force remain rampant with few consequences; investigations and staff discipline face huge backlogs; and security failures abound in jails effectively left unsupervised,” the Legal Aid letter stated, adding that only a receiver could “reverse the city’s persistent failure to follow this court’s orders.”

The use of force by correction officers on inmates, which Martin was tapped to address in 2015, has also increased since he was appointed. Many of the issues at Rikers are the result of staff absenteeism that began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Martin, between 2,000 and 8,000 Rikers Island correctional workers called out sick each day in Sept. 2021.

Things have improved under new jails commissioner Louis Molina, but nearly 800 Rikers employees, more than 10% of the facility’s workforce, are still failing to show up for work.

Despite the numerous issues at the facility, including multiple officers being charged for faking sick leave to avoid working, New York City Mayor and former NYPD officer Eric Adams has continued to fight the federal government taking over the facility.

Lawyers and advocates for the inmates say the appointment of a receiver to monitor Rikers island would help address urgent needs at the facility. Unlike the monitor, the receiver would have the authority to bypass institutional barriers, including a union contract giving correction officers unlimited sick leave and a state law prohibiting the city from filling certain posts with non-union employees.

• Food

by Black Enterprise Shop

November 15, 2022

Knock Out Your Holiday Shopping with a One-Year Costco Gold Star Membership and a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card*

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The holiday season has its way of bringing out customers more than any other time of the year. So whether you’re decorating for a holiday event or are in charge of crafting meals, you’ll likely spend a bit more time and money shopping during the next two months. If you’re looking for savings during your seasonal shopping, you may want to consider visiting Costco.

Costco offers a wide array of products and services, making it an excellent one-stop shop for all your holiday obligations. You can purchase a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for $60. You’ll also receive a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card* via email with your one-year membership.

According to Costco, there are more than 118.9 million U.S.-based members, and one trip is all it takes to understand the allure. There are over 800 Costco warehouses across the U.S., each stocking everything from mouth-watering meats and seafood to power washers, available at member-exclusive prices. The catalog boasts products from popular brand names like LG, Dyson, and KitchenAid, but you’ll also find Costco’s Kirkland Signature™ items, which have received countless top reviews for quality and affordability.

Kirkland Signature™ products include food, household goods, and clothes, among other items. It’s built a loyal following over the years, evidenced by customers spending more than $59 billion on Kirkland Signature™ products last year. Each Costco location has a renowned food court, so you can chow down after gathering your holiday essentials.

While Costco warehouses offer home goods, electronics, furniture, and more, the company also provides services beyond your everyday shopping needs. For example, members can visit Costco Tire Centers to have their cars serviced while shopping. Plus, you can visit the Costco Gas Station to fill up your tank after checkout. A couple more of Costco Services’ offerings include home insurance** and pet insurance**.

Costco has revolutionized the bulk-buying experience since the first location opened in Seattle, Washington, in 1983. So take the stress off your shoulders this holiday season and lessen your trips to the store by becoming a Costco Gold Star Member for $60. You’ll receive your $30 Digital Costco Shop Card* via email within two weeks of redeeming your purchase. This offer is only valid for new members or members whose memberships have expired for at least 18 months (before April 2021).

Prices subject to change.

Services are provided to Costco members by third parties.

*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.

**Costco Wholesale, Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not underwrite insurance, pay claims or guarantee any of the products or services offered by third parties. Specific products, features, rates and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is not licensed in New York state. Insurance products are not obtained through the Costco Insurance Agency in New York. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc.’s California license number is 0D08407.

ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting professionals of color and diversity in the creative industries, today unveiled additional details for its ADCOLOR 2022 Conference.

With sessions spanning November 17 to 19, the three-day conference will include a wide range of speakers, topics and events embodying this year’s “Still Rising” theme.

“Our conference programming is filled with thought leaders who disrupt the status quo, transform the future of work, and advocate for DE&I every day within their respective industries,” said ADCOLOR Founder and President, Tiffany R. Warren.

“We hope their insights inspire the current and future leaders within our community and give our attendees the tools and energy needed for continued success.”

This year’s conference programming kicks off Thursday, November 17 with a Welcome Keynote presented by Cashmere.Monks, ‘50 Years and Rising: Celebrating Five Decades of Hip-Hop’s Evolution from Subculture to THE Culture,’ led by GRAMMY-Award winning rap legend and Mass Appeal partner Nas and Mass Appeal CEO, Peter Bittenbender. Cashmere President and Chief Creative Officer, Ryan Ford, serves as moderator for the conversation, which will reflect on hip-hop’s rise over the past fifty years and what’s next for the artform.

Following this initial conversation on November 17, ADCOLOR will host its annual ADCOLOR After Dark concert at the Avalon Hollywood. This year’s event, presented by Amazon, will feature Grammy Award-winning producer and musician and 2022 ADCOLOR in Music honoree Robert Glasper. Doors open at 8pm PT, with the event exclusively available to ADCOLOR 2022 Conference attendees.

