Black Man Paralyzed After Shot By Plain-Clothed New Jersey Police For Grabbing His Iced Tea From Car
by Wendy Medina

March 19, 2022

Black Man Paralyzed After Shot By Plain-Clothed New Jersey Police For Grabbing His Iced Tea From Car

A 29-year-old Black man was shot by Trenton, New Jersey police officers in civilian clothing last month, after simply trying to get an iced tea from a car outside his home. Jajuan R. Henderson is now in the middle of a lawsuit against the officers, for paralyzing him from the chest down, alleging excessive force, negligence and racial profiling, according to NBC News. 

The encounter, which occurred soon after midnight on Feb. 12, was described as two masked individuals in dark clothing approaching Henderson in an unmarked vehicle, boxing in the Saturn Ion that was double parked in front of his home as Henderson attempted to grab his drink. 

After stepping out of the car, the masked individuals began yelling, which prompted Henderson to call for help on his phone. From one moment to the next, one of the masked officers smashed the driver’s side window and shot Henderson four times, per the lawsuit.

“A Black man sitting in a car at midnight while on a cell phone was all the unidentified police needed to smash the driver’s side window. Despite being unarmed, nonthreatening, and minding his own business, the police proceeded to use lethal force and shoot Jajuan in the neck. It is a miracle Jajuan survived,” the suit said.

Henderson is now paralyzed from the chest down. He is working toward attempting to regain mobility through rehabilitation. 

The city of Trenton, the director of Trenton police, Steve E. Wilson, and the four officers on scene only identified by their initials were those named as the defendants.

Those four officers were placed on administrative leave, according to a county prosecutor’s statement from last month, per the outlet.

The prosecutor’s office said on Friday that they are still seeking to arraign Henderson for resisting arrest and obstruction, despite causing him severe bodily harm.

It is still unknown as to what the identities of the plain-clothed police are, as well as their objective cruising around Trenton that night.

Henderson’s family is accepting donations via GoFundMe to cover his medical expenses.

‘Captain America’ Actor Anthony Mackie Purchases 20 Acres To Build Production Studio In New Orleans
by Yolanda Baruch

March 19, 2022

‘Captain America’ Actor Anthony Mackie Purchases 20 Acres To Build Production Studio In New Orleans

On Friday, New Orleans native actor Anthony Mackie closed a deal to acquire 20 acres of land in New Orleans East to build a film and television production studio, Nola.com reports.

The Marvel Star trained in acting at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and his decision to develop projects in the state of Louisiana is a significant win for the local economy and community, as expressed by the Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans on Twitter.

 

The 43-year-old actor bought the area of land on the I-10 Service Road at Read Boulevard, close to the Little Woods neighborhood, according to land records obtained by WBRZ.

Mackie said through his agent that specific details of the deal are too premature to discuss. Still, those involved in business undertaking said the actor intends to christen his production company East Studios, LLC, WBRZ reports.

Mackie’s latest investment likely stems from the actor segueing into producing with such films as “The Banker” and “Outside the Wire,” according to 4WWL.

Mackie’s studio plans can aid Louisiana’s burgeoning film and television industry with opportunities for intellectual property acquisitions, development, production, and marketing, The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate reports.

Councilman Oliver Thomas is ecstatic about Mackie’s studio.

“Years ago, we talked about us being Hollywood South. I think maybe we’re finally in a position to make it happen and for New Orleans East to be the foundation for that to happen,” said Thomas.

In addition to Mackie, other Hollywood players have also shown interest in the area, like The Impact Investment Group. Representatives of New Orlean native filmmaker Tyler Perry are also looking to build a film studio there.

“To have Captain America and his brand and his star power I think it helps to support all the other investments,” explains Thomas.

 

 

Acid Attack Survivor Nafiah Ikram Denounces Police Investigation After Year Of No Arrests Made
by Wendy Medina

March 19, 2022

Acid Attack Survivor Nafiah Ikram Denounces Police Investigation After Year Of No Arrests Made

Nafiah Ikram, a Hofstra University student was walking home in Long Island last March around 8:30 p.m., when viciously attacked with acid by an unknown assailant. The 22-year-old Muslim college student suffered severe burns to her face, eyes, neck, and hands, as well as spending 15 days in the hospital, according to a statement from the New York Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY).

