Emmett Till’s Cousin Responds To Taraji P. Henson Referencing His Case In Her Plea To Free Jussie Smollett

Emmett Till’s Cousin Responds To Taraji P. Henson Referencing His Case In Her Plea To Free Jussie Smollett


As reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, last Sunday, Jussie Smollett’s fellow Empire castmate Taraji P. Henson took to Instagram to speak on his punishment for creating a hate hoax. She referenced Emmett Till’s brutal 1955 lynching in a call for his release.

On Monday, Till’s cousin, Deborah Watts, responded to Henson’s message.

Last week, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in Cook County Jail, 30 months of probation for filing false police reports, and ordered to pay restitution of more than $120,000. Henson stated her belief that the punishment didn’t fit the crime while noting that the men who violently murdered Till never faced any legal repercussions for their crime.

“Emmett Till was brutally beat and ultimately murdered because of a lie and none of the people involved with his demise spent one day in jail, even after Carolyn Bryant admitted that her claims were false,” she wrote. “No one was hurt or killed during Jussie’s ordeal. He has already lost everything, EVERYTHING!”

In response, Watts expresses her appreciation for Henson highlighting Till’s case in the conversation.

“… I do truly appreciate Taraji P. Henson sharing her passion and support for him (Smollett). I mean, anyone in that situation I think would love encouragement and support from their friends,” she told TMZ. “But I also appreciate Ms. Henson connecting in and mentioning Emmett Till’s murder, his lynching because it is unsolved and we are still fighting for justice after 67 years. His mother fought for justice, opening that casket up for the world to see.”

The case of the 14-year-old boy is still unsolved but inspired the pending Emmett Till Antilynching Act. As the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation co-founder, Watts agreed with Henson that Black people are often victims of harsher penalties in the American criminal justice system.

“I know that, historically, Back and brown bodies have been punished more severely than others in our country and so I’m not weighing in on Jussie’s case at this point, but I do think it’s unfortunate that we face more harsher punishment than others,” she said.

“… And unfortunately in Emmett Till’s case the perpetrators were held, they were acquitted of his murder, they sold their stories to Look Magazine for about $4,000 and there are others who were responsible for his death as well who were never brought to justiceCarolyn Bryant Donham, who is still alive, has never faced her responsibility.”

“So, I can’t argue on how people are comparing [the two cases], but I know that Emmett’s been on the mind and I appreciate Ms. Henson for mentioning Emmett Till, bringing his name to the forefront,” Watts continued. “It is appropriate. It is important. It is relevant to what’s happening today to many others.”

According to The Daily Mail, Smollett has been removed from a psychiatric ward following some mix-ups with his paperwork.

Award-Winning Filmmakers  Set to Direct ‘The Color of Cola’ Documentary About Pepsi’s All-Black Sales Force In the Jim Crow South

Award-Winning Filmmakers Set to Direct ‘The Color of Cola’ Documentary About Pepsi’s All-Black Sales Force In the Jim Crow South


Today, it was announced that award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive will direct “The Color of Cola,” an inspirational documentary that sheds light on the experience of an all-Black sales team, the first of its kind for any major corporation, tasked with tapping the African American market in the Jim Crow South.

Based on Stephanie Capparell‘s “The Real Pepsi Challenge: How One Pioneering Company Broke Color Barriers in 1940s American Business,” the documentary will take viewers on a journey marked by persistence and fortitude, according to a press release.

“The Color of Cola,” now in production, will be brought to life by filmmaker and founder of Firelight Films Stanley Nelson, filmmaker Jacqueline Olive, and executive produced by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon‘s JuVee Productions.

The stories of Black pioneers are not unfamiliar, but oftentimes go untold. “The Color of Cola” aims to elevate one such story exploring a time when corporate America did not include Black professionals, and the Black experience was stereotypically portrayed. The extraordinary efforts of these individuals mirror the courage of many who fought to propel America closer to its aspirations and ideals.

