Ferguson, Dorian, Johnson, Mike Brown, police, dead

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2025

Friend of Mike Brown Who Inspired ‘Hands Up Don’t Shoot’ Chant Fatally Shot In Ferguson

Johnson was one of the main witnesses to Brown's fatal shooting by white police officer Darren Wilson.

Dorian Johnson, the man who was with Mike Brown when an officer fatally shot him, has died in a shooting.

CNN confirmed Johnson was shot and killed in the early morning of Sept. 7 in Ferguson, Missouri. The shooting occurred less than a mile from where Mike Brown, his friend, was killed in 2014. Present at that scene years ago, his account of Brown’s death led to the popular “Hands up, don’t shoot” chant that became one of the sayings of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The 33-year-old man’s shooting reportedly took place at a block of apartments. The Ferguson Police Department emphasized that no officers were involved.

“There had been earlier rumors that this was an officer-involved shooting; however, that information is incorrect. No officers, Ferguson or otherwise, were involved in this incident other than to begin our investigation,” detailed police.

Instead, Melissa Price Smith, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, said that the fatal incident was a proposed act of self-defense. One person was taken into custody but was later released with no charges.

“This appears to be a domestic incident involving a claim of self-defense,” detailed Price Smith.

Johnson leaves behind his own legacy within the start of the Black Lives Matter movement. He was with the 18-year-old Brown when a white police officer, Darren Wilson, pulled up to them in his patrol car.

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As tensions escalated between Brown and Wilson, including Brown getting shot in the hand, the duo ran off. However, as Brown came back toward the officer, Wilson fired the fatal shots. While witnesses, including Johnson, had differing accounts of what led to the final gunshots, Brown was unarmed.

Despite this, Johnson’s version of the story echoed throughout America, where the man claimed Brown put his hands up in surrender before Wilson pulled the final trigger. The “hands up, don’t shoot” chant became a part of both men’s stories. However, a grand jury decided not to indict Wilson following a contested trial. Brown’s family also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Ferguson, settling the matter in 2017.

The Ferguson community and supporters nationwide now mourn the loss of Johnson. While acknowledging his brave recollection of the 2014 incident, they also noted how the man has become another victim of gun violence.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 9, 2025

East Texas Firefighter To Welcome Family’s First Daughter In Over 100 Years

'Finally, after over a hundred years,' said the father, Michael Sherman. 'It's amazing.'

An East Texas firefighter has ended his family’s century-long streak of having only sons.

Montgomery County firefighter Michael Sherman and his wife, Joacquia, were overjoyed at their recent gender reveal to learn they’re expecting a baby girl. Due in March, she will be the first daughter born into the Sherman family in 108 years.

“I just feel honored,” Sherman told ABC13. “We are the ones bringing the baby girl into the world. Finally, after over a hundred years. It’s amazing.”

“It’s like a monumental thing. I have three boys. My dad had two boys. His brother had two boys. So, it’s never been nothing but boys, boys, boys,” said Michael Sherman Sr., the baby’s grandfather.

The last woman born into the Sherman family was Orah Belle Sherman, Michael’s great-great aunt, who entered the world in 1917 and later served on the front lines of the civil rights movement in Atlanta.

“She was a trailblazer in Atlanta,” Sherman said. “She dealt with the civil rights during the civil rights time. She met a lot of civil rights leaders, and she made an impact in Atlanta.”

One thing is certain.

“I love her. No matter what path she chooses, we will be with her,” Michael’s grandmother, Lydia Robertson, said. “She’s going to always have support here.”

The Sherman family is even thinking about reaching out to Guinness World Records. While there isn’t a category for “most boys in a family” or “longest stretch without a girl,” Guinness does track records like the most children born to one mother. That record is held by Valentina Vassilyeva of Russia, who gave birth to 69 children.

The record for the largest family is held by the Ziona family in India, with 199 members, including 38 wives and 89 children.

AfriCon Brings Business Leaders And Innovators Across The Diaspora To Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2025

AfriCon Brings Business Leaders And Innovators Across The Diaspora To Atlanta

The diaspora's brightest stars ware set to elevate their brands.

AfriCon 2025 will head to Atlanta’s Omni Hotel from Sept. 18 to 20 for its latest gathering of business leaders and innovators within the African diaspora.