The attack was captured on home security video, in what was believed to be battery acid thrown at her face. Ikram’s parents rushed to help her, burning their own hands and arms before rushing her to the hospital. 

The assailant “knew how dangerous the acid was as they were seen on camera wearing gloves,” reads her GoFundMe, further emphasizing that if the acid had got into her lungs or her parents were not home to help and call 911, she would have died.

Ikram and her family believe Nassau County police have not done enough in their search for her attacker, as no one has been arrested since the March 17 assault. 

“It’s been very physically painful, mentally exhausting. I was having nightmares up until this morning,” Ikram said at a news conference Thursday. “It’s been very tiring.”

She has lost vision in her right eye and has spent the last year in and out of surgeries.

Ikram’s mother, Sherina Mohamed, questions if police have been doing their jobs.

“I can’t believe that in the [21st] century, with all the high technology, with all that they’re doing … I don’t know,” she said. “Sometimes it feels like maybe the detectives maybe didn’t take it seriously.”

Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder said in a statement that their investigation is still underway. 

Nassau County Crime Stoppers and the FBI are currently offering rewards that amount to $40,000 for any information that could lead to an arrest.

DeMarcus Little Sentenced To Life Without Parole For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend Anitra Gunn
by Wendy Medina

March 19, 2022

DeMarcus Little Sentenced To Life Without Parole For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend Anitra Gunn

Fort Valley, Georgia jurors deliberated for three hours after a week-long trial, before finding DeMarcus Little guilty of felony murder for taking the life of his ex-girlfriend, 23-year-old Anitra Gunn.

After the Feb. 2020 murder of Gunn, Little was charged with malice murder, found not guilty, as well as felony murder and aggravated assualt, for which he was sentenced. 

Following the verdict, members of Gunn’s family addressed the judge to condemn Little with the maximum sentence of life without parole, reports local news outlet 13WMAZ. 

“The defendant’s decision to put his hands around Anitra Gunn’s neck and watch the life leave her body, and take the life of a human being with no regards for the effects it may have on others is unimaginable and very devastating,” said her godmother. “The name of Anitra Gunn will not go away. We as a family will make sure of that.”

A Fort Valley State student, Gunn was murdered on Valentine’s Day 2020 sometime between 2:30 a.m. and midnight. The next day, her car was found without the bumper a block from her residence. Fort Valley police arrested Little soon after. 

Little allegedly confessed his crime to his best friend Jaivon Abron, claiming he “blacked out” and dumped Gunn’s body in nearby woods.

An Army sergeant at Fort Gordon, Little had just been arraigned on criminal property damage charges after breaking the windows at Gunn’s apartment and slashing her tires on Feb. 5, 2020. Gunn had reportedly broken things off with Little, but he refused to accept her decision and continuously harassed her, even threatening her with taking his own life. During the trial, Little continued to stand firm in his belief that Gunn was his soulmate.

Testimony in the case ranged from key witnesses, including Gunn’s best friend, Little’s aunt, Little’s best friend, and Little himself, per the outlet. 

Little claimed he was “not a monster,” but the jury did not buy a single word and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

by Wendy Medina

March 19, 2022

Issa Rae To Join Shameik Moore In ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ Sequel

Star and creator of HBO’s acclaimed Insecure, Issa Rae arrived at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards last Sunday, in floral print and her signature smile. 

While catching up with Entertainment Tonight, Rae was hesitant to confirm the news that she has secured a role in the Sony-produced sequel for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. 

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that, but I love Spider-Man and would love to be doing it if I were,” she teased on the red carpet.

While the announcement of her involvement in the animated adventure flick was revealed last June in an Instagram story where she reposted The Hollywood Reporter’s article, the Awkward Black Girl star remained tight-lipped about her role.

According to the outlet, Rae is set to voice star as Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman, alongside Shameik Moore, who will reprise his role as Miles Morales/Spider-Man and Hailee Steinfeld as Spider-Gwen.

