• News

by Yolanda Baruch

May 7, 2022

Grace Christian Academy Delivers ‘Severe Disciplinary Action’ After Video Shows A Student In A KKK outfit, Yelling Racial Slur

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Grace Christian Academy, a Christian school in Knoxville, Tennessee, issued “severe disciplinary action” towards students who participated in a racist video shared on social media Wednesday, WBIR -TV 10 News reports.

Video footage shows a student wearing a white hood similar to the headdress worn by the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group, shouting a racial epithet.

The video obtained by NBC affiliate WBIR begins with a student wearing the white hood sitting in a metal chair with the word “Grace,” the school’s logo, written in white on the section where a person rests their back on the seat.

A person is heard off-camera laughing and instructing the individual in the hood to speak. Another person is told to come into the room and sit down. 

The hooded person then shouts, “Who do we hate?” before blaring a racial slur, WBIR reports. 

Several people off-camera are heard laughing, according to the news station. 

The head of Grace Academy School, Tony Pointer, wrote about the incident in a Facebook statement Thursday, NBC News reports.

“Immediately upon being made aware of an extremely inappropriate and deeply disappointing video yesterday afternoon that violates everything we value, the administration of Grace Christian Academy has taken swift action to meet with all students involved. Severe disciplinary action has been issued as GCA does not condone this behavior or any form of racism,” wrote Pointer. “We will continue to seek truth and enact appropriate discipline.”

Pointer did not identify the number of students involved nor volunteered the measure of disciplinary action they will experience. 

“What we have witnessed in the last 24 hours is in no way consistent with the mission and core values of GCA. We are doing everything possible to ensure the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of all our students and staff,” he added.

Knoxville Rep. Gloria Johnson (Dem) of the Tennessee House of Representatives, said the video was “distressing.”

“The fact that they were so bold and not even a bit embarrassed about this is just shocking. That they felt comfortable sharing it, means that they thought everyone else would think it was funny also,” she tweeted Thursday. “Who taught them this?”

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Ku Klux Klan is the oldest hate organization in America, with a long history of targeting Black people and other marginalized groups.

• Celebrity News

by Yolanda Baruch

May 7, 2022

Judge Gives Man Responsible For Killing Nicki Minaj’s Father In A Hit-And-Run One Year In Jail

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In a hit-and-run crash February 2021, a man entered a guilty plea to killing rapper Nicki Minaj‘s father, striking him as he walked alongside a Long Island road, Complex reports. 

On Friday, the driver, Charles Polevich appeared in the Nassau County court and pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the accident and tampering with evidence; both counts are felonies, Billboard reports.

Polevich can face up to 7 years in jail just for one felony count; however, State Supreme Court Judge Howard Sturim committed Polevich’s sentence to no more than one year in jail, including community service and suspension of his driver’s license, according to TMZ.

People state that acting State Supreme Court Justice Howard Sturim advised Polevich of the conditions of the plea deal, saying, “I’ll sentence you to no more than a year in jail,” said Justice Howard Sturim to Polevich.

“Mr. Polevich’s life story is one of helping others, which makes this case so out of character,” Polevich’s attorney Marc Gann said to Billboard. “There are no allegations of substance use or abuse as causative of his conduct and it is our belief that a medical heart issue contributed to Mr. Polevich’s conduct. Mr. Polevich could not be more sorry for the loss of Mr. Maraj.”

Nicki’s mother, Carol Maraj, expressed her outrage at the lenient sentence, “I’m not happy with that… one year in jail. I’m not happy with that. I was angry, very, very angry. I started to shake because it brought back all the memories of that night when I was sitting in the hospital.”

Nassau County Police Department reported that Polevich stopped his vehicle to check Robert Maraj but later fled the scene without calling an ambulance. Eventually, Maraj, 64, was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries hours later. 

On her website, Nicki opened up about her father’s death, Robert Maraj, 64, and posted, “I can say it has been the most devastating loss of my life.” She continued in her statement that her father was loved and would be missed, TMZ reports. 

 

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Polevich will be sentenced on August 3, according to TMZ.