Attendees can expect transformative programming to elevate their ideas and ambitions. AfriCon has become a signature event for entrepreneurs and creative trailblazers to advance the diverse Black community.

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The three-day event will include various panels and workshops focusing on investments and business development. With panelists such as Denis Asamoah, cofounder of FORVR Mood; Amir Rassol, founder of The Folklore; and Thabiti Steven, CSO of Steve Harvey Group, participants will learn about global entrepreneurship to expand their brand for an international audience.

A16z will also host a “From Idea to Investment” session, teaching aspiring business owners to bring their visions to life.

One of AfriCon’s premier experiences will be its Deal Room Activations. Startup founders can speak with investors from Morgan Stanley, Collab Capital, and more to potentially secure up to $500 million in capital investments. Founders will also get the chance to pitch to major retailers such as Walmart and Whole Foods to get their products on shelves.

AfriCon 2025 will also encourage guests to patronize Black-owned businesses in its immersive marketplace.

“AfriCon is more than a conference—it’s an ecosystem built to create pathways for global entrepreneurship, investment, and cultural exchange,” said Dami Kujembola, CEO of of Amplify Africa, parent company of Africon, said in a press release. “We’ve curated every moment to ensure attendees walk away with not just connections, but actionable opportunities to grow their businesses.”

Additional panels include discussions on the global music economy to developing AI-proof businesses, as well as the amplification of Black-owned beauty brands. But as true cultural explosion, attendees will also speak and show out with their finest looks and undeniable brand visions.

With an expected $200 million in economic impact, AfriCon 2025 remains ready for its diaspora takeover for the culture’s latest game-changers.

Interested in attending AfriCon? Find tickets here.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 9, 2025

Thieves Smash-And-Grab Jewelry Store, Attack Triggers Stroke In Elderly Owner

A viral video shows the cold-hearted attack that took place in San Jose, Calif.

An elderly owner of a jewelry store in San Jose, California, was attacked and suffered a stroke as thieves broke into his store in a smash-and-grab armed robbery.

A surveillance video was posted to social media by an X user showing the moment a gang of robbers crashed into the store. The incident took place Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. at Kim Hung Jewelry, according to the author’s post.

The video camera aimed at the entrance to the store captured a vehicle backing into the front door, smashing the doors and front of the store. Several people were shown in the footage rushing into the jewelry shop and instructing everyone “to get the f**k down,” as two employees, including the elderly man, reacted in shock to the action. The elderly man was seen without a shirt as he yelled at the thieves while they smashed cases and took items from the store.

As the group moved closer to the 88-year-old shop owner, one man had smashed the case the victim was standing behind, and another thief rushed behind the store counter and shoved the shop owner to the ground. As the victim lied on the floor, the robbers, wearing masks and hats, continued to grab whatever items they could, while destroying the store. Within seconds, as car horns can be heard outside, and the thieves took what they could as they exited the jewelry store.

My friend’s 88-year-old uncle’s San Jose Jewelry Store was robbed on Fri, 9/5, at 2pm. They ran a truck through the store and then pushed him down. He was injured by broken glass and then had a stroke. @MattMahanSJ, you’ve done a lot for SJ, but still more criminals to be locked up. pic.twitter.com/5eSRaCVKo2

— Moore On The Street (@Chris_Moore4Sup) September 6, 2025

The store has been in business for over 40 years.

The San Fransciso Chronicle reported that the San Jose Police Department confirmed that the “armed robbery” is being investigated and that the thieves are “unidentified and remain at large.” No other information was revealed, but the department has asked that if anyone has any info regarding the incident, they reach out to the robbery unit at sjpdrobbery@sanjoseca.gov.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 9, 2025

Chicago Bears’ Quarterback Caleb Williams Champions Suicide Prevention With Painted Fingernails

The 988 emergency lifeline number was painted on his fingernails to bring attention to World Suicide Prevention Day

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who is known for having his fingernails painted during his collegiate years (University of Southern California), had his nails painted the opening week of the NFL season with a very important message regarding suicide and how people can find help.

The 2024 No. 1 NFL Draft pick had his fingernails painted with the colors and logos for suicide prevention, as well as the 988 emergency lifeline number for those who need help and/or are in a crisis. The nails were prominently seen at the Bears’ first contest of the new season during the first Monday Night Football match, Sept. 8, against division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.