The sequel to the Oscar-winning feature is again to be co-written and produced by filmmaking duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Confirmed by Sony and Marvel that the follow-up is titled Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One), has fans excited as there are two movies expected to drop as part of the sequel. 

Details of the story remain under wraps, however the Spider-verse will continue to travel across Marvel Comics’ time and space.

“The way I have loved Spider-Man since the third grade. A dream come true,” Rae wrote in her story alongside the screenshot of the article. 

Miller also shared the announcement of Rae joining the cast on Twitter captioning it, “This is so exciting. More excitement to come…”

Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson are set to direct the sequel. A director of the first film, Peter Ramsey, will return as an executive producer, with Aditya Sood.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) premieres in theaters Oct. 7.

‘The View’ Allegedly Has ‘A Seat At The Table’ For Wendy Williams To Join The Talk Show
by Yolanda Baruch

March 19, 2022

‘The View’ Allegedly Has ‘A Seat At The Table’ For Wendy Williams To Join The Talk Show

Wendy Williams vows to make a comeback to daytime television ever since her talk show The Wendy Willams show ended last year due to her continuing health problems, the L.A. Times reports.

Comedian and actress Sherri Shepherd’s new show Sherri will occupy the timeslot left open by the Williams show on Fox Television stations this fall. 

However, producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury will accommodate Williams to resume her show once her health issues are resolved, according to Deadline. 

A source close to ABC’s The View, the daytime talk show hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines, revealed that Williams has an “open invitation” to join the program, reports Radar Online. 

The source went on to say, “there is an offer for her to appear on the show whenever she wants. The open invitation has made it very clear that when Wendy wants to give her first T.V. interview since losing her own show, there will always be a seat at the table for her.”

While ABC has not release an official statement of the proposal, Williams is reportedly fielding offers from the Today Show to Good Morning America.

“Producers know how much people want to hear from Wendy,” added a second source. “But what makes The View opportunity so interesting is that this interview could open up the door to her joining the show on a recurring basis.”

The 57-year-old spoke via phone to T.J. Holmes of Good Morning America to discuss her health; Williams lives with Graves’ disease’s autoimmune condition, returning to television, and her ongoing dispute with Well Fargo Bank.

“They say that I need somebody to handle my account, and I don’t want that,” Williams said. “I want all my money. I want to see all my money that I’ve worked hard for my entire life. My entire life. I don’t lie, I don’t cheat, and I don’t steal. I am an honest, hard-working person.”

“[My] health is very well. And I’ve actually had a few appointments,” she continued. “You know, I’m 57 now, and I have the mind and body of a 25-year-old,” affirmed the former radio D.J. 

Williams ended her interview with Holmes on a positive note concluding, “Keep watching. I’m going to be back on the Wendy show,” she added. “Bigger and brighter than ever,” according to People. 

Oscar-Nominated Aunjanue Ellis Fought For Her King Richard Role ‘I’m Going To Have A Shot At This’
by Yolanda Baruch

March 19, 2022

Oscar-Nominated Aunjanue Ellis Fought For Her King Richard Role ‘I’m Going To Have A Shot At This’

Oscar-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis had to fight for her role as Oracene Williams in the critically acclaimed sports biopic King Richard. The film tells the true story of Richard Williams, his wife, and the mercurial rise of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, People reports. 

In the People Every Day podcast, Ellis, 53, revealed that the people behind the film wanted to pursue more prominent actresses to play the role that eventually went to her.

“I knew that they were interested and were going to pursue some other actors who are a lot more famous than I am; I’ll just put it like that,” she explains. “I wanted this part when I read it… But when I found out that they were thinking about other people, it didn’t worry me too much because I felt like, ‘I’m going to have a shot at this’.”

To provide herself with an additional edge, Ellis recorded herself “yelling at [her] nieces and nephew in between takes” to practice for her audition before meeting director Reinaldo Marcus Green and executive producer Will Smith, according to People.

“I had to on the down-low get on a plane while I was doing Lovecraft Country and run out to Los Angeles real quick and read with Will at his house,” she said and recalls that a week later, she received the call that she had landed the part.

However, playing the iconic mother of two tennis players that revolutionized the sport forced Ellis to confront her “internalized patriarchy” about the part Oracene also played in her daughters’ success, according to IndieWire.