The conference will then resume on November 18 with ‘Balancing Act: Challenging the Status Quo to Build Equity and Belonging’, a mainstage session, presented by Google | YouTube, featuring Lauren Ridloff, actress for Marvel’s Eternals and AMC’s The Walking Dead. Moderated by Google’s Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing Adrienne Lofton, the session will explore how Ridloff and other soon-to-be-announced industry changemakers are balancing the weight of professional success, wealth generation and legacy building with self-preservation, all while planting seeds for the next generation to grow.

Also on November 18 will be ‘Cultural Intelligence: The Team Sport We’re Losing’, a session presented by The Martin Agency featuring co-writers and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Joining the stage from The Martin Agency will be Chief Creative Officer Danny Robinson and Senior Strategist Sean Choi as the culture-shaping panelists reveal clear, simple and surprising narrative strategies that draw allies into diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging imperatives.

Programming will continue throughout the weekend with discussions featuring thought leaders from various industries, including VP of Culture and Impact at Monkey Paw Productions, Keisha Senter; CEO of Wieden+Kennedy, Neal Arthur; Chief Marketing Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Jason White; President and Chief Creative Officer of NAACP Boston, Tanisha M. Sullivan; Founder and CEO of The Plug, Sherrell Dorsey; Chief Communications Officer of GLAAD, Rich Ferraro; and EVP, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer at Yahoo, Alicin Williamson, among many other executives and DE&I leaders from LinkedIn, Lionsgate, Sony Music Group and more.

The conference will conclude on Saturday, November 19, with the annual Beacon Fireside Chat featuring 2022 ADCOLOR | Adweek Beacon Award Honoree, writer, producer, actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Moderated by ADCOLOR President and Founder Tiffany R. Warren, the conversation will explore how Rae – who notably mandates that all her sets must be 60% diverse – uses her considerable platform to change the status quo in the quest for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

For additional details on the ADCOLOR 2022 Conference agenda, please visit the ADCOLOR site. A limited number of in-person conference tickets still remain available for purchase. Those interested in rewatching the ADCOLOR 2022 Conference on demand following the live event can do so by purchasing an Unlimited Virtual ticket. For updates and information on ADCOLOR 2022, please follow ADCOLOR on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The UFC community is mourning the loss of 38-year-old Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, who died after battling an undisclosed illness.

According to reports, Johnson’s manager told ESPN that he was going through health problems in October and was not doing well.

Johnson’s death was announced Sunday on social media by Bellator MMA, one of the promotions Johnson fought under. A spokesperson for Bellator stated that Johnson had been ill for more than a year. A statement issued on behalf of the company read:

“The BELLATOR family is devastated by his untimely passing and we send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Johnson posted a worrying message in September 2021 that he needed “as many prayers as I can get” and was in a battle that wasn’t COVID-19 related. Johnson then posted in May that he had been told by a doctor that he had made “big improvements.”

https://twitter.com/BellatorMMA/status/1591909423878144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The former UFC fighter starred in many light heavyweight title challenges, with 11 total knockouts in his 10-year career from 2007 to 2017, with an overall record of 13-6. Johnson competed in three different weight classes during his time at UFC and became recognized among many MMA fans as one of the most powerful punchers in the sport.

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who was close friends with Jonhson, told Yahoo Sports that Johnson was private and kept his illness hidden as much as possible.

“You know, it was a little like [the late actor] Chadwick Boseman,” Usman told Yahoo Sports. “Chadwick kept his issue private, and we were all so shocked and surprised [when he died in 2020]. Rumble would give you these nonchalant stories, and he was having dialysis on his kidneys, but he never really told you fully what was going on. He didn’t want to be treated differently.”

“He didn’t want people seeing him losing all this weight and going through these situations and treat him differently because of what was going on.”

“He was such an incredible athlete.”

UFC president Dana White also remarked on Johnson’s passing.

“He was always a great kid. He was always in fun fights and he had that one-punch KO power that not many people ever had. He was a good human being. I send my condolences to his family,” White told the outlet.

• Environment

by Stacy Jackson

November 14, 2022

Republican Politician Calls Police on 9-Year-Old Black Girl Catching Lanternflies Outside

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A New Jersey mom was appalled after she learned an older neighbor in her Caldwell community called the police on her daughter for innocently catching lanternflies outside.

According to BuzzFeed, the 71-year-old neighbor, Gordon Lawshe, called the police on 9-year-old Bobbi Wilson on Oct. 22 while she was outside testing an environmentally-safe formula she discovered on TikTok to spray trees that were infested with lanternflies, an invasive species she was learning about in school.

The fourth-grader’s mother, Monique Joseph, attended a town council meeting on Nov. 1, urging town leadership to address the impacts of racial discrimination in Caldwell. During the meeting, Joseph recited words from a police recording of Lawshe’s 911 call.