“With ‘The Color of Cola’ I look forward to telling the story of the first Black sales team established in the corporate world,” said director Stanley Nelson.

“This project harkens back to my very first feature film ‘Two Dollars and a Dream,’ about the amazing life of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made Black woman millionaire. I was able to touch on Madam Walker’s story again, among other stories of Black entrepreneurship, in a more recent film of mine — ‘Boss: The Black Experience in Business.’ I see ‘The Color of Cola’ as a continuation of my past work highlighting the achievements of groundbreaking Black business leaders, whose stories are still underrepresented and often under appreciated in the context of American history.”

Stanley Nelson’s body of work has garnered countless awards and accolades. Most recently, his film “Attica” was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature and won the DGA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Documentary. In addition to honors for his individual films, Nelson is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, and was awarded an individual Peabody Award, the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences and received the National Medal in the Humanities from President Barack Obama. His feature-length films combine compelling narratives with rich and deeply researched historical detail, shining new light on both familiar and under-explored aspects of the American past. Nelson’s recent work includes “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool,” delving into the life and career Miles Davis, and his most recent film, “Attica,” opened the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and debuted on Showtime in November.

“What first attracted me to the project was the opportunity to tell the story of this pioneering sales team of Black men whose work launched an effort at corporate diversity that laid the foundation for meaningfully engaging what has become a trillion dollar Black consumer market today,” said director Jacqueline Olive.

“If you think it doesn’t get much more powerful than that, Ed Boyd and his team, in the process, helped open the American consciousness to just how dynamic Black life truly was in the late 1940s, so the throughline of this story to benchmarks of cultural diversity in the present is remarkable. I could not be more excited to direct this film with Stanley Nelson in collaboration with our talented team at All Day Every Day, LAMF, and Pepsi.”

“With ‘The Color of Cola,’ Viola and I were really excited about exploring another story that’s been hidden in the amazon of American history,” said Julius Tennon.

“These men had grit, tenacity, and sheer will, being the first black sales force in corporate America. We couldn’t have better directors and partners than Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive to bring this incredible documentary to life. I think we’ll all get a snapshot into what Jim Crow America was like and get to understand some of the challenges that these brave African American men faced.”

Last year, PepsiCo announced its Racial Equality Journey, a more than $570 million set of initiatives over five years focused on increasing Black and Hispanic managerial representation at PepsiCo; leveraging its scale and influence across suppliers and strategic partners to increase Black and Hispanic representation, elevating diverse voices and creators in its content; and working in communities to drive long-term change by addressing systemic barriers to economic opportunity and advancing economic empowerment for Black and Hispanic Americans.

“At PepsiCo, we know that our company can only succeed when our associates and the societies we serve thrive. That’s why we have long been committed to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects our consumer base and society at all levels of the company,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta.

“This commitment to racial equality is part of our company’s DNA, going back to this our first Black sales team. The legacies of Allen Mckellar, Jr.Jeanette MaundHarvey C. Russell, and many more leaders in our rich history continue to inspire our actions and serve as a beacon for advancing our journey towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and world.”

“The Color of Cola” documentary is co-produced by the Los Angeles Media Fund under the leadership of Co-Founders Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman, and in association with Pepsi’s in-house content studio.

Executive producers include Michael Karbelnikoff and Peter Kline for Alldayeveryday, and Mark Landsman.

“We feel most fortunate to have filmmakers with Stanley Nelson and Jacqueline Olive’s vision and integrity in bringing this important yet largely unknown history to light,” said Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman.

This project will elevate diverse voices, and it will also share a powerful piece of American history — inspiring viewers to utilize their collective power to help catalyze meaningful change in our society and for generations to come.

