Quinta Brunson Responds to ‘Wild’ Requests for School Shooting Episode on Abbott Elementary
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 26, 2022

Quinta Brunson Responds to ‘Wild’ Requests for School Shooting Episode on Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson was taken aback by how many fans reached out to request an episode on mass shootings in wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, TX.

“Wild how many people have asked for a school shooting episode of the show I write,” Brunson tweeted on Wednesday.

“People are that deeply removed from demanding more from the politicians they’ve elected and are instead demanding ‘entertainment.’ I can’t ask ‘are yall ok’ anymore because the answer is ‘no.’”

https://twitter.com/quintabrunson/status/1529543520909787136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1529543520909787136%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeadline.com%2F2022%2F05%2Fabbott-elementary-quinta-brunson-school-shooting-1235033147%2F

Brunson reminded the public that strong responses to the latest mass shooting should be directed at elected officials and not entertainers.

“Please use that energy to ask your elected official to get on Beto time and nothing less. I’m begging you,” Brunson continued.

“I don’t want to sound mean, but I want people to understand the flaw in asking for something like this. we’re not okay. this country is rotting our brains. im sad about it.”

https://twitter.com/quintabrunson/status/1529545389036212225?s=20&t=We1ucZ6bPqgtg04xzxaR6A

In another tweet, Brunson included a screenshot of one direct message she received from a fan who shared their “idea” for Brunson to use her new show to do a “school shooting episode to highlight the numerous ones in this nation.”

https://twitter.com/quintabrunson/status/1529571903102324736?s=20&t=We1ucZ6bPqgtg04xzxaR6A

Brunson received mixed reactions to her response to the requests for a school shooting episode.

“They’re asking the wrong Abbott to do something,” one Twitter user sarcastically said in reference to Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

“People are turning to entertainers to represent them because their politicians do not care,” added someone else.

Abbott Elementary is ABC’s breakout scripted comedy series that follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers at a local Philadelphia public school. The show has helped to highlight many of the often-overlooked struggles public school teachers face while serving students in underserved communities.

The half-hour series jumped to the number one spot among ABC’s adult viewers 18-49 and tied with CBS’ Ghosts as the season’s No. 1 comedy in adults 18-49, Deadline reports. In March, Abbott Elementary was greenlit for Season 2.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 26, 2022

From Jail to Directorial Debut, Jussie Smollett’s ‘B-Boy Blues’ to Premiere on BET+

Empire actor, Jussie Smollett is fighting his way back from the bottom to center his career after a fake hate crime scandal rocked his world

According to Variety, the embattled artist has found a home for a project that will showcase his debut as a director. BET+ has picked up a film he directed, B-Boy Blues which will premiere next month on June 9. Joining Smollett on the project is reality TV maven, Mona Scott-Young and her production company, Monami Entertainment. Scott-Young has signed on as a producer and was instrumental in getting the film on BET+.

“B-Boy Blues is a beautifully bold, funny, heartwarming bro-mance and I was thrilled to partner with Jussie to help this wonderful film gain greater exposure,” Young said in a written statement. “Falling head over heels and fighting for love are universal emotions and experiences and we are so grateful to BET+ for shining a powerful spotlight on the still seriously underrepresented black LGBTQ+ community and bringing this impactful love story to an even greater audience.”

B-Boy Blues is a film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s book of the same title. The movie stars Timothy Richardson, Ledisi, Brandee Evans, Heather B, Marquise Vilson, Jabari Redd, Broderick Hunter and Thomas Mackie.

Smollett also penned the script for B-Boy Blues with Hardy and also financed it with Cleveland-based radio broadcast investor Tom Wilson for A SuperMassive Movie.

“Through our content slate, we are intentional about representing the fullness of the Black experience, including that of the LGBTQ+ community,” said BET+ exec VP/GM Devin Griffin. “B-Boy Blues is an artful, heart-rending film about the complexity of love – something we all can relate to.”

