Senegal President Fires Health Minister After Hospital Fire Kills 11 Newborns
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 27, 2022

Senegal President Fires Health Minister After Hospital Fire Kills 11 Newborns

Senegal’s Health Minister has been fired in the wake of a hospital fire that killed 11 newborn babies and a series of other recent healthcare scandals.

Senegalese President Macky Sall relieved Health Minister Diouf Sarr of his duties on Thursday and replaced him with senior ministry official Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye, CNN reports. On Wednesday, the termination comes after a fire engulfed the Mame Abdou Aziz Sy Dabakh Hospital’s newborn unit.

Sarr was attending the World Health Assembly conference in Geneva when the blaze ignited. He cut his trip short and returned to Senegal Thursday, but many were still bothered by his absence.

The fire at the Tivauane hospital is the latest in a series of health scares that have plagued the country in the last year. In April 2021, a fire broke out at the neonatal unit of a hospital in Linguere and killed four babies.

Last month, a pregnant woman who died after three midwives denied her a cesarean section sparked countrywide outrage. While Sarr isn’t accused of causing the tragedies, many hold him accountable due to his position of power.

“I am appalled by the horrific and unacceptable death of 11 newborn babies in Tivaouane,” the Senegalese minister of regional planning and local government, Cheikh Bamba Dièye, said.

“The recurrence of tragedies in our hospitals reminds us of the obligation to thoroughly review the quality of service in our hospitals. My deepest condolences to the families.”

Locals have blamed the fires on the lack of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in hospitals.

“…Our hospitals have become places of death,” one local vented on Twitter. “Too much negligence, indifference, casualness!… Hasn’t going to the hospital become a risk today?”

President Sall has since declared three days of national mourning from Thursday into Saturday, where flags will fly at half-mast, the Presidency said.

An investigation has also been launched into the cause of the fire.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 27, 2022

Fans Came to Ice-T and Coco’s Defense After Criticism For Pushing Their 6-Year-Old Daughter in a Stroller

This week, a little stir was made when hip-hop legend and actor Ice-T and his wife, Coco, were seen pushing their six-year-old daughter, Chanel, in a stroller.

A Twitter photo shows Ice-T and Coco posing for a photo as Chanel, seemingly bored and tired, sits in her stroller.

After posting the photo, social media started going in because Chanel is six years old and should have outgrown the stroller. But she definitely had her defenders.

Insider spoke to a board-certified pediatrician, Gina Posner, who stated that it’s quite alright to push a 6-year-old in a stroller, and it can also benefit the parents.

“Sanity-wise for parents, kids can get cranky after a long day at an amusement park or somewhere else, so sometimes it is nice to have them in a stroller, so they do not get cranky or complain about walking so much,” she said.

Many Twitter users agreed with Posner!

SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore Announces Departure After 13 Years
by Derek Major

May 27, 2022

SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore Announces Departure After 13 Years

After almost a decade and a half in the post, Gregory Moore has announced he will be departing as commissioner of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

According to a SIAC release, Moore, who will leave at the end of June, is the conference’s longest-tenured commissioner in its 108-year history. He successfully confronted numerous challenges with intelligence, integrity, and entrepreneurial skill during his tenure as he increased league revenue by 450%.

Moore also helped improve SIAC partnership revenue by 800% and negotiated multi-year partnerships with Coca-Cola, GEICO, Nike, The Home Depot, TIAA and the Google Foundation. In a statement, Moore called his time as commissioner one of his best experiences.

“My service as commissioner of the SIAC was among the most rewarding experiences of my life and I am indebted to every president for whom I have served. This was not an easy decision – particularly in light of the very successful year that the SIAC recently enjoyed. I am committed to working with the SIAC to help ensure a smooth transition,” Moore said in a statement.