Zendaya’s Father Says Hollywood ‘Shunned’ Black Fathers Like Him, Mathew Knowles, and Richard Williams

Zendaya’s Father Says Hollywood ‘Shunned’ Black Fathers Like Him, Mathew Knowles, and Richard Williams


Zendaya‘s father, Kazembe Ajamu, is calling out Hollywood for how the industry has seemingly “shunned” the Black fathers of successful daughters.

Taking to Instagram, Ajamu posted a screenshot of an E! News article on Monday that showed a glam shot of his daughter and a direct quote from her. “I have standards I don’t plan on lowering for anybody… Including myself,” Zendaya said.

“Black fathers are too often shunned for having successful daughters in Hollywood, Mathew Knowles, King Richard and Kazembe Ajamu,” Ajamu captioned his post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kazembe Ajamu (@kazembeajamu)

He made sure to include Knowles, the father of Grammy-winning daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, and Williams, whose recent biopic on coaching his daughters Venus and Serena into becoming tennis champions helped Will Smith earn his first Golden Globe for Best Actor.

The screenshot was taken from Ajamu’s Instagram Story where the father vented some more.

“Ladies, you not her yo pops @kazembeajamu,” he wrote over the photo of his daughter. “They gon have to understand you was and behind this amazing soul. They like the idea but don’t wanna put in that pain aka work.”

Many took to Ajamu’s comments to express their support while others shared their mixed reviews.

“Not just Hollywood In America, Joe Jackson, LaVar Ball, Drederick Irving, Diddy , Will Smith,” one user wrote.

“You’re apart [sic] of something legendary, if it wasn’t for you we wouldn’t have your daughter,” one fan said while applauding Zendaya. “She wouldn’t be my biggest inspiration esp with both of us being the same age. so thank you so much for that.”

“Sir, with all respect, you are publicly a much better father than Mathew Knowles,” the user wrote. “He wasn’t shunned for his daughter being successful but for his own indiscretions.”

“We applaud you sir and Richard just not Matthew, he did Tina wrong,” added someone else.

Jason Momoa Thanks The Public For Giving Him ‘Space’ and ‘Privacy’ Amid Lisa Bonet Split

Jason Momoa Thanks The Public For Giving Him ‘Space’ and ‘Privacy’ Amid Lisa Bonet Split


After announcing their split in January, Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa are keeping things amicable.

While they fueled reconciliation rumors last month, the Aquaman star seemingly confirmed their ongoing breakup on social media. Momoa stepped out earlier this month to attend The Batman premiere in New York City, supporting Bonet’s eldest daughter, Zoë Kravitz, who plays Catwoman in the film.

Momoa shared an Instagram post of photos with son Nakoa-Wolf, 13, and Lola, 14, whom he shares with Bonet.

“So excited for everyone to see @thebatman @zoeisabellakravitz your perfect as cat woman I’m so proud of you,” he captioned the post. “So excited for @snl next week your going to kill it. we had a wonderful time in NYC.”

 

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A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)

The Game of Thrones star thanked fans for respecting his privacy amid his divorce.

“Mahalo to the fans and press for being generous and giving us space for the children it’s hard enough separating in the public eye,” Momoa added. “We appreciate the continued privacy through these times aloha j.”

His post comes on the heels of the famous couple releasing a joint statement in January announcing their split. Bonet and Momoa were married for four years and had been together since 2005, USA Today reports.

“We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times,” the statement read. “A revolution is unfolding and our family is of no exception… feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring. And so we share our Family news that we are parting ways in marriage.”

“We share this not because we think it’s newsworthy but so that as we go about our lives we may do so with dignity and honesty,” the statement continued. “The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become…”

Kanye West Calls Trevor Noah A ‘Koon’ For Defending Kim Kardashian

Kanye West Calls Trevor Noah A ‘Koon’ For Defending Kim Kardashian


Trevor Noah was added to Kanye West’s growing hit list after the comedian got serious and addressed the rapper’s “harassing” behavior toward Kim Kardashian.

During Tuesday night’s episode of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, the late-night host explained why people should “pay attention” to Kanye’s disturbing behavior against Kim and her new boyfriend, Pete Davidson.

