Family of Teen Killed in Amusement Park Ride Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson is speaking out after forensic analysis determined the teen’s death on an amusement park thrill ride could’ve been prevented.
Sampson’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against ICON Park in Orlando on Monday after officials determined an operator error was the primary suspected cause of the teen’s death, KSDK reported.
The 65-page complaint demands a jury trial.
“This could’ve been prevented … it should’ve been prevented,” Dodd told “Good Morning America.”
“So as an operator, you have a job to check those rides, you know. The video I saw, that was not done. And if it was done, it should’ve been done more than once, you know.”
Sampson slipped out of his seat on the FreeFall ride March 24 and fell over 100 feet to the pavement. Investigators released a preliminary report last week where a forensic engineering firm found that Sampson “was not properly secured in the seat” and a safety sensor had been “manually adjusted” to increase the gap between the restraint harness and the seat.
Sampson’s parents filed the lawsuit in the 9th Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida, accusing multiple defendants of negligence. ICON Park as well as the manufacturer and the ride’s operator were named in the suit.
“Tyre had a long and prosperous life in front of him that was cut short by this tragic event,” the lawsuit states.
The FreeFall is the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower, standing at 430 feet. The ride shoots to the top before tilting forward 30 degrees and free falling at speeds of more than 75 miles per hour. Sampson was visiting the park on spring break from his hometown in St. Louis.
While most free-fall rides have a shoulder harness and a seatbelt to protect the riders, the Freeall only has an over-the-shoulder harness for riders, the lawsuit claims. The suit accuses operators of negligently allowing the teen to board the ride without checking his height and weight.
The lawsuit says that had the manufacturers installed the seatbelts, it would’ve only cost $22 a seat, or about $660 total. The ride’s manual says riders couldn’t weigh over 287 pounds. However, Sampson weighed well over 300 pounds at the time of his death.
“They never weighed him, no sign or anything like that, and then they put him in a manipulated seat without a secondary restraint system. It was an accident waiting to happen,” the family’s attorney, Michael Haggard, said.
Jeffrey Hunt, Head of New Orleans Black Chamber of Commerce, Fired While Under Investigation At Former Job
Jeffrey Hunt, head of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, was fired Friday from his position while undergoing an investigation over “financial irregularities” at his former job in New York.
According to NOLA.com, the nonprofit for Black businesses and entrepreneurs released a statement announcing that the “board of directors released Jeffery Hunt from his duties” after four months on the job.
The reason for his sudden departure was not explained further. But Hunt, who claims the chamber chairman fired him, said he was told that he omitted details about his former employment as president and CEO of The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.
“The reason was very unclear to me, and it was very disappointing seeing as I moved lock, stock, and barrel to New Orleans four months ago and expected to make it my home,” said Hunt, 53, a chamber of commerce executive with over 20 years of experience serving Detroit, Fayetteville, and most recently in Columbia County in New York.
Hunt said that he told chairman board members during the interview he was under investigation and had signed a nondisclosure agreement about the conditions of his termination from his previous job. He could only reveal that it was “a dispute of a financial nature for an amount over $3,000.”
In November 2020, The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors said the decision to terminate Hunt’s employment was made in light of “financial irregularities of which the Executive Board was just made aware,” Wave Farm previously reported.
“I’m currently in negotiations with my attorney and the DA about a restitution agreement,” Hunt said, in regards to a pending criminal investigation against him, as per NOLA.com. “I haven’t been charged or convicted of anything.” But the matter involved mixing personal expenses with work expenses.
LaVerne Toombs, who had previously served in Hunt’s position at the NOLA chamber, had faith in Hunt’s capabilities.
“The NORBCC hired him for his extensive experience doing chamber work, and I definitely feel he would have been able to move the chamber to the next level,” Toombs said.
She added: “I’m just concerned about our members and about Black businesses. I’m concerned that the members won’t have confidence in the effectiveness of the chamber.”
Coast Guard Suspends Search For Three Children Missing In Mississippi River
On Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the end of a 24-hour search for three minors who went missing in the Mississippi River.
Ally Wilson, 8; Brandy Wilson, 14; and her 15-year-old boyfriend were last seen playing along the west bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans’ Algiers neighborhood on Saturday evening, WWLTV reported. Brandy had taken her little sister and 5-year-old brother to the park “to give her mom a break.”
After Brandy fell into the water, her boyfriend and little sister tried to save her. But a rough current pulled the three minors down and they haven’t been seen since, Ally and Brandy’s mother Octavia Wilson, said. The 5-year-old boy ran home to alert Wilson.