“When I was doing my initial research for the part, I went to Wikipedia and saw that she was described as a coach, and I just remember having such a snarky response to that. ‘Ugh really, you’re calling yourself a coach, sitting in the stands and cheering for your girls, that’s not really coaching.'” Ellis said, thinking back. “And then when I found out the truth of the matter, I was so ashamed. I was so ashamed, just thinking, ‘Aunjanue, you should know better. You should know how women are always underwritten, undertold, you know what I mean? Come on.'”

Once she unearthed the fact that “Ms. Oracene,” as Ellis refers to her, was just as instrumental as “Mr. Richard” in the achievements of Venus and Serena, it altered her perspective on the story.

 “If Mr. Richard was on one side of the court, Ms. Oracene was on the other side of the court,” said the When They See Us actress. 

“She was really instrumental in designing Serena’s play. All of that was surprising to me, and I just found that to be glorious.”

Ellis became relentless in making sure she served justice to the legacy of Williams, “When I found out the truth, I wanted to give her a voice, and I wanted the world to know the truth of who this woman was. That became my mission.”

Ellis’s straightforward and vulnerable portrayal of Oracene Willams garnered an Academy Award nomination for the veteran actress.

Check out the 94th Academy Awards that airs on ABC on March 27 to see if Ellis takes home the gold. 

by Keka Araújo

March 19, 2022

GONE TOO SOON: Rapper Young Thug’s Son’s Mother, LaKevia Jackson, Gunned Down Over Bowling Ball In Atlanta

Gun violence claimed the life of Rapper Young Thug’s son’s mother on Thursday night outside of an Atlanta bowling alley. 

According to TMZ, LaKevia Jackson, 31, was at the Metro Fun Center for her best friend’s party and argued with a man, also attending the shindig, over a bowling ball. 

The suspect reportedly hung back for 20 minutes to shoot the LaKevia while she was leaving. Tori Cooper, an Atlanta reporter, posted the news on Twitter after speaking to the victim’s mother.

“I just spoke to LaKevia Jackson’s mom. She says LaKevia went to her best friend’s birthday @ bowling alley, a fight over the bowling ball happened, then the suspect waited 20 mins in the parking lot for LaKevia before he shot her while she was leaving. Her mom gave me this pic.”

Cooper also reported that LeKevia and Young Thug’s son, Kyvion Jackson, 14, is devastated by his mom’s tragic death. LaKevia’s mother detailed that the rapper and his former partner met before he became a celebrity.

“LaKevia’s mother just told me that rapper Young Thug is the father of her 14-year-old grandson, Kyvion Jackson. They met before he was famous while they were both living in the same apt. complex. [Her] grandson, “Isn’t doing well” she gave me this pic of him & LaKevia.”

 

Atlanta Police Department Homicide Commander Lt. Ralph Woolfolk spoke with CBS46 on Friday morning, “This is truly an atrocity. A young lady has lost her life over a bowling ball. We talk about conflict-resolution time and time again, and this is an escalated dispute, so we will work this case through the night, and we will find the person responsible.” 

“We know who [you] are, so go ahead and turn yourself in.”

Police have not arrested the suspect.

​​Fans of the rapper expressed their condolences, disbelief and prayers on Twitter. 

LaKevia’s death was senseless and further reiterates why it’s essential to protect Bllack women. In October, The Guardian posted a sobering study that revealed four Black women are murdered daily.

Our prayers go out to her family.

Beyoncé Gives Birthday Well-Wishes To Tamar Braxton But Uses The Wrong Photo Of The Singer
by Yolanda Baruch

March 19, 2022

Beyoncé Gives Birthday Well-Wishes To Tamar Braxton But Uses The Wrong Photo Of The Singer

Singer Tamar Braxton, 45, recently celebrated her birthday on March 17 and received a tender shout-out from megastar Beyoncé on her website, The Jasmine Brand reports.