Moore’s other accomplishments as SIAC Commissioner include:

  • Increased top-line league revenue from $500,000 to more than $2M annually.
  • Added five new member institutions to the SIAC.
  • Cultivated the largest reserve fund in league history and established SIAC’s first securities brokerage account.
  • Expanded SIAC banking relationships to include three of the largest African American community banks within the SIAC footprint (Tri-State Bank of Memphis, First Liberty Bank of Tuskegee, and Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta).
  • Negotiated a seven-figure, six-year ESPN media rights agreement – among the largest in NCAA DII history.
  • First NCAA Conference to provide an all-woman crew opportunity to officiate a college football game.

“Commissioner Moore has done an exemplary job. Under his leadership, the SIAC has evolved into one of the country’s most competitive and highly sought-after Division II leagues. We thank him for his service and wish him well as he returns to the practice of law,” Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Benedict College and secretary of the SIAC Presidents Council said in a statement.

Cardi B Faces Criticism For Calling Out Politicians ‘Pushing Agendas’ in Wake of Mass Shootings
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 27, 2022

Cardi B Faces Criticism For Calling Out Politicians ‘Pushing Agendas’ in Wake of Mass Shootings

Cardi B is known for speaking her mind on social media. Despite her career as a rapper and entertainer, the Bronx native is very passionate about social issues and doesn’t mind voicing her concern online.

But amid heightened tension and political unrest over the latest mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, many weren’t feeling Cardi’s complaints about the “agendas” being “pushed” in the media.

“People have died! Y’all don’t care or have any consideration for what these families are going thru or how they feel or what they want.Think b4 speak.”

But soon, the “I Like It” rapper was clapping back at critics who accused her of allegedly trying to push a liberal agenda.

“Baby I don’t give a fuvk about liberal, conservative, Republican, democrats RIGHT NOW! I give a fu*k about the pain these people family are going through,” Cardi tweeted in response to one critic.

Cardi explained her stance and apologized after one critic accused her of trying to silence people from talking about gun reform issues.

“All mass shootings is a senseless act of violence due the easy access of guns,” Cardi said to one critic. “I would never want to stop the conversation pushing for gun reform, I want it to.”

“But comparing trauma because political views should not matter right now. Sorry to those who felt offended or hurt.”

Cardi continued to defend herself against Twitter users who called her “dumb” for using the term “Black supremacist” in a since-deleted tweet picked up by Fox News.

“I decided to tweet about it because Every time a traumatic event happen people try to push a different agenda for their own personal gain not giving a fu*k about these families feelings,” Cardi quipped. “What’s so hard to comprehend? This goes to the first tweet about it.”

Knoxville Police Officer Caught Lying on Video After Violently Arresting Black Female College Student, Case Thrown Out
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 27, 2022

Knoxville Police Officer Caught Lying on Video After Violently Arresting Black Female College Student, Case Thrown Out

Last summer, a young Black woman attending college in Knoxville, Tennessee, was assaulted by a police officer who lied about the circumstances leading up to her arrest. After viewing the incident on the police officer’s body cam and the police vehicle’s dash camera, all charges have been dropped against the young lady.

According to Knox News, Trinity Clark, who had just completed her sophomore year at Tennessee State University, was approached in August 2021 at night by Knoxville police officer Joseph Roberts. An unexpected violent confrontation left Clark topless after scuffling with the rogue police officer. She was tackled, kneeled on, and handcuffed as she lay topless and terrified in a front yard on Linden Avenue.

After she was arrested, police and prosecutors hit her with six criminal charges, including a felony charge of evading arrest.

Roberts had repeatedly lied about the incident to other police officers and falsified what happened in written reports. Last December, Judge Tony Stansberry dismissed every charge, adding that the whole encounter was “disturbing.”

On that disturbing night, after finishing up his conversation with a woman he had pulled over, Roberts sees Clark drive by, and he jumps into his cruiser, following Clark at a high speed. After pulling over, Clark was already getting out of her car when Roberts came up behind her on Linden Avenue. As he approached her, he screamed at her. She felt safer standing in the yard as he proceeded to yell at her to come to him.