“I need my kids. They know I need them,” Wilson said. “My daughter said she was trying to give me a break. I don’t need a break. I need my children.”
Authorities spent the day searching for the children. On Sunday night, the Coast Guard suspended it search.
“The decision to suspend any search and rescue case is never easy but considering the extensive search efforts of our Coast Guard men and women, in conjunction with other response agencies, I’ve made the difficult decision to suspend our active search for the three children,” Capt. Kelly Denning, Coast Guard Sector New Orleans commander said.
“Our prayers are with the families during this difficult time.”
The U.S. Coast Guard attempted to send out a dive team to search for the missing children, but the rainy weather made it too difficult. Brandy and Ally’s aunt Shwron Johnson said the family has given up hope of finding the children alive. They now hope to locate the bodies to give them a proper burial.
“I know that they not breathing in that water,” Johnson said.
“I just hope that they could get their bodies back all in one part so we can do the proper things and give them a proper service.,” she added. “That’s the only hope we have.”
Fashion Designer Releases Collection Featuring Black History At Predominantly White Institutions
Meet Jaquial Durham, a Clemson, South Carolina, native who uses his passion for fashion to share Black history at predominantly white institutions.
Through Durham’s fashion and media company, Public Culture, he highlights the history of African Americans through hand-painted art. His innovative designs include QR codes that can be scanned to share the backstory behind each design.
His first collection draws inspiration from Dr. Rhondda RobinsonThomas‘ book, Call My Name, Clemson, which highlights the contributions of African Americans to Clemson University and the land.
“On white campuses in the South, there is an untold story,” DurhAm told “Greenville News.”
He got his start in fashion design after skipping his prom and using the money his grandmother gave him for his tuxedo to start his own fashion line.
“She was upset, but that’s what I wanted to do,” Durham recalls.
After an opportunity at Mr. Knickerbockers, Clemson’s official store for merchandise, fell through due to the company not liking Durham’s designs, he pursued higher education. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and two masters from George Washington University and Georgetown University.
It was while pursuing another degree that Durham finally released his Public Culture collection.
“It was perfect timing because I also was recently admitted for my doctoral degree at Clemson,” Durham said. “And so it was perfect, to be admitted to the university, come back home and be more involved with the community.”
In addition to pieces inspired by Dr. Rhondda Robinson Thomas, other pieces celebrate Harvey Gantt, the first Black student admitted to Clemson; Eva Hester Martin, a direct descendant of labored slaves on the Fort Hill Plantation; and Littlejohn Grill, a location where mostly Black Clemson residents would hang out.
“I decided to release them separately because I wanted to give each piece its own life story in his own life and his own time to shine,” Durham said.
Durham’s future collections will share African American history at other predominantly white institutions in the south, including the University of Florida, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Alabama.
President Biden Pardons Three, Including First Black Secret Service Agent On a Presidential Detail
President Joe Biden pardoned three people Tuesday, including the first Black Secret Service agent on a presidential detail, and commuted the sentences of 75 non-violent drug offenders.
“America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation,” Biden said in a White House statement. “Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and stronger communities.”
Those pardoned by Biden include Abraham Bolden Sr., who was the first Black person on a presidential Secret Service detail when he helped guard former President John F. Kennedy Jr. Bolden was charged for trying to sell a copy of a Secret Service file. Bolden has maintained his innocence adding he was targeted because he exposed racism within the Secret Service during the 1960s.
Bolden’s first trial ended in a hung jury, but he was convicted in his second trial and served several years in federal custody. However, several key witnesses in the case admitted to lying at the request of the prosecutor.
Also pardoned was Betty Jo Bogans, 51, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine after attempting to transport drugs for her boyfriend and his accomplice, neither of whom were charged. The third person pardoned is Dexter Eugene Jackson, 52, who was convicted for allowing drug dealers to use his pool hall for transactions. After his release, Jackson turned the pool hall into a cellphone repair store.
Biden also commuted the sentences of 75 non-violent drug offenders from across the country, many of which who were serving home confinement.
Tuesday marked the first time Biden has used his clemency powers in his presidency. Many in his administration and the Democratic Party have pushed for him to exercise his executive powers, especially when it comes to criminal justice.
Additionally, The Washington Postreports several White House officials, including Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond, will host a virtual roundtable Tuesday with six formerly incarcerated individuals to discuss how re-entry programs can help reduce crime.
Biden also announced plans to help individuals transition back into society, which include job training, housing support, healthcare and educational options and grants to start small businesses.
Biden’s use of his clemency powers seems to be more about others than himself, unlike former PresidentDonald Trump, who used them to keep his friends, allies and notable celebrities out of prison.