• Celebrity News

by Yolanda Baruch

May 7, 2022

Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock Trade Jokes About Their Twin Attacks: “I Got Smacked By The Softest N—a That Ever Rapped.”

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Dave Chappelle held an undisclosed comedy show in Los Angeles on Thursday, just two nights after a man ran on stage and tackled him while performing for the Netflix Is Joke comedy festival at the Hollywood Bowl, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Chappelle did a set at The Comedy Store in the club’s Belly Room, then Chris Rock later joined him 10-minutes into his routine. Rock also attended the Hollywood Bowl when his comedian colleague was attacked, THR reports.

“At least you got smacked by someone of repute!” jested Chappelle, addressing Rock. “I got smacked by a homeless guy with leaves in his hair.”

Rock laughed and bantered back, “I got smacked by the softest n—a that ever rapped.”

Rock referred to the 94th Academy Awards show where he was a presenter and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith that resulted in Will Smith marching on stage and slapping him.

Police authorities identified the man who attacked Chappelle as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee. 

Chappelle told the crowd, which included a private group of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Sean “Diddy” Combs, rapper Yasiin Bey and comedian Jeff Ross, that he had to speak to the man that attacked him, according to THR. 

“I needed to talk to him,” the 48-year-old said from the stage, wanting to know the man’s reason. 

Lee reportedly said that his grandmother was evicted from her Brooklyn neighborhood due to gentrification, and he stormed the stage to bring more attention to her plight, said Chappelle,  according to The New York Post.

Lee faces charges of misdemeanor counts, including possession of a weapon with intent to assault.

Chappelle also relayed that Lee dropped a track named after the comedian two years ago, The New York Post reports. 

Aaron Lee, Lee’s older brother, says he has a mental illness and is on medication, according to Rolling Stone. 

• News

by Yolanda Baruch

May 7, 2022

Antonio Brown Says Colin Kaepernick Is ‘Trash’ On The Cigar Talk Podcast

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Antonio Brown did not hold back with his harsh evaluation of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during a recent interview with host Naji on the Cigar Talk podcast, according to TMZ. 

The former Buccaneers receiver ripped into Kaepernick when Naji said that the NFL had blackballed him for protesting police brutality and racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem before his football matches.  

Brown cynically remarked, “But they gave him the money, and they gave him a commercial, they gave him the documentary,” Brown said. “He took a deal. We don’t feel sorry for you. You took the deal. F–k out of here. Oh, Kaepernick. Man, you on f—ing Nike, man. F–k out of here.”

In October 2017, Kaepernick filed a collusion grievance against the NFL and the owners, along with football safety Eric Reid, for conspiring against him playing in the league. Kaepernick and Reid eventually settled with the NFL in February 2019, CBS Sports reports.

Brown expressed his belief that Kaepernick doesn’t want to return to the game of football despite Kaepernick working out with NFL players in the offseason, 

“He don’t wanna play, man,” said Brown. “He was trash, everything.”

Brown angrily pointed out that Kaepernick appeared to profit from his on-field protests. 

“Kaepernick did all that and took the money and then got the commercial,” Brown said. “We don’t see Kaepernick outside. Where he at? I ain’t never seem him outside. He already took the money, all that’s cap. We ain’t respecting that, bro. You took the money, the commercials. We don’t see you outside. We don’t see him in the hood. He don’t do nothing. Like, we cool. But, nah, we ain’t even stan Kaepernick.”

Brown completely ignored that Kaepernick once donated a total of $1 million to various charities, one of which assists at-risk youths. 

“He not even from the hood, you don’t even been in the trenches,” Brown said. “We like Kaepernick and all, but we ain’t really on that. As Black people we need to get that clear because when he have moments, ain’t nobody giving us no nothing. He took the handout, so he got to take the mayor out and take responsibility for that.”

“He’s been treated good,” Brown said in another interview on This is 50 podcast. “He got (a) Netflix documentary — don’t get it twisted — see that’s the wrong thing about the world, we think, ‘Oh Kaepernick treated so bad because they don’t let him play football.’ Yeah, they didn’t let him play football, they gave him commercials, they gave him money.”

Brown also pointed out that Kaepernick did not live an authentic Black experience that Brown has encountered.