As he reached her, Roberts grabbed Clark’s arm and took her to the ground. Clark was wearing a sports bra and shorts, and her sports bra came off as the two wrestled.

Clark kicked and screamed as the fight ensued. Although the video says otherwise, he falsely claimed later that she punched him in the face. Another police officer showed up a minute later, and Clark was handcuffed, facedown, and topless as five other officers arrived at the scene. A police officer finally gets her a shirt to cover herself.

Three of Roberts’ supervisors, Lt. James Burrell, Sgt. James Cox, and Capt. Susan Coker saw the camera footage, yet none had an issue with the actions of Roberts toward Clark. The only problem they had was Roberts’ foul language to the women in the house who witnessed the incident and his cursing at Clark while attempting to handcuff her.

Judge Stansberry tossed the entire case out during the preliminary hearing.

“I just don’t see the probable cause,” he said, according to audio reviewed by Knox News. “To me, this is disturbing. I’m going to dismiss everything. Everything is dismissed.”

The Supermarket That Was The Scene Of The Buffalo Shooting Is Also An Example of Supermarket Redlining
by Derek Major

May 27, 2022

The Supermarket That Was The Scene Of The Buffalo Shooting Is Also An Example of Supermarket Redlining

The Tops Supermarket that was the scene of the Buffalo mass shooting was once a beacon of progress for the city’s Black residents.

CNN reported in August 2001, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer attended the announcement of the  Tops Supermarket in Buffalo. Former Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello, current Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and other local officials also participated.

The 90-minute event featured 18 speakers and was billed as “Buffalo’s longest-ever news conference.”

The announcement was the end of more than a decade of activism by community advocates against the food and health inequities on the east side of Buffalo, where 85% of the city’s Black residents live.

“The wait for a full-service supermarket has been long and painful for residents of the East Side,” a Buffalo News editorial said at the time. “The fact that more than 113,000 residents have been without a full-service supermarket is unacceptable.”

The Buffalo Tops made its first sale in 2003, and to this day, it’s still the only supermarket on Buffalo’s East Side, which is still one of the most segregated cities in the U.S.

The shooting, in which Payton Gendron drove to the Tops Supermarket before shooting and killing 10 Black people, is yet another incident Buffalo’s Black community will never forget. Residents on the East Side of Buffalo have been subjected to a legacy of racial segregation, economic and political neglect, housing inequality, and more.

Henry Louis Taylor Jr., the director of the University at Buffalo’s Center for Urban Studies and a historian of race and class, told CNN Tops Supermarket represents a hard-fought win for the city’s Black residents.

Tops “was an institution we fought for. It didn’t just end up there. We used our political power and clout to make it happen. It represented a significant venture against food apartheid.”

According to a 2018 report by the Partnership for the Public Good, Buffalo’s Black residents are six times more likely to live in an area without a grocery store than white residents. As a result, Black residents in the city have less access to fresh fruit and vegetables and quality food, something known as supermarket redlining, which affects Black and minority neighborhoods today.

According to a CNN Business analysis, more than 15% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. do not have access to a supermarket in their neighborhoods. Less than 10% of white neighborhoods in the same cities do not have access to a supermarket.

Tops was owned by Dutch grocery company Ahold when it was announced it would open a Buffalo location and received $3 million between taxpayer money and state, county, and federal grants for the construction of the store. Although the supermarket is smaller than other Tops locations, it does include a pharmacy, bank, and cafe and employs 100 people, making it a vital part of the community.

Laverne Cox Honored With Mattel’s First Transgender Barbie
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 27, 2022

Laverne Cox Honored With Mattel’s First Transgender Barbie

Mattel has unveiled their first transgender Barbie and who else to model the doll after than Laverne Cox.

The iconic toy brand created the doll in Cox’s image to honor her work and impact as an advocate for LGBTQ rights.