The indie film was presented last year at the 2021 American Black Film Festival. The film won the Narrative Feature Fan Favorite Award. The film is being described as “a clash of class and culture when Mitchell Crawford, a college-educated journalist from Brooklyn and Raheim Rivers, a bike messenger from Harlem, fall in love.”

This is actually his second project since he was released from prison while awaiting an appeal.

According to NBC News, a court granted a motion that allowed Smollett to be released from jail pending an appeal. The motion requested that the sentence be stayed or placed on hold. Smollett is appealing a recent sentence of 150 days in jail after being convicted of falsely reporting to police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in 2019.

In April, Smollett released “Thank You God”…, which he previewed on his Instagram account.

At Its Finest! 14-Year-Old Oklahoma Grad Now Holds Two Associate Degrees
by Atiya Jordan

May 26, 2022

At Its Finest! 14-Year-Old Oklahoma Grad Now Holds Two Associate Degrees

A bright 14-year-old girl is proving that self-confidence is the key to obtaining not just one, but two associate degrees.

Shania Muhammad was declared an official graduate this month with associate degrees from both HBCU Langston University, with Summa Cum Laude distinction, and Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), The Oklahoman reported. She was also named the youngest to ever graduate from the both institutions.

Photo Courtesy: The Oklahoman

“Be confident in what you believe you can do and never limit yourself.”

Muhammad now holds degrees in diversified studies from OCCC and general studies from Langston.

“Don’t let your age be the ceiling to your potential and I really want to push that. You cannot let that be a barrier to your life. It’s like I was in the seventh grade and the whole time I was on the collegiate level I just didn’t know it,” Shania said, as per News 9.

 

Muhammad’s Homeschooling Journey

Education is important in the Muhammad household. Through encouragement and homeschooling, Shania’s parents discovered the value in allowing their children excel in whatever they want to pursue.

“It was always a collaborative thing,” Shania’s father, Elijah Muhammad, said. “I always encouraged my kids to work ahead.”

In 2020, Shania fully immersed in her parent’s homeschooling program due to the pandemic. She was a seventh grader at the time, but quickly exceeded her middle school curriculum onto high school. Her growing acumen for the intermediate level courses earned her an ACT score of 22, which is above the national class of 2020 average ACT score of 20.6, as per The Oklahoman.

Photo Courtesy: The Oklahoman

Shania Gets Ready For College

According to News 9, Shania began her college journey at just 13 with OCCC and the University of Oklahoma. She later chose to transfer from OU to Langston University with intention to follow in her parent’s footsteps towards an HBCU education.

“I actually experienced and enjoyed Langston. It felt like I was at home from home. I don’t feel judged, it’s like we understood where we came from,” Shania said.

Today, her resiliency and hard work inspired her 12-year-old brother Elijah to also pursue greatness. He is now the youngest student to enroll at Oklahoma City Community College.

 

What’s Next?

Shania’s educational journey is still in pursuit. She has plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in family consumer science from Langston University.

The aspiring author is also looking forward to releasing her book “Read, Write, Listen,” which chronicles her collegiate journey at such a tender age.

 

 

Bill Cosby Will Not Testify at His Upcoming Sexual Battery Trial
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 26, 2022

Bill Cosby Will Not Testify at His Upcoming Sexual Battery Trial

,Bill Cosby will not testify in the civil trial against him.

According to People, jury selection in the civil trial against the 84-year-old Cosby started Monday. Judy Huth, who filed the case against him, says Cosby molested her in a bedroom at the Playboy Mansion in 1974 while she was a teenager.

Jury selection has commenced. Opening statements are expected to begin June 1 in Los Angeles Superior Court.

“He does not have to be present in a civil matter,” Andrew Wyatt, Cosby’s publicist, informed People. “Since he is 100 percent blind with glaucoma and the COVID numbers are going up, we just don’t want to take any chances.”

Wyatt said he is confident that Cosby will be vindicated

“He feels he is in capable hands,” he said. “He feels he will experience the same vindication he experienced in Pennsylvania. The jurors will pay attention to the facts of this case and they will make their decisions without any prejudice towards him…We do believe he will be vindicated and he will be able to move on with his family and continue to provide humanity and humor to the world.”