Vernon Davis Transitions From NFL Star to Successful Entrepreneur And Actor
Going from success in pro sports to excelling in another field can be difficult for many athletes. That’s not the case for former NFL player Vernon Davis, who spent 14 seasons with three teams in the pros..
The Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler is now running his business interest while acting in television and films. Davis, who started a nonprofit to help kids more than 10 years ago, spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about his efforts as an entrepreneur, actor, and philanthropist.
Coming from a sports background, you’ve entered new fields such as the arts (acting and producing), entrepreneurship (Jamba Juice, Next Play Capital, RIFF), and philanthropy (Vernon Davis Foundation). Going from working out and game action, how was the transition been off the field and why did you choose to get involved in some of the things you have been doing since you retired from the NFL?
I was a studio art major in college and have always been interested in the arts in general. When I played for the San Francisco 49ers, I began taking acting classes, but with the commitment of filming movies and television, I did some smaller projects while I finished my football career. Once I retired, the transition from football to the performing arts was seamless. In football, there are many elements of preparation that are required during the week prior to a game. It has played a big role in how I prepare myself for movies and television. Instead of spending hours looking at film, I have now transitioned into memorizing lines.
I started my foundation, the Vernon Davis Foundation, back in 2011 to promote art education and appreciation among the youth. Today, the foundation takes a holistic approach, focusing on the overall health, education, and well-being of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing essential resources such as scholarships, grants, learning materials, meals, and clothes, we strive to service and inspire our young leaders of tomorrow.
You’ve done a number of projects as an actor. In fact, you’ve just wrapped a movie where you play a serial killer. How does preparing for a role differ from preparing for a game? What is it that you have to tap into in order to have the energy to place into playing a role?
Preparing to be a serial killer can be really challenging. It’s where you must reach deep down inside and find the darkest moments in your life or moments that really affected you, something that you held onto for a long time. It’s about getting your power back. When your life was upside down and somebody did something to you or to a relative in your family. You just use that momentum and that energy and put it into your work.
As human beings, we all have that side to us that’s not who we really are. We have that side of the angry, evil side to us. But, we have it under control, because we know in life, we must be good citizens and we must be good people. Our hearts harbor a lot of the wrong things and evil things, but we channel them by being positive and having positive people in our lives, so we must connect with those moments in life, those dark moments. Something happened to a relative or to you and now you want to get payback. You want to pay someone back by doing something to them or harming them. We have all thought like that because are all human beings, so you want to use all of that energy in your work when it comes to being a serial killer.
Let’s talk about Vernon Davis the businessman. When you invest and/or start a company, what factors into your decisions as far as where that money and time go? What type of companies interest you?
First and foremost, the companies that interest me the most are those with purpose-driven business models.
I own multiple Jamba Juice franchises. I’m also the co-owner of Q-Collar Innovations, a developer of innovative products intended to reduce traumatic brain injury, [and] the co-owner and marketing advisor for Pescavor Jerky, a sustainable seafood jerky company. In addition, I’m partnered with PathWater, a new concept in bottled water that was created as a solution to help end single-use plastic pollution, as well as RIFF, an Oregon-based cold-brewed coffee company.
As for what factors into my investment decisions. I look at the people first. I look at the people in the company. I see who I’m dealing with. It’s one thing to get on Zoom and communicate with someone, but I need to spend time with this person, just meet them, just have a meeting in person, kind of see what they’re about…and then I just ride the wave, and because I have the platform that I have, I’ve been able to leverage my deal by incorporating an endorsement component where they give me more equity for my name and likeness to help them grow the company and grow their brand.
As an entrepreneur, what is your end goal? What do you anticipate for your businesses in the near and distant future?
My end goal is to make an impact on those who find a benefit from my service or product in that they find my company helpful and a necessity for their everyday life.
When it comes to doing business, what would you tell anyone who wanted to speak to you about starting one and keeping it afloat?
I’m one of those guys who wholeheartedly believes in the unexpected. And I believe in going with the flow. If there’s something you want to do, but you’re not quite sure–go with the momentum. It’ll drive you to where you ultimately need to be.
M&F Bank Enhances Customer Experience with New Collaborations
M&F Bank, the second-oldest African American-owned bank in the nation, announced three new, independent collaborations with Zelle®, Fiserv and JPMorgan Chase. The relationships deliver enhanced customer benefits by creating increased convenience and connectivity for thousands of customers.
“As an independent community bank, we want to provide tools, resources and applications that help our customers achieve their financial goals,” said Jim Sills, president and chief executive officer of M&F Bank.