“There’s a little Black woman, walking, spraying stuff on the sidewalks and trees,” Joseph read aloud.

“I don’t know what the hell she’s doing; it scares me though.” Lawshe also mentioned in his call that Wilson was wearing a “hood” and said she was a “real small woman…you can’t miss her.”

Lawshe, who Wilson’s 13-year-old sister, Hayden, said has lived across from their family for almost eight years, served as co-head and treasurer of the Caldwell Republican Committee and the Caldwell Community Center membership director.

Greg Mascera, Lawshe’s attorney, denied any acts of racial profiling from his client.

“Racism, intentional or not, is still racism,” the mother of two said.

“To hear my neighbor using triggering words that have resulted in the deaths of too many Black and brown children and adults at the hands of the police. ‘Black,’ ‘hoodie,’ ‘I’m scared.’ Those are triggering words.”

During her speech addressing the council, Hayden added that Bobbi was not on Lawshe’s property. “She was not only doing something amazing for our environment, but she was doing something that made her feel like a hero,” she said.

Black-ish actress Jenifer Lewis is known for her audaciously honest voice as the self-proclaimed “Mother of Black Hollywood.”

She continued to keep it real when she addressed disgraced rapper Kanye West’s anti-Semitic commentary in interviews and in the workplace.

In an interview on The Pascal Show, Lewis sat down with host Pascal Beauboeuf to talk about her latest book, Walking In My Joy In These Streets. The topic of West came up after Beauboeuf noted that the Black-ish mom mentioned the fashion designer in her book.

A clip of the particular discussion was posted to Instagram.

“I’m sick of Kanye,” Lewis responded.

“I was sick of him before he did all of this mess. I don’t care what he’s dealing with; shut your f*king mouth. You go sit down somewhere, all those kids who look up to his a**.”

Lewis continued to state her message as she looked directly in the camera. She urged West to get help especially for his four children whom he shares with Kim Kardashian.

“My name is Jenifer Lewis, I’m famous too not as famous as you but that does not excuse you from doing what you should be doing. Go get help, baby, your children are looking at you.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Pascal Show (@thepascalshow)

Lewis, who revealed in her 2017 memoir about her experiences with bipolar disorder, shared that she knows what pain West is enduring. But she wants West to realize how impactful his actions can be on his children and the next generation who supported him if he gets help.

“Do it for your children, do it for the next generation they gave you everything. They listen to your music just because you consider yourself a genius and a lot of people do.”

“Van Gough was a genius and they cut his f*king hair off. You hush now and go get some help.”

Social media has since praised Lewis for her thoughts on West’s actions.

“I felt every word in my soul! Yes Kanye please go get some help. Mrs. Jenifer knows what’s she is talking about. We praying for you,” one user wrote on Instagram.

“She knows the pain he’s dealing with. He’s sick & those around him need to stop enabling him. No more interviews, no more social media. Go. Get. Help! Do it for those beautiful babies of his,” another wrote.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2022

Abby De La Rosa Debuts Nick Cannon’s 11 Child, Daughter Zeppelin

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Abby De La Rosa is giving the public a look at her third child with Nick Cannon, his 11th overall.

Abby took to Instagram on Sunday to debut her and Nick Cannon’s daughter Zeppelin whom she gave birth to on Friday, Daily Mail reports.

“Our Dearest Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon,” Abby captioned the heartfelt post.

“We’ve known you for 2 days now and I’m in still in awe that you chose @nickcannon & I to be your parents.”

Abby, who already shares her 17-month-old twin boys with Cannon, Zillion and Zion, continued expressing her love for her newest addition.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Abby De La Rosa (@hiabbydelarosa)

“Not one single word can express the love we have for you. We are so blessed to have this front row seat in your world,” she wrote.

“Your brothers can’t wait to meet you (our family is wild but it’s yours, no matter what,” Abby continued.

“You already have your Dad wrapped around your finger, it’s been the sweetest thing 😍.”

“He works so hard and will go above and beyond to make sure you know you are loved. We love you more then you’ll ever know WELCOME TO THE WORLD 💕 LETS ROCK N ROLL ✨ 11.11.22”

Abby’s post comes a few days after she confirmed Cannon was the father of her third child. She also shut down criticism of being labeled a “baby mama.”

“Believe it or not I’m not just a ‘baby mama’ – I’m a professional radio personality! Have been for years!” she quipped.

“In time y’all will get to really get to know me for who I am with outside of the name ‘Nick cannon.”

Baby Zeppelin comes ahead of his 12th child with Alyssa Scott. She’s expected to give birth sometime next Spring. Currently, Cannon has 10 children with six different women.

He shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; sons Golden Sagon and Rise Messiah Cannon and daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; and daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole.

Cannon’s son Zen with Alyssa Scott died at five months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.