According to The New York Daily News, Huth, 15, said she and her 16-year-old friend met Cosby in 1974 while he was working on a film set. Huth claimed that Cosby served her alcohol when they met up a few days later and took her to what she thought was the Playboy Mansion.

It was there, Huth claims, that Cosby led her to a bathroom and attempted to kiss her on the mouth and slid his hand down her pants. She said Cosby later grabbed her hand and forced her to perform a sex act on him.

The lawsuit was filed against Cosby on December 2, 2014. Huth is accusing him of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Black-Led Race Team Makes History, Heads to 2nd Indy Lights Race at Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 26, 2022

Black-Led Race Team Makes History, Heads to 2nd Indy Lights Race at Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park

Force Indy race team, an African American-owned race team, made history again in Birmingham, Ala. when the team competed in the 2022 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship. Haitian American Ernie Francis, Jr. drove the #99 Force Indy car April 29 through May 1.

The team made its Indy Lights debut February 25 on the Streets of St. Petersburg. During its inaugural season in the 2021 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, the team made history as the first African American-owned race team to win an INDYCAR-sanctioned race with African American driver Myles Rowe.

In December 2020, African American business leader and former racing team manager Rod Reid formed Force Indy with a focus on hiring men and women of color, including mechanics, engineers, staffers and drivers.

“Each day we hit the track, we do it in honor of the late Dewey ‘Rajo Jack’ Gatson, one of the winningest African American drivers and mechanics in racing history. He paved the way for us to be here today,” says Team Principal Rod Reid.

“At Barber, we’re looking forward to being consistent, finishing well and proudly representing our community.”

The signature red tail on Force Indy’s race car is in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen’s distinctive red-painted tails on their fighter aircraft. During World War II, they fought racial injustice and segregation to participate in 15,000 missions as bomber escorts. The team’s #99 was selected in honor of the roadster driven by the late Dewey “Rajo Jack” Gatson, who never received an opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500.

Force Indy Driver Ernie Francis, Jr., 24, has three wins under his belt from his Formula Regional Americas Championship and a second-place finish in the inaugural season of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), with a win at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. He’s a seven-time class champion in the Trans Am Series (2014-2020). His 47 career victories are the most of any driver in Trans Am history. His 24 wins in the premier TA category trail only Paul Gentilozzi (31 wins), Mark Donohue (29 wins), and Tommy Kendall (28 wins).

The Force Indy team looks to benefit from the relationship with the legendary Roger Penske, winners of a record 18 Indianapolis 500’s and 16 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships. Team Penske will continue to offer mentorship for Force Indy, as the initiative also falls under Penske Entertainment Corporation’s “Race for Equality and Change” announced in July 2020. The goals include recruiting and developing a diverse workforce throughout all levels of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ultimately creating a community that fundamentally transforms the sport.

This article first appeared on Blacknews.com. 

Salary and Position Gains Made By Black Workers Are Under Threat Due To Potential Economic Slowdown And Recession
by Derek Major

May 26, 2022

Salary and Position Gains Made By Black Workers Are Under Threat Due To Potential Economic Slowdown And Recession

The historical gains made by Black workers in terms of salary and positions in the U.S. job market are under threat as inflation continues to rise, and a potential economic recession looms.

Two years after the death of George Floyd led to national and worldwide protests and helped expose the disadvantages of Black workers, significant progress was made, including that it took just two years for the Black unemployment rate (5.9%) to return to pre-pandemic levels.

According to Bloomberg, it took nine years for the Black unemployment rate to return to previous levels after the 2008 housing crisis sent the country into a recession. Additionally, the employment rate of working-age Black Americans jumped to 77% in April, the highest since 2000. The unemployment rate for Black women, which were among the hardest-hit workers during the pandemic, has fallen from 16.6% in May 2020 to 5% today.

“Frankly, a lot of Black workers are able to take advantage of the tightness of the labor market and strong employer demand to get jobs that would have taken much longer to get in other past downturns,” Joelle Gamble, the chief economist at the US Department of Labor told Bloomberg. “We’re less likely to see scarring from workers being unemployed for long periods of time.”