“We know easy, convenient access to funds is essential to fostering progress, so we look forward to seeing how these partnerships enrich the customer experience.”
Each new relationship adds unique advantages for M&F customers at no additional cost.
– Zelle®: Customers are now able to send and receive money with friends, family and other trusted individuals directly from the M&F Bank app with Zelle®. An innovator in payment and risk management solutions, Zelle® makes it fast, safe and easy to move money to almost anyone with a U.S. bank account. Funds are available directly in consumer bank accounts typically within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. This partnership replaces a previous service and is available to customers as of April 2022.
– Fiserv: M&F Bank customers can now open new checking, savings and CD accounts online with a brand-new application from Fiserv. The application improves the customer experience and reduces complications by offering a step-by-step system that allows users to open an account anytime and anywhere from any electronic device. It also includes autofill and facial recognition features. New and established customers have access to this brand new service immediately.
– JPMorgan Chase: M&F Bank has partnered with JPMorgan Chase to expand access to Chase’s network of approximately 16,000 ATMs. This sizable addition delivers M&F Bank customers surcharge-free access to approximately 29,000 ATMs nationwide. This initiative is a part of JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to support Minority Depository Institutions. ATM access is available to all M&F Bank customers immediately.
M&F Bank serves thousands of customers and remains committed to providing competitive and holistic financial solutions, as well as stellar customer service, to individuals and businesses. The bank operates eight locations throughout Durham, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
Officials Charge Wisconsin Man With Federal Hate Crime After Taunting Black Neighbors With Threats
Officials charged a Wisconsin man with a federal hate crime in the series of intimidation and threats that targeted at least one Puerto Rican neighbor and eight Black residents in his apartment complex.
According to CNN, Milwaukee County resident William McDonald faces a federal charge of “willfully injuring, intimidating, or interfering with another’s housing rights because of their race, color, or national origin by force or threat of force,” as per obtained court documents. But he was released on his own recognizance last week.
Fox6 screen capture
The criminal complaint indicates that the alleged incidents spanned from March 2021 through April 2022. During that time, McDonald left intimidatory and minacious notes filled with racist slurs on the windshields of his neighbors’ vehicles. He accused them of speeding throughout the West Allis neighborhood.
In one of the incidents, a Black neighbor received at least two aggressive notes demanding that she move out of the apartment and threatening other damages if she didn’t comply.
One note read, “stay here + see what the f— happens n—–,” CBS 58 reported.
Another said, “Get the f— back to the northside ghetto where you belong.”
Incidents also occurred where McDonald’s threats came to fruition, including slashing tires and smashing windshields. As a result, four victims have moved out of West Allis, according to the local news outlet. The complaint further states that surveillance footage and McDonald’s handwriting connected him to the crime.
As per CNN, officials argue that McDonald’s alleged actions violate the Civil Rights Act of 1968, popularly known as the Fair Housing Act. The landmark law prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, and sex.
The misdemeanor charge would signify that McDonald’s actions qualify as a hate crime.
While he is out on bail, McDonald will be monitored via GPS and required to stay with his aunt outside the West Allis neighborhood. He cannot contact or associate with any witnesses or victims involved in the case and cannot possess a firearm or other weapon.
Rosen Skincare Founder Jamika Martin is Defying Acne Skincare Barriers for Black Women at Ulta Beauty
Twenty-six-year-old UCLA graduate, skin connoisseur, and California native Jamika Martin is reimagining inclusivity in the clean cosmetic industry with her brand, Rosen Skincare.
The UCLA graduate has gone from formulating products in her dorm room at UCLA to selling products at retail conglomerates like Target and Urban Outfitters. Rosen Skincare now graces the shelves at Ulta Beauty.
Martin is uniquely setting herself apart from the rest. Unlike her competitors, her journey to entrepreneurship was a personal one. For most of Martin’s life, she suffered from severe acne breakouts and scarring. After several failed attempts using in-store remedies and treatments to help her condition, Martin decided to try Accutane twice—nothing worked.
“I was nine months off my second round of Accutane. I was scared to even do it the first time, [but] I was just at such a desperate point with my skin. I didn’t love my skin at all. I did it twice, and it didn’t work for me at all. So, I went into a target and looked at [all the products] when I realized [they were] the same brands [I’d] been using since the fifth grade. Nothing had changed. That’s what inspired Rosen,” Martin said.
Her frustration, coupled with her innate desire to learn more about her skin, birthed the creation of her business.
Originally named Rose Gold Cosmetics, Martin struggled to find the vision for her newly sought-out venture.