“Kaepernick, he’s a great guy, he stood for a great cause but he don’t understand,” Brown said on This is 50. “He’s not from Liberty City, he ain’t even built like that. Dudes like me, they ban you. They don’t even give you contracts, they don’t even want to deal with you. I’m not really an icon right now. You don’t see them writing no books about me.” 

Brown is currently a free agent and is releasing an album called Paradigm, that features Young Thug, Fivio Foreign, DaBaby, French Montana, Jacquees, and others, Complex reports. 

• News

by Wendy Medina

May 7, 2022

Southern University Mourns Cheerleader Arlana Miller’s Death After She Uploads Suicide Note to Instagram

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Disclosure: This post involves mention of suicide.

HBCU Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana is mourning the tragic death of 19-year-old Arlana Miller after she posted her final goodbye to friends and family on her Instagram account Wednesday. 

Miller was a freshman from Dallas, Texas, studying agriculture and participating in the school’s cheer squad, reports HBCU Sports.

The now-removed note starts with a gut-wrenching quote that reads, “May this day bring me rest and peace.” She goes on to write about how she “struggled” alone this year, from tearing her ACL, dealing with COVID, and “nearly failing all of my classes;” however she’s dealt with this sadness since her “early teenage years.”

To her mother, she tells her to not blame herself, reassuring her, “I’m at rest now… I’m happy in the water where everything is still and peaceful.”

She details her heartbreaking struggle, aware of the impact her actions would cause, but was ultimately at her breaking point and hopes her friends and family find peace in her decision.

“I know I’m about to let a lot of people down by what I’m about to do,” she wrote. “But…truth is I’ve already let down so many people throughout my life and it just feels unbearable.”

Miller’s body was found in the Mississippi River, after her tragic social media post sparked concern and reached her family, according to a report from Yahoo.

In a statement released Thursday by Southern University sports, “On May 4, 2022, at approximately 9PM, Southern University Athletic Department was notified of a social media post which ultimately led to this unfortunate announcement.”

“Southern Athletics sends our sympathy to Arlana’s family and friends,” said Roman Banks, SU director of athletics. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, rest of our department staff and student-athletes; and the entire SU community. Jaguar Nation is a close community and we grieve together during this difficult time. Arlana’s teammates and coaches are also in mourning, and we are grateful for everyone who is helping and supporting the team.”

https://twitter.com/SouthernUsports/status/1522236852115226624?s=20&t=O7ke32epM4ZkFsUNj_GQzw

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or suicidal urges, or affected by any details of this story, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741; En Español 888-628-9454; The Trevor Project for the LGBTQ+ community at 866-488-7386.

• Celebrity News

by Yolanda Baruch

May 7, 2022

Kevin Hart Said The Dave Chappelle Attack ‘Wasn’t Scary’ And ‘Needed To Happen’

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Kevin Hart‘s comments about comedian Dave Chappelle‘s attack by a crazed fan at the Hollywood Bowl drew some attention when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live Thursday show and said that it “needed to happen,” according to Huffington Post.  

Hart spoke to Mike Birbiglia, who was subbing as a guest host on the late-night talk show as Kimmel recovers from contracting COVID-19. During their interview, Birbiglia segued into the Chappelle incident, saying it was scary. Hart disagreed with a shrug, “Not scary…somebody ran on stage and got their ass whooped.”

The DC League of Super-Pets actor went on to say, “It’s one of those things that needed to happen, though, right.” An incredulous Birbiglia repeatedly exclaimed “No!” causing Hart to elucidate his comments, Entertainment Weekly reports.

“Mike, do you want people to continue to think they can cross that line? And break the barrier…?” Hart inquired. “Somebody getting their ass whipped sends a message out to the other people — like, you know, ‘I was thinking about doing that, but after seeing that, I don’t really wanna do that.'”

Hart added, “I think the world that we’re in right now, there’s a lot of lines that have gotten blurred, and sometimes you gotta take a couple steps backwards to take a couple steps forward. And I think that moment that we just witnessed with Dave is fogging up a bigger moment.”