Now, inflation has hit its highest level since 1982, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down, pandemic spending programs are coming to an end, and the expanded social investments President Joe Biden is pushing for have little chance of passing Congress.

Another bad sign is the U.S economy is becoming more concentrated among companies. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the economy is 50% more concentrated than it was in 2005 and those companies are using their influence to raise prices.

This likely means that, just like during the beginning days of the pandemic, Black workers will be among the first to have their salaries and benefits cut or the first to be laid off if the U.S. economy hits an actual economic recession.

‘Casanova Scammer’ Pleads Guilty to Conning 30 Women Out of $1.3 Million Through Dating Site
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 26, 2022

‘Casanova Scammer’ Pleads Guilty to Conning 30 Women Out of $1.3 Million Through Dating Site

A Florida man, who was dubbed the “Casanova Scammer” pleaded guilty last week to wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft in a Florida federal court.

According to the United States Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Florida, Brian Brainard Wedgeworth, who purportedly had 13 aliases, plead guilty last week to 25 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, the NY Times reports.

Through several online dating sites, he stated that he was a surgeon as he conned many women into supplying him with money, luxury items, and bank details. He pleaded guilty to 25 counts that were related to the scams he perpetuated with the unsuspecting women.

“Our citizens should not be preyed upon by fraudsters who steal through overtures of affection,” said U.S. District Attorney Jason R. Coody in a written statement. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who engage in all acts of fraud.”

Court documents revealed that between October 2016 and March 2021, Wedgeworth was able to defraud the many women he met through online dating sites. He falsely stated that he was a physician in order to obtain money and property fraudulently from the women. 30 women fell for his schemes as the total he was able to defraud them was over $1.3 million. Wedgeworth made promises to the women to charm them into sending him money and purchasing jewelry and watches for him. Wedgeworth admitted to causing or intending to cause, financial loss to over 30 women who he victimized as a result of his scheme.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Wedgeworth is facing up to 20 years in prison on wire fraud and mail fraud counts, up to 10 years in prison on the money laundering counts, and a minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other imprisonment that is imposed, for the aggravated identity theft count.

“Rooting out fraudulent schemes furthered by the U.S. Mail, such as romance scams, remains a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Juan A. Vargas, Acting Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “Our agency will continue to investigate those that target innocent individuals and abuse their trust for financial gain.”

Meet Drs. Johnson and Johnson: Black Couple Graduate Med School, Wed Within a Week
by Atiya Jordan

May 26, 2022

Meet Drs. Johnson and Johnson: Black Couple Graduate Med School, Wed Within a Week

This newly married couple are celebrating two special milestones—becoming doctors and the beginning of a long-lasting future together.

On May 21, Dwight Johnson II and Taylor Brooks graduated from Meharry Medical College, an HBCU in Nashville. Six days before that, the pair expressed their love, promise, and commitment to one other at their wedding in Tomball, Texas. Now, they are reintroduced as Drs. Johnson and Johnson.

Dwight received his doctor of medicine degree in obstetrics and gynecology, while Taylor graduated a physician of psychiatry.

On May 22, Dwight posted two adorable side-by-side photos on Twitter of both his graduation and wedding day with his wife.

“So much to be thankful for in this past week,” Dwight wrote. “I was able to marry my best friend and then graduate as physicians together just 6 days later. God is so good. This is what #BlackLove mixed with #BlackExcellence looks like when you always keep God at the center of your life.”

The couple met at school through a mutual friend, according to the couple’s wedding registry. Dwight was instantly drawn to Taylor’s beauty and kindness. From conversations in the school library to an official date of dinner and bowling, Dwight mustered the courage to make her his girlfriend and ask her out to the med school prom. He won her over with the Love and Basketball approach with ping-pong to ask her to Cadaver Ball, and had the DJ play “Differences” by Ginuwine to set the mood while he asked her out.