The timing coincided with this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place Sept. 10.

Caleb Williams is honoring suicide prevention in Week 1.

He painted his nails with the cause’s colors and logo, along with “988” — the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. pic.twitter.com/ycD4g97DSw

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 9, 2025

According to Fox News, the nail painting tradition isn’t going to paint him as a player, as he will try to better the 5-12 losing record that the Bears had during his rookie season. During the team’s struggles last season, management decided to fire head coach Matt Eberflus midseason during the campaign.

“Part of it’s just me being myself and just [being] unapologetic about it,” Williams said after the Bears’ defeat to the Vikings. “And you know, I’m not going to apologize about it. I’m gonna be me. It doesn’t bother me what people have to say about me because I know what I am. I know who I am and what I like to do.”

Williams did start the new season with an opening-drive touchdown, but it may have been the highlight, as the Vikings won the contest by a score of 27-24. He didn’t have a great game, as he completed 21 of 35 passes for 211 yards, a touchdown, but he had no interceptions.

RELATED CONTENT: Nailing It?

by Mitti Hicks

September 9, 2025

Justice Sotomayer Condemns Supreme Court Decision That Greenlights Racial Profiling

The 6-3 decision of the conservative-majority court is a major win for President Donald Trump

Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor is blasting the conservative justices on the Supreme Court who lifted a federal judge’s orders that will ultimately greenlight racial profiling from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The 6-3 decision of the conservative-majority court is a major win for President Donald Trump, who has vowed to conduct record-level deportations of undocumented immigrants. Monday, the Supreme Court justices ruled it’s okay for ICE agents to stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job. This lifts a federal judge’s order that had barred agents from making stops without reasonable suspicion, as Axios reported.

Sotomayor, joined by fellow liberal justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, issued a blistering dissent to their conservative colleagues.

“The Government, and now the concurrence, has all but declared that all Latinos, U. S. citizens or not, who work low-wage jobs are fair game to be seized at any time, taken away from work, and held until they provide proof of their legal status to the agents’ satisfaction,” Sotomayer wrote.

She continued, “Countless people in the Los Angeles area have been grabbed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed simply because of their looks, their accents, and the fact they make a living by doing manual labor,” Sotomayer wrote. “Today, the Court needlessly subjects countless more to these exact same indignities.”

“The Court’s order is troubling for another reason: It is entirely unexplained. In the last eight months, this Court’s appetite to circumvent the ordinary appellate process and weigh in on important issues has grown exponentially […] Its interest in explaining itself, unfortunately, has not.”

To conclude, Sotomayor wrote that Monday’s ruling means the Fourth Amendment may no longer protect the rights of people “who happen to look a certain way, speak a certain way, and appear to work a certain type of legitimate job that pays very little. Because this is unconscionably irreconcilable with our Nation’s constitutional guarantees, I dissent.”

Democrats Respond To Supreme Court Racial Profile Ruling

The White House welcomed the ruling and doubled down on its vow to “continue fulfilling its mandate to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens.” Meanwhile, Democrats are criticizing the decision.

“Trump’s hand-picked Supreme Court majority just became the Grand Marshal for a parade of racial terror in Los Angeles,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “This isn’t about enforcing immigration laws — it’s about targeting Latinos and anyone who doesn’t look or sound like Stephen Miller’s idea of an American, including U.S. citizens and children, to deliberately harm California’s families and small businesses.”

Newsom added, “Trump’s private police force now has a green light to come after your family — and every person is now a target — but we will continue fighting these abhorrent attacks on Californians.”

In a separate response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned Americans that the Supreme Court’s decision affects more than just California residents.

“I want the entire nation to hear me when I say this isn’t just an attack on the people of Los Angeles, this is an attack on every person in every city in this country. Today’s ruling is not only dangerous – it’s un-American and threatens the fabric of personal freedom in the United States of America,” she wrote.

Bass continued, “The highest court in the country ruled that the White House and masked federal agents can racially profile Angelenos with no due process, snatch them off the street with no evidence or warrant, and take them away with no explanation. This decision will lead to more working families being torn apart and fear of the very institutions meant to protect – not persecute – our people.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2025

Hush Harbor Is A Black-Owned Bar That Nixes Cell Phones At The Door

Hush Harbor wants you to reconnect and drink up the old-fashioned way.