The “Heaven” singer routinely gives birthday shout-outs to her celebrity friends in a long-honored tradition. However, she posted an incorrect photo of Braxton, that featured her sister Trina Braxton, initially shared by Towanda Braxton in 2015.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Towanda Braxton (@itowandabraxton)

The unintended blunder gave Braxton a much-needed laugh as she is currently mourning the loss of her sister Traci Braxton, who passed from esophageal cancer on Saturday, March 12; she was 50, as previously reported by Black Enterprise.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Traci Braxton (@therealtracibraxton)

“I wasn’t going to post cause it for sure doesn’t feel like #sttamarsday but, I want to thank @Beyonce for the laugh that I have been searching for since Saturday morning. I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose, but God knows what u need. I love you so much for this SCREAM,” wrote the reality TV star on Twitter, following her post with a string of laughing emojis, a green shamrock, and a gold star.

 

https://twitter.com/TamarBraxtonHer/status/1504506251434242051

The “If I Don’t Have You Singer” is having a tough time celebrating another year of her life when her beloved sister is no longer here. Braxton posted a solemn caption on her Instagram that read, “My Dear Traci, come back,” ending with a heartbroken emoji. The post included a clip of the popular song “Time Machine” by artist Muni Long, who sings, “I wish I had a time machine.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tamar Estine (@tamarbraxton)

Even though Beyoncé’s team removed the picture from her site, Braxton still showed Queen B gratitude for uplifting her spirits with her thoughtful gesture.

by Keka Araújo

March 19, 2022

‘Joseline’s Cabaret’s’ Amber Ali Has Lawyered Up After Alleged Assault

While folks sit and revel in ratchet TV, some shows infringe on common sense and boundaries. Zeus Network’s Joseline’s Cabaret has served three seasons of abuse and violence at the hands of its creator– former Love & HipHop Atlanta alum Joseline Hernandez. It looks like Amber Ali is taking legal action against Joseline and her beau Ballistic after the two reportedly jumped her.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Ali wrote, “I am so embarrassed, mortified, and depressed. I can’t stop replaying the events in my head over and over. Ballistic should be arrested! He and Joseline attacked me in front of cameras, crew, production and guests! This is wrong. I want justice. Please reach out to my attorneys with any questions. @kathyrabii_esq @joeblak_esq @ar_apc.” 

She also posted a message from her attorneys.

“We are very saddened by the events that occurred during the taping of Joseline’s Cabaret reunion show yesterday. The acts that occurred are horrific, unacceptable, and far removed from any notion of female empowerment. It is neither permissible nor entertaining to be the subject of intentional acts of violence, irrespective of the gender of the perpetrator committing these acts. The network should ensure the safety and security of its cast members, which warrants the degree of care necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or harm.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CREATIVE MIND (@msamberali)

Earlier this week, the latest season’s final altercation went viral. Cast member Amber Ali revealed that Joseline and her partner Ballistic jumped the woman during the reunion special. She shared details of the traumatic fight on an IG Live after leaving the emergency room.

“#JoselinesCabaret cast member #AmberAli goes on Instagram live after leaving the emergency room and tearfully alleges that both #Joseline and #Balistic attacked, kicked and rushed her last night.”

 

Ali disclosed that she also plans to press charges against the couple. 

Joseline took to Twitter to further instigate the melee. 

“Keep crying from your hospital bed with your broken ribs one kik you flew into next day. Rotten mouth ass h*e.”

Zeus Network issued a statement regarding the fight. 

“The Zeus Network would like to thank all of our viewers for their continued support.”

“While our programming remains authentic, loud, provocative, raw, unscripted, and uncensored; under no circumstances do we condone bullying, unprovoked violence, and men attacking women,” the statement continued. 

“Currently, we are conducting a thorough review of the events that took place during the Joseline’s Cabaret Reunion taping. The safety of our talent, crew, guests and fans is our top priority. We encourage anyone who encounters violence of any kind to seek help from their local authorities or visit StopBullying.gov for free and confidential resources on how to seek help.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Zeus Network (@thezeusnetwork)

Another castmember Gaia reportedly witnessed the brawl. She claimed that Ballistic jumped in the fight after Ali appeared to be besting the show’s creator. Gaia also said that the producer pulled Ali’s hair out. 

It hasn’t been confirmed if Ali has filed charges yet.

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