(Photo Credit: Zola.com Wedding Registry)

The new graduates will continue their incredible medical journey with residencies. Taylor matched with the University of Maryland and Dwight matched with Howard University College of Medicine

Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and DL Hughley Among Comedians Featured in ‘Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 26, 2022

Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and DL Hughley Among Comedians Featured in ‘Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution’

A two-part documentary premiering on the A&E Network next month will explore the progression of Black comedy in America through the years.

The documentary series, Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution will show how Black comedians have used pointed humor to expose, challenge, and mock the injustices of society and articulate the Black experience in America. The first part will air Wednesday, June 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on A&E, and the conclusion will show Thursday, June 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

A&E describes the series as: “The series examines Black comedy through a unique lens, tracing the evolution and social awakening of the courageous comedians who dared to push against the constraints of their time and spoke truth to power.”

Right to Offend is executively produced by Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT and TIME Studios. It is co-directed by Mario Diaz and Jessica Sherif and will also be available on-demand and to stream on the A&E app and the official site at aetv.com/shows/right-to-offend.

Right to Offend takes viewers through the history of Black comedy and its under-appreciated heritage of creating and driving social change across the 20th and 21st centuries. It will showcase comedians such as Redd Foxx, Moms Mabley, and Dick Gregory during the civil rights movement, the trials and tribulations of Richard Pryor in the 70s, Eddie Murphy, and Whoopi Goldberg making waves in the 80s. It will also display the power of the ensemble show, In Living Color, and the groundbreaking Def Comedy Jam in the 90s. The rise of Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle in the 2000s and groundbreaking modern-day comedians and creators like Key and Peele, Issa Rae, Amber Ruffin, and Tiffany Haddish. Right to Offend probes the rare occasions when these artists serve as both entertainers and truth-tellers that speak to audiences in ways no other performers can.

Below is a partial list of comedians interviewed for the documentary:

W. Kamau Bell, Wayne Brady, Michael Che, Tommy Davidson, Michael Eric Dyson, David Alan Grier, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, DL Hughley, Garrett Morris, Donnell Rawlings, Tony Rock, Amanda Seales, Sherri Shepherd, Kenan Thompson, Joe Torry, Aisha Tyler, Jimmie Walker, George Wallace, Marsha Warfield, Katt Williams, and Tony Woods.


Hairbrella and Steve Madden Collaborate on New Unisex Bucket Hat
by Jeffrey McKinney

May 26, 2022

Hairbrella and Steve Madden Collaborate on New Unisex Bucket Hat

Footwear and accessories retail giant Steve Madden has collaborated with the innovative hat and accessories company Hairbrella to create a new unisex bucket hat.

According to a news release, the partnership started in February 2021 when Steve Madden partnered with the Fearless Fund to spotlight six women of color-led businesses.

Steve Madden and Hairbrella founder Tracey Pickett “sparked creatively during a Zoom call and, over the next year, they designed the unisex bucket hat featured in two colorways.” The Fearless Fund works to boost Black representation in venture capital and support women of color.

Reflecting on the special limited-edition product, Pickett stated, “The Hairbrella x Steve Madden collaboration is a tangible example of breaking down barriers for women of color founders. Our tagline, ‘Shine In The Storm,’ truly illuminates the spirit of Black women entrepreneurs, who work daily to not just succeed for themselves but to blaze a trail for future generations.”

She added, “While the climate of inequity is still very real, this collaboration highlights how legacy brands, like Steve Madden, can lend their ‘shine’ and established platform to elevate the next wave of trendsetters and continue to move the culture forward.”

Madden declared, “It was one of those lightbulb moments.”

“Talking with Tracey for just a few minutes made it clear that she was bringing a completely fresh and personal perspective with the type of products she makes. I knew I wanted to hear more immediately.”

Pickett is also the CEO and inventor of Hairbrella—”The Rain Hat Reinvented.” She designed it to help safeguard hairdos from being ravaged by rain, humidity, snow, and other inclement conditions. Check out BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s coverage on the Atlanta-based company and its bullish growth plans.

The hats are lined with satin to prevent friction and hair breakage. They are 100% waterproof and provide protection from the sun, among other features. Find out more details here.
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