Ironically, Isaiah Lee, 23, charged the stage as Chappelle concluded his routine with an observation that comedians are now concerned about their safety after Will Smith and Chris Rock‘s altercation at the 94th Academy Awards. Rock made a crack at Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, and the King Richard actor slapped him on stage.

Chappelle’s lawyer requested a protective order against Lee, who is still in jail, to stay at least 100 yards away from the stand-up comic, USA Today reports.

Police authorities released images of the weapon Lee was carrying, a replica handgun that shielded a large blade that folded akin to a pocket knife.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will not charge Lee with a felony and transferred his case to the LA city attorney’s office, which charged him with the four misdemeanors, according to USA Today.

“After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct,” the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said in an official statement.

Security guards and celebrities like actor Jamie Foxx and hip hop legend Busta Rhymes came to Chappelle’s aid on stage to fight Lee off.

In the aftermath, the comedian appeared unfazed by the ordeal and even cracked a transphobic joke about his attacker despite the controversy he faced for his recent comedy special Closer on Netflix, Entertainment Weekly reports. 

 “Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl.… and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment,” Carla Sims, Chappelle’s publicist, said in a statement sent to EW. 

“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show.”

The Roots Fund’s first charity auction gala in New York took place last week (April 27), in their efforts to further inclusion in the wine and beverage industry by providing Black and Brown scholars access to resources. An evening of fine dining cuisine complemented by rare wines raised over $200,000 at The Chelsea Piers Lighthouse last Thursday, sponsored by Zachy’s, a wine auction house, and The Wine Spectator Magazine.

An additional $200,000 was raised in the online auction, which is set to finance The Roots Fund’s mission of opening doors for scholars of color to succeed in wine and beverage through scholarships, internships, mentorships, and career placement. 

The Black woman-created nonprofit was created in 2020, co-founded by Executive Director Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, Hue Society founder Tahiirah Habibi, and master sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr.

The Connecticut-based organization prides itself in its continued mentorship programs that allow scholars the knowledge necessary to make their mark in the industry and challenge the lack of diversity in the wine world by taking up space in it. 

“It was absolutely breathtaking,” said Dubose-Woodson about the gala to Black Enterprise. “First time we’ve ever seen a full [sommelier] team of color, so that was amazing in itself.”

The sommelier who led the team at the gala was actually one of the fund’s scholars. Dubose-Woodson praised the wine steward’s sharp and elegant service, proud of the immaculate hospitality provided, as many guests relayed, which speaks volumes about the training the program produces.

“Being part of the Roots Fund to me is about creating space and pathways for people who look like me in the wine industry. So great to be this propeller of getting people in place where they need to be but more importantly providing them with support so they can excel in those places,” she said. “I think that’s what’s happening now with a lot of companies – they think ‘cause they’re offering jobs with new demographics, they’re like ‘people aren’t staying with us and we aren’t succeeding and we can’t promote them in this’ because there’s no support in these positions.”

June will mark two years that the scholarship opportunities will have been open, gardening 122 scholars in such a short amount of time. Dubose-Woodson credits social media for the interest, adding that the wine and beverage industry saw a boom in the midst of the COVID, as opposed to every other industry that suffered. Because furloughed professionals were looking for work, The Roots Fund recruited many scholars in the thick of the pandemic.

“In the wine industry, you can do 5 years of work in 18 months. This is why we need to tell more people about it,” she said. “It’s necessary. This work is necessary.”

The executive director warmly recalled that her scholars look at her as a part-time social worker and mom, being available to communicate through a direct-access pathway when needed.

According to Dubose-Woodson, what sets apart The Roots Fund is their ability to be flexible and re-evaluate their strategies by asking for community input every three to six months. Their team of all women of color all add something different to their resources, keeping their ear to the ground for the scholars’ needs.

The startup nonprofit offers a Rooted in France program, which sends primarily HBCU students to the elite Burgundy School of Business in Dijon for post baccalaureate studies in wine. Partnered with the school is Domaine Dujac, a Burgundy wine producer that has never made a commitment in this fashion to any program. 

Additionally, there is a general scholarship for anyone interested, a college scholarship for students of color pursuing their undergrad, a Rooted in Lodi experience, as well as a STEP program.