“My middle name is Rose, and that’s where the rose [component] comes from, but I was just like [the name] feels like makeup, and at that time, I had a more minimal, simple brand. I wanted something more unisex and clean,” she stated.
Martin’s goal to create an image that embraces health and prioritizes skin appreciation over clear, glass-like skin became the blueprint to her success.
After graduating in 2017, Martin decided to take her small business to the next level and apply for the Target Accelerator program.
“I participated in a summer accelerator program at my college, and that was super helpful to go from this farmers market [set up] to what differentiation looks like and what scale looks like. Just all these things — I was not familiar with, but I had not made any money at the time. It was not until April 2018, when I got into the Target accelerator [program] that I first understood retail. That is when I realized I could be on the shelves one day and [hopefully] at Ulta Beauty,” she stated.
As a result of being historically branded as a predominately white, woman elite category, clean skincare developed a rigid reputation for being inaccessible to the average consumer and Black people.
For decades, the cosmetic industry excluded Black women from the conversation of skin inclusivity. Consequently, they created products with ingredients that neglected the needs of major skin conditions common within the Black community, such as hyperpigmentation, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and eczema.
A phenomenon that beauty conglomerates like Ulta Beauty are making an effort to change by introducing industry platforms like its very own Muse 100, which is acelebration of 100 inspiring Black voices in beauty, each of whom is awarded a grant to further their impact. Martin is one of many Black women being honored. The list consists of Black trailblazers in every department, such as Janell Stephens, founder of Camille Rose, Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, founder Ami Cole, and Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen. They are individuals whose sole mission is to work toward reversing discrimination in the beauty industry and representing the needs of Black consumers.
“The role of retailers is getting more diverse brands and founders on the shelves, but also investing in them [Black owned businesses] because a lot of the time Black founders don’t have access to the same resources,” Martin explained.
“I think what a lot of these retailers are still trying to figure out is how you work with an indie brand that doesn’t have Johnson & Johnson money. [It is important to] nurture them because when you do, you come out with these incredibly successful brands. Secondly, [it is important to have] diverse people making these decisions around how you’re serving people of color. I think you need people of color to make those decisions to make sure you have this evergreen pipeline that will last.” Martin stated.
Rosen skincare is sold in 700 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide and has just announced it’s releasing two new skincare products formulated for acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation available on its official website.
Through her brand, Martin dedicates herself to advocating for accessibility and representing Blackness in the clean beauty space.
Chris Montana Founded The Nation’s First Black-Owned Distillery, Here’s How
Chris Montana founded Du Nord Social Spirits, the first Black-owned distillery in the U.S., in his hometown of Minneapolis, and he chose a meaningful location for the distillery.
“I used to walk past this space on my way to high school,” Montana said on TODAY. “As a kid, I didn’t have any concept of being a business owner. It’s like, what am I going to do that’s going to make enough money for me to support myself and just survive.”
As a teen, Montana’s mom struggled to make ends meet, and eventually, he was couch-surfing with friends and sleeping in basements until a friend’s parents allowed him to finish school under their roof. After finishing high school, Montana tried to pursue a career in law and politics, but brewing beer kept his attention, and soon he was attending his first distiller’s conference. The young man quickly noticed a difference between him and the other attendees.
“I was the only Black guy in the room; I was the only Black person in the room,” Montana said.
That didn’t stop Montana from learning everything about brewing beer as he became an avid homebrewer. But in beer, he saw a market that was being oversaturated.
“I’ve been homebrewing for a long time,” Montana told ReserveBar. “Not like anything all that serious, but serious to me; you know, I was a fastidious homebrewer. But it just didn’t seem right for beer. At the time, it seemed like there was a brewery opening every other day; there were too many of them.”
Montana added a friend suggested he open a microdistillery, and to his surprise, his wife, Shanelle, supported the idea. The two began working on the distillery together; Montana on the technical side and Shanelle on the marketing side.
Black-owned distilleries were once rare, but many have popped up all over the country in recent years, increasing diversity and social responsibility in the industry.
The couple opened Du Nord Social Spirits in 2013, and the distillery makes vodka, gin, whiskey, and an apple and coffee liqueur. The distillery’s website also includes drink recipes and more information on the distillery and the Montanas.
Du Nord’s staff has grown in its nine years, and Montana estimates about half the staff are people of color, something Montana pushed for.
“We make sure that women and people of color know that they are wanted, not just tolerated,” he said. “And then we build those good people.”
In February, the distillery announced it would be building a new headquarters in North Minneapolis.