“It started very much in the land of tabloid,” Noah said. “But I feel it’s creeping and has crept into a world that more people should pay attention to but not for the reason that you may think.”

Noah provided a timeline on Kanye’s latest “belligerent” antics against Kim and Pete, including his two music videos for his single “Eazy,” where he buries Pete alive and beheads the comedian. While Kanye tried to defend the visuals as his “art,” Noah said the videos made him feel “uncomfortable” watching Kim “being harassed.”

Referencing the recent heated text message exchange between Pete and Kanye, Noah called out Pete for mocking Kanye with his “in bed with your wife” text while the comedian offered the rapper advice on treating mental health.

Noah offered his sympathy to Kardashian despite all the criticism she faces for her lavish reality star lifestyle and cultural appropriation accusations.

“You may not feel sorry for Kim because she’s rich and famous, because of the way she dresses, because she appropriates Black culture, because she tells women they’re lazy, broke the internet and then didn’t put it back together, whatever, you hate her,” Noah said.

“But what she’s going through is terrifying to watch, and it shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave.”

Noah revealed his experience with domestic violence and how his mother was told she was “overreacting” before being shot in the head by Noah’s stepfather.

“As a society, we have to ask ourselves questions,” Noah said. “Do we wish to stand by and watch a car crash when we thought we saw it coming?”

But once Kanye caught wind of Noah’s segment about him, the Yeezy founder took to Instagram to call the South African comic a “Koon,” TMZ reports.

“K**n baya my lord k**n baya K**n baya my lord K**n baya Oooo’ lord K**n baya,” Kanye captioned the post.

 

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A post shared by ye (@kanyewest)

The reference “Koon” seemingly refers to the word coon, a highly offensive word to Black people.

According to Ferris.edu: “The name itself, an abbreviation of raccoon, is dehumanizing. As with Sambo, the coon was portrayed as a lazy, easily frightened, chronically idle, inarticulate, buffoon.”

Ferris.edu

In addition to calling out Noah, Kanye continued his ongoing feud with DL Hughley after the comedian also called out Kanye’s “harassing” behavior.

Kanye’s most recent posts are the latest in a series of social media attacks he’s launched in the wake of Kim moving on with Pete.

History In the Making: Stephen L. Ball Appointed Harvard Law School’s New Dean Of Students

History In the Making: Stephen L. Ball Appointed Harvard Law School’s New Dean Of Students


A Metro Detroit native and Harvard alum, Stephen L. Ball has been elected Harvard Law School’s new dean of students— making history as the first Black male to hold the title in over two centuries.

According to C and G News, the 36-year-old is the first Black male to serve in the role and the second Black person, following the previous appointment of a Black woman to the post.

A first-generation college student, Ball earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Michigan. In 2010, he graduated from Harvard Law School with his Juris Doctor. Now, he returns to his alma mater after serving in the political and nonprofit spaces.

In his most recent role at Wells Fargo, Ball’s work focused on elevating the financial services company’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a senior vice president and strategy lead.

Noted for his commitment to mentorship and helping others, he has affiliated with several community service organizations, serving on the boards of directors of Mount Vernon Star Scholars in Mount Vernon, New York, and Young People Travel Global Edge, a Detroit-based nonprofit, and as executive sponsor of the NY/NJ chapter of Wells Fargo’s Black/African-American employee resource network, as per a press release.

“This is such a tremendous opportunity on both a professional and personal level,” said Ball in a press release statement.

“It builds on what I accomplished in my previous roles, while also allowing me to embrace an entirely new challenge. Being able to bring all of that together for a place that I care so much about is deeply inspiring. I am honored to have the chance to impact the student experience at HLS and looking forward to innovating and improving upon the terrific foundation that’s already there.”