Dubose-Woodson feels fulfilled about how far her scholars have gone currently, but has high hopes for the fund’s potential of enhancing the wine industry with more Black and Brown faces.

“I think people come to us… oftentimes they’re not confident because no one will support them, it’s just our job to say ‘hey we’re gonna give you the tools and it’ll be up to you to do the work. We’ll support you through it,’” she said. 

To read more about the fund’s mission or to apply, visit therootsfund.org.

https://twitter.com/Shonisesips/status/1519728323949219840?s=20&t=5evuD9uEjM014C2-NqCGWw

• News

by Atiya Jordan

May 7, 2022

Sharon Purifoy-Smoots Becomes First Black Woman Assistant Chief of The Milwaukee Fire Department

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Deputy Chief Sharon Purifoy-Smoots was promoted to assistant chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department on Thursday, making her the first Black woman to hold the title in the department’s history.

• Technology

by Black Enterprise Shop

May 7, 2022

Charge Three Devices At Once With This Powerful 3-In-1 Charger

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People today rely on technology so much that it’s difficult to remember the days when some type of electronic device wasn’t tethered to their hands, wrists, or hips.

Cell phones are no longer the only must-have device they laid claim to being just a decade ago. Smartwatches and Airpods have claimed their rightful spaces on the Mount Rushmore of wearable technology.

Access to the aforementioned technology is great when it works. However, when rendered useless because of a dead battery, they quickly become nothing more than expensive paperweights. Wearable technology is only as good as its battery life.

The Charge & Fold 3-in-1 Docking Station is a great tool for delivering power with a minimalist footprint. For a limited time, it’s available for $35.99. That’s a savings of 70% from its MSRP ($119).

This 3-in-1 charging station allows you to power up your phone, watch, and wireless earbuds all at one time. Each device has a designated charging spot, and you don’t have to worry about cords cluttering up the charging area. The tilt-angle design supports vertical or horizontal wireless charging, allowing you a better view while it’s docked.

It’s fitted with an anti-skid surface. Its design and profile allow it to fit perfectly on your bedside or desk. This 3-in-1 charger also breaks down easily for travel so you can enjoy its benefits on the road.

Its 15W fast-charging capability offers wireless Qi fast charging for compatible devices. It has wireless outputs for 15W/10W/7.5W/5W.  A number of safety protections are built-in to protect your devices from electrical issues.

As technology becomes even more ingrained in society, the value of a capable and low-profile charger can’t be understated. This feature-packed 3-in-1 charger provides fast charging with a minimalist design. Purchase it today to make sure you never run short on power again.

Prices subject to change.

Steve Harvey spoke for two hours during a keynote address at a Georgia State University law class in Atlanta, touching on his discontent about the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars slap. 

An audience of over 100 law students listened to the comedian discuss the entertainment business, his new judge show, the fear of failure, and, of course, the infamous slap. 

He shared that although he is a man of God, his reaction wouldn’t have been as courteous as Rock’s, essentially saying he would’ve thrown hands.

“I’m a Christian, but I’m really undeveloped. I don’t have high-level Christianity. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m like a 2. That’s the level of Christianity I can work on,” said the Judge Steve Harvey host. “You slap T.D. Jakes, he’ll turn the other cheek. You slap me? If you sit back in your seat, Jada would have to move out of the way. That’s the type of Christian I am.” 

He went on to say Smith knew he wouldn’t be punished because it happened on the Oscars stage during the ceremony. 

According to the fashionista comic, the slap was a “punk” move. “I lost a lot of respect for him,” Harvey said.

Harvey also shared personal stories of determination with the law students, revealing that the key to his success is hard work. 

“My life is a trip, man,” he said. “I’m just a hood boy. I come from the dirty. Very few will give it to you the way I give it to you. People often don’t want to tell you the side that got them there. That’s my specialty.”

While Rock didn’t press charges, Smith was banned from the Oscars for a decade and resigned from the Academy of Arts and Sciences. The actor accepted the decision, and has apologized multiple times since.

In an attack during Dave Chappelle’s standup set at the Hollywood Bowl Wednesday, in which a guest bum-rushed the comic onstage, Rock grabbed the mic and asked, “Was that Will Smith?”