police, arrest, Black people, Allegheny County

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 26, 2025

Black Juvenile Defendants In Allegheny County Face Nearly Double The Fines Of White Defendants, Data Shows

New research highlights the disparities Black juvenile defendants face in fines from Allegheny County judges.

New light is being shed on the disparities in fines Black juvenile defendants face from Allegheny County magisterial district judges.

Between 2023 and 2024, Allegheny County magisterial district judges ordered children ages 5 to 17 to pay over $190,000 in citation fines, WESA reported. During that time, Black juvenile defendants were fined nearly twice as much as their white peers, data from the Pennsylvania Office of Administrative Courts showed.

Reporters investigating the issue observed court proceedings in nearly a dozen Allegheny County jurisdictions, where waiting rooms were often overcrowded and disproportionately filled with students and families of color, even in majority-white districts. Judge Bruce Boni, who serves McKees Rocks and Stowe Township, acknowledged what he called the “baked-in” racial disparities of the criminal justice system, but said the solution starts with examining how schools and police choose to issue citations.

“There’s only so much a court can do because, again, we are responsive [in nature],” Boni said.

Pennsylvania judges can fine students up to $300. Still, Magisterial District Judge Leah Williams Duncan, one of 46 elected in Allegheny County and the only Black woman among them, said she rarely imposes the maximum penalty.

“We’re already addressing students who have behavioral issues or mental health issues,” she said. “And the resources that are at my disposal to assess a monetary fine — just to me, it makes absolutely no sense.”

A deeper analysis of records from 20 Allegheny County school districts found they issued 934 student citations over three years, excluding truancy cases. Among the citations, nearly one in five went to Black girls, despite Black girls making up only one in 20 students in those districts each year.

Highlands High School graduate