“I can’t believe it. I love her outfit,” Cox told People. “What excites me most about her being out in the world is that trans young people can see her and maybe get to purchase her and play with her, and know that there’s a Barbie made by Mattel, for the first time, in the likeness of a trans person.”

The Orange Is The New Black star might have a new toy in her image, but says her Barbie is more than just a doll.

“I think in an environment where trans children have been used as a political football, when over 250 pieces of anti-trans legislation have been introduced in state legislatures all over the country in 2022 alone, and access to gender-affirming healthcare has been denied by policies signed into law in my home state of Alabama, in Arkansas and other states… That in this environment where trans kids are being attacked, that this can also be a celebration of transness, and also a space for them to dream, understand and be reminded that trans is beautiful,” she says.

“That there’s hope and possibility for them to be themselves.”

Cox was also “very involved” in the design process and wanted to make sure the doll truly represented her.

“I was like, ‘Can we make her look more like me? And more African American?'” Cox recalled. “And we had a conversation about highlights and lowlights because I’m blonde most of the time now, but I’m a Black girl, so I need a dark root. And we had a whole conversation about how they can’t do that, but they could do dark low lights.”

On Thursday, Cox celebrated her 50th birthday in New York City and dress like her new Barbie doll to celebrate the milestone birthday. Cox walked the pink carpet with her Barbie in hand.

Trinity Health Names Janice Hamilton-Crawford As Its First Black Female President, CEO Of National Division
by Derek Major

May 27, 2022

Trinity Health Names Janice Hamilton-Crawford As Its First Black Female President, CEO Of National Division

Michigan-based Trinity Health has named Janice Hamilton-Crawford its new CEO and president of Trinity Health Senior Communities.’

MassLive reports Hamilton-Crawford is the first Black woman to be named president and CEO of a national division of Trinity since it was founded in 2000. Hamilton-Crawford has been the president of Trinity Health of New England Senior Communities since 2018 and whose facilities in the greater Springfield area include the Beaven Kelly Home and St. Luke’s Home.

The new CEO said her appointment is a sign of Trinity’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“Grounded in my strong faith and humble beginnings, this appointment affirms for me anything is possible with hard work, smarts, a village of support, and God,” Hamilton-Crawford told Black Enterprise. “I hope to inspire other Black professionals to pursue career opportunities beyond the typical teacher, doctor, lawyer, or business leader that our community as historically defined as ‘a good job.’  Selecting me as President and CEO also signifies Trinity Health’s authentic commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which is especially meaningful.”

The Our Lady of the Lake University alum will take over the position on June 6 succeeding444 Steve Kastner, who announced his retirement last year. In the new role, Hamilton-Crawford will lead more than 40 independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and subsidized senior housing communities across the U.S.

“Jan’s results-driven record combined with her character makes her the perfect fit to expertly lead Trinity Health Senior Communities,” John Capasso, executive vice president, Trinity Health and president of Continuing Care, said in a statement. “Her strategic thinking and natural servant leadership style will grow Senior Communities’ rich legacy of resident-centered care.”
Hamilton-Crawford has more than 3 decades of experience in the health industry including two stints at CHRISTUS Health, both of which were longer than 10 years. During her time at CHRISTUS, Hamilton-Crawford held numerous titles including executive managing director, administrative director, manager, supervisor and office coordinator.
Kastner added Hamilton-Crawford was instrumental in building and soldiifying partnerships including close collaborations with the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Providence as well as local and state officials.
“Jan has keen insight into operational efficiencies and excellence without losing sight of reverence for our residents, religious communities, and colleagues,” Kastner said.
by Atiya Jordan

May 27, 2022

Black, Woman-Owned Accessories Brand Harper Ray Earns $106,000 In One Day

Harper Ray Accessories, a Black, woman-owned-and-operated accessories brand, surpassed its goal of earning $100,000 in one day.

Detroit entrepreneur Gillian Bradley is celebrating a milestone for a business that she created by channeling her childhood love for fashion and arts and crafts. It wasn’t until high school that she discovered her calling for jewelry making.