A new Black-owned bar in Washington D.C. wants you to says cheers without posting to Instagram about it.

Hush Harbor, a new pub opened by former Hell’s Kitchen chef Rock Harper, finally let customers indulge on Sept. 5. However, they must commit to the bar’s no phone policy, influenced by Harper’s own new philosophy regarding technology use.

The chef has cut back on his phone usage, including hosting phone-free events at the bar’s prior iteration, Hill Prince. Located in the H street corridor, Harper wanted his reimagined restaurant to allow customers to reconnect the old-fashioned way.

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“All we’re doing is giving people a little nudge to be supremely present and intentional about this hospitality experience,” explained Harper to the Washingtonian. “It’s not going to be preachy or punitive. I just know in my life and in others, if you put [your phone] away, you can really have a wonderful, different time that we’re not really used to having right now.”

To get his offline bar running, Harper partnered with local Luddite, Danny Hogenkamp, who has already spearheaded the growing anti-phone movement across the district. However, they don’t intend to lock phones up in the back office, letting customers keep their devices on hand, just covered up.

They accomplish this feat with the help of Yondr, a company that provides phone-holding pouches with magnetic locks. While already popular for phone-barring events, its introduction into everyday spaces is a step in an offline direction.

Harper emphasized that all customers must comply with this golden rule, or else patronize another bar in the area. Staff are no exception, but follow commonplace procedure to not use their phones at work anyway.

“There’s no negotiation on you using your phone inside,” Harper continued. “Barring an emergency, that ain’t happening.”

On a bigger scale, Harper believes social media has made others less friendly or willing to genuinely engage in topics. The bar’s name itself, Hush Harbor, is a lesser known term in Black history as well. According to the news outlet, the phrase stems from enslaved Black people as they gathered in the woods to speak or pray in private.

Now, Harper wants the term to call back to this sense of community. Especially during D.C.’s own political strife, he wants this black-owned bar to become a safe space.

“The idea of a hush harbor, it’s a thing but it’s also a place where we need to be in community with one another,” added Harper. “We need to have a place to gather. This is really relevant right now, especially in D.C. We need places that are safe spaces and community places.”

Despite some concerns on whether customers would stay for a round or two, Harper claimed many have willingly complied. He said the move pushed people to connect with other customers, with no one feeling stressed about getting their phone back.

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model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 9, 2025

Toraya Reid, Sister Of NBA Player Naz Reid, Killed; Boyfriend Arrested and Charged

Shaquille Green, 29, has been arrested. Authorities say the two were in a 'dating relationship.'

The sister of Minnesota Timberwolves’ fan favorite Naz Reid has died.

Police officers responding to a 911 call on Sept. 6 found Toraya Reid fatally shot at a Jackson Township, New Jersey, apartment complex.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has charged 29-year-old Shaquille Green, who resides in Jackson Township, with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

When police arrived at the Paragon Apartment Complex, NBC Philadelphia reported, they found Toraya Reid’s body after she had been shot several times near the exit of the apartment complex.

Officers apprehended Green, who was running from the scene of the crime.

Green was transported to Jackson Township Police Headquarters and is currently being held at Ocean County Jail.

“A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, identified Green—who has been in a dating relationship with Ms. Reid—as the individual responsible for her death,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

https://twitter.com/RTNBA/status/1964724114100453881

NBC Philadelphia reported that Toraya Reid, who lived in Jackson Township, was with Naz Reid at a youth basketball camp less than two weeks ago at Hoop Group headquarters in Neptune.

“She was in the building, smiling on the sideline, helping out. And then, you know, a week later, you just hear about this. And it’s just sadness,” Hoop Group’s James Cooper told the media outlet. “I just have nothing but pain for the family and what they’re going through right now.”

Naz Reid was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and went to Roselle Catholic in Union County. He played collegiately at Louisiana State University for a year before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2019.

Although he wasn’t selected by any team, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2024.

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 9, 2025

Be The GPS, Not The Driver: Mentoring Black Professionals The Right Way

Set expectations that meet reality

Dear Fairygodmentor,

I want to become a better mentor to my team, especially the younger Black professionals. How can I support them in their growth?
– Mentorship Matters

Dear Mentorship Matters,

I can’t tell you how much I love this letter! Another Fairygodmentor® in the making!