In his new role, Ball will prioritize the “well-being of students” and “build and implement a strategic vision for how the office can most effectively support students.” He will also be responsible for ensuring students are supported throughout their law school experience, including programming, networking, and mentorship through the Bar process. Ball can use his experience as a beacon to maximize the students’ experience further.

“Stephen is warm, generous, caring, and dedicated to supporting the well-being and flourishing of all our students,” they wrote. “His time as a student here, his broad knowledge of our profession, and his demonstrated commitment to mentorship and to fostering the aspirations and talents of others make him an excellent choice to be our new dean of students. So, please join us in welcoming Stephen back to Harvard Law School.”

Shalanda Young Becomes First Black Woman To Lead White House Budget Office

Shalanda Young Becomes First Black Woman To Lead White House Budget Office


The U.S. Senate confirmed Shalanda Young as the White House Office of Management Budget director, making her the first Black woman to hold the position.

NBC News reports Young, who previously served as acting budget director, was confirmed in a bipartisan 61-36 vote Tuesday. The Tulane University graduate became the acting director last May when Neera Tanden withdrew her nomination amid stiff opposition from both Democratic and Republican senators.

The Office of Management and Budget works with federal agencies to oversee the execution of spending programs approved by Congress.

Before assuming the role, Young spent years on the House Appropriations Committee in several roles including as a director, clerk, and staff director.

According to the White House, Young oversaw $1.3 trillion in annual appropriations legislation, disaster aid, and COVID-19 spending.

Young’s confirmation was supported by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Md.), and Republican Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.).

“I think it’d be hard for the Biden administration to do any better. She’ll do a good job, if they let her,” Shelby told The Hill during the vote on Tuesday, recalling his experience working with Young.

President Joe Biden pledged to make diversity a top priority in his administration during his presidential campaign run. Young’s confirmation makes her the fifth Black woman to be named to Biden’s cabinet. According to Share America, the Biden-Harris administration is the most diverse cabinet in U.S. history.

Among Biden’s 1,500 presidential appointees, which do not require Senate confirmation:

  • 58 percent are women
  • 8 percent identify as Black or African American.
  • 15 percent identify as Latino or Hispanic.
  • 15 percent identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
  • 3 percent identify as Middle Eastern or North African.
  • 2 percent identify as American Indian or Alaska Native.
  • 14 percent identify as LGBTQ+.
  • 4 percent are veterans.
  • 3 percent identify as disabled or having a disability.

 

National Battle of the Bands Announces Pepsi as New Title Sponsor

National Battle of the Bands Announces Pepsi as New Title Sponsor


National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) announced Pepsi as its new title sponsorship in support of the celebrated event. This multi-year partnership enables Pepsi to leverage its presence to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) year-round with specific emphasis on their proud tradition of world-class marching bands.

“This title sponsorship from Pepsi supports our vision of strengthening the connection of the community to Historically Black Colleges and Universities by showcasing the talents of HBCU marching bands and the role they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders,” says Derek Webber, creator of the National Battle of the Bands, according to a press release.

(Image: Pepsi National Battle of the Bands)

“We’re thrilled to partner with a company like Pepsi with its Racial Equality Journey, a series of initiatives and an investment of $400 million over five years to address issues of inequality and create opportunity.”

The battle of the bands is an iconic staple in the Black community that celebrates tradition, unites generations and inspires everyone with their unified sound while marching proudly and dancing unapologetically in celebration of their ancestors who paved the way for their rhythm to be on display for all to see, hear and feel.

“We are proud to be the title sponsor the National Battle of the Bands, which is such an incredible cultural moment for the HBCU Band Community,” said Chauncey Hamlett, vice president and CMO, PBNA South Division.

“I have a strong passion for fostering growth among HBCU students, and I am proud of the work we do to spotlight HBCUs across the nation.”

The NBOTB was created to be the nation’s best kick-off to the fall marching band season by showcasing new performances of the country’s top marching bands. It offers unmatched exposure to the marching bands of HBCUs and has broad appeal among varying age groups and socio-economic demographic groups.