“In high school, we had a jewelry class as an elective, and we were able to saw and mold metals and things. I used to take that class really seriously. It was really fun to me to design different pieces of jewelry, and that is really how this started,” said Bradley, according to the Michigan Chronicle.

Before establishing her business model, Bradley sold crafted jewelry items at school. Harper Ray, which gets its name from Bradley’s grandfather, James Harper, was officially launched at Michigan State University, where Bradley earned a degree. The brand began as an e-commerce store but quickly expanded.

“We feel like it’s for us by us,” Bradley said, as per a previous Detroit Free Press report. “Most jewelry is marketed towards men to buy for women for special occasions. So we believe that you can buy your own jewelry. You deserve to shine every day, not just on special occasions. And men don’t have to buy it for you. We felt like there was a gap in the industry, and that’s what we’re here to fill.”

 

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A post shared by gillian (@beautifulgorgeous)

Following the end of a $20 Tuesday mega sale, Bradley took to Instagram to share her business’ achievement. She also expressed gratitude to her support system and the “harper baes” for being so loyal.

“I was just a baby in high school making myself some basketball wives earrings (iykyk)…I never imagined any of this,” she captioned a post of photos. “$100k in one day?! still so surreal. thanks to my girls for believing in me and helping me build this brand. I know I always say it but I’m nothing without y’all! & of course thanks to the harper baes for rocking with us so tough.”

“We a year later but we not a dollar short,” she continued.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by gillian (@beautifulgorgeous)

Harper Ray features a collection of fashion accessories from charm bracelets to anklets and body jewelry to hair accessories. Last year, Bradley opened a brick-and-mortar location in Southfield, Michigan, using personal funds and profits made from sales.

Bradley wants to represent a broad spectrum of people in this business while making women look and feel good.

“I think that we are such a large consumer base for so many different people, so many different brands, and, of course, so many different industries. I think it’s a beautiful thing for us to be able to recognize that power and start being the people who are providing some of these products and services,” said Bradley, per the Michigan Chronicle.

She continued: “We’re here to make an impact. We’re here to make women feel good. That’s what our aim is every day.”

 

Howard University Students Win $1M Grand Prize At Goldman Sachs Case Study Competition
by Atiya Jordan

May 27, 2022

Howard University Students Win $1M Grand Prize At Goldman Sachs Case Study Competition

Five Howard University students win $1 million for the future generations of HBCU students.

According to the university’s news release, these bright students took home the grand prize in the final round of the Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Case Study Competition. Following a four-month immersive program and two stages of the competition, Howard University is celebrating a win against four other teams who represented Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Spelman College.

The 2022 winning team included sophomore computer information systems major Corine Houngninou, sophomore finance major Jaiden Coleman, freshman history major JD Jean-Jacques, freshman business management major Sierra Williamson, and sophomore computer science major Surakshya Aryal.

Photo Courtesy: The Dig/Howard University News

“This group of Howard University students has exhibited an exemplary understanding of what it takes to be successful in the corporate world, and I look forward to seeing what success lies ahead,” said Howard University Provost Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D. “Because of their efforts, this grant will help create additional opportunities for their fellow Howard students.”

The Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program introduced 26 teams from 12 HBCUs to financial concepts. Nearly 50 Goldman Sachs coaches instructed them. While the educational sessions offered learning and training opportunities, participants had to leverage what they were taught to conduct “industry and company-specific research as well as presenting a business solution and plan” for Goldman Sachs partner, PepsiCo., as per the news release.

Teams competed in two stages of competition and eight weeks of preparation. Qualified teams went on to the final round of final presentations.

“Participating in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program has allowed me to expand my interests past technology and innovation,” Houngninou said.

“While I previously had little interest in finance and global markets, the program has allowed me to visualize how these careers align with my career aspirations. I now feel confident in understanding how the concepts of global investment research, asset management, investment banking, consumer and wealth management play a role in the fields of information systems and data science,” he continued.

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