Of course, I’m going to share as much as my editor will allow me to in this response.

As Stephen Covey says “Begin with the end in mind.” Ask your mentees what their definition of success looks like. Ask them to be as open and as specific as possible. You’ll also want to build trust with them. Don’t go running to their manager and sharing what they’ve shared in confidence if they haven’t given you permission to do so.

It takes a long time to build trust and only seconds to break it.

Once you both discuss their definition of success, work with them on a realistic action plan where you can track steps taken to reach these goals, along with dates and specifics of what needs to be attained. It’s important to also discuss any obstacles that your mentee feels may get in the way of being successful as a Black professional. Keeping it real will build rapport and trust.

Work with your mentee to establish a regular line of contact. Here’s where it may be scary, but it’s the responsibility of the mentee to drive this mentoring relationship. They are in the driver’s seat of their career. You’re the GPS. They need to be held accountable for meeting their goals/milestones, setting up your meetings and following up with you. Set those expectations that meet reality at the very beginning of your time together. Make sure to keep it real with your communications. If you want to be the best mentor to younger Black professionals, don’t sanitize the realities of the workplace. Be prepared to share your unique perspectives and strategies of working in different spaces. This is a great way to ensure that you’re setting your mentees up for success.

Remember, if you’re making yourself available to this mentee, make sure you make space for them in your calendar. Offering your support and then bailing on them doesn’t make for a solid professional mentoring relationship.

Finally, check in to see if things are working well with both of you. As my mom likes to say, “People come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime.” Perhaps monthly meetings are no longer needed. Maybe you need to connect quarterly? I still keep in touch with my Fairygodmentors on an annual basis to this day to keep them apprised of my progress.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 9, 2025

Entry-Level Job Openings Drop As AI Reshapes The Traditional Career Ladder

AI is transforming entry-level jobs and challenging the traditional notion of the American Dream.

New research reveals that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is contributing to a decline in entry-level jobs, a trend could upend the traditional notion of climbing the career ladder toward the American dream.

A recent study of major public tech companies and growing venture-backed startups conducted between 2019 and 2024 by SignalFire, found a 50% drop in new hires with less than one year of post-graduate work experience.

“Hiring is intrinsically volatile year on year, but 50% is an accurate representation of the hiring delta for this experience category over the considered timespan,” Asher Bantock, head of research at SignalFire, told CNBC.

The data, which spanned across key business functions including sales, marketing, engineering, HR/recruiting, operations, design, finance, and legal, all showed a consistent 50% decline across all areas. The findings point to growing uncertainty as college graduates struggle to find entry-level roles, raising questions about whether the traditional career ladder is breaking down.

The growing wave of AI appears to be doing away with the age-old stories of corporate ascent that have long shaped the concept of the American dream.

“The loss of clear entry points doesn’t just shrink opportunities for new grads—it reshapes how organizations grow talent from within,” said Heather Doshay, partner at SignalFire.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri began his career in the company’s call center. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon started with a summer job unloading trucks, and GM CEO Mary Barra began on the automaker’s assembly line at the age of 18.

These entry-level roles, once the starting points for future corporate leaders, are increasingly being replaced by AI today.

“The ladder isn’t broken—it’s just being replaced with something that looks a lot flatter,” Doshay said. “The bottom rung is disappearing, but that has the potential to uplevel everyone.”

As AI reshapes the traditional career ladder for college graduates, experts suggest that today’s entry-level roles may require more advanced skills. Universities are adapting by turning campuses into AI training hubs, with several forging major partnerships with companies like Anthropic and OpenAI to better equip students for the entry-level positions of the new corporate landscape.

”The entry-level careers of recent graduates are most affected, which could have lasting effects as they continue to grow their careers with less experience while finding fewer job opportunities,” Doshay said.

Beyond eliminating entry-level jobs for new professionals, experts warn that AI could soon extend its reach to executive positions as well.

”If we continue racing ahead with totally unregulated AI, we’ll first see a massive wealth and power concentration from workers to those who control the AI, and then to the machines themselves as their owners lose control over them,” said Max Tegmark, president of the Future of Life Institute.