Allen Media Group Announces Partnership for HBCU GO and SWAC

Allen Media Group Announces Partnership for HBCU GO and SWAC


Byron Allen and Allen Media Group’s (AMG) free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO — the leading media provider for the nation’s 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

This first-ever partnership grants HBCU GO cable, linear, streaming, broadcast, VOD, and pay-per-view rights to premier NCAA Division I HBCU conference sporting events.

Beginning with the fall 2022-23 season, the free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO will distribute programming for the SWAC across all sports, including football, basketball, volleyball and Olympic sports. The partnership will include live coverage of over 2,000 SWAC games and events. Some of these games and events will also air on AMG’s free-streaming digital platforms theGrio, Local Now and Sports.TV, according to a press release.

“Some of the world’s greatest athletes have come from, and continue to play and coach for, these excellent Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These HBCUs will continue to deliver historic events such as sports icon and coach Deion Sanders signing the number one overall prospect in the class of 2022 five-star cornerback Travis Hunter making this a truly amazing league,” said Byron Allen, founder/chairman/CEO of HBCU GO parent company Allen Media Group.

“I appreciate SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland for partnering with us to deliver over 2,000 sporting events and engaging content on every device 24/7 worldwide.”

“We’re extremely excited to partner with the Allen Media Group and HBCU GO,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.

“This partnership will be a game-changer for our league along with the 12 member institutions that we serve. The ability to showcase our sports programs across such a wide variety of multimedia and digital platforms will undoubtedly take SWAC sports programming to the next level while providing our fans and supporters with unprecedented access to SWAC events in all the sports that our league currently offers.”

This African-Born Architect Becomes First Black Laureate To Win Top Architecture Prize

This African-Born Architect Becomes First Black Laureate To Win Top Architecture Prize


Diébédo Francis Kéré, a renowned architect, educator, and social activist, has been selected as the 2022 laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, making him the first Black winner of the award.

“I am speechless, I have a feeling of an overwhelming honor but also a sense of responsibility,” said Kéré, according to Africa News.

Born in the West African country of Burkina Faso, Kéré’s architectural journey started with a primary school in his native village. His designs for Gando Primary School and Naaba Belem Goumma Secondary School were inspired by his own experiences attending school.

“I am hoping to change the paradigm, push people to dream and undergo risk. It is not because you are rich that you should waste material. It is not because you are poor that you should not try to create quality,” said kéré, according to Design Boom. Everyone deserves quality, everyone deserves luxury, and everyone deserves comfort. we are interlinked and concerns in climate, democracy and scarcity are concerns for us all.”

Many projects followed since in countries such as Benin, Mali, Togo, Kenya, and Sudan. The prominent architect draws from European architectural formation and work, combining them with the traditions, needs, and customs of his country. According to NPR, Kéré has designed the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

“Francis Kéré is pioneering architecture—sustainable to the earth and its inhabitants—in lands of extreme scarcity,” said committee chair, Tom Pritzker, in a statement. “He is equally architect and servant, improving upon the lives and experiences of countless citizens in a region of the world that is at times forgotten. Through buildings that demonstrate beauty, modesty, boldness, and invention, and by the integrity of his architecture and geste, Kéré gracefully upholds the mission of this prize.”

The Pritzker Architecture Prize annually honors a living architect or architects for significant achievement. Recipients also collect $100,000 in prize winnings and a bronze medallion.

“He knows, from within, that architecture is not about the object but the objective; not the product, but the process,” said the 2022 Jury Citation, in part, according to NPR.

“Francis Kéré’s entire body of work shows us the power of materiality rooted in place. His buildings, for and with communities, are directly of those communities–in their making, their materials, their programs, and their unique characters.”

Kéré Architecture is currently working on a new parliamentary building inspired by the palaver tree—a designated location where African communities gather for community discussions, storytelling, problem-solving, and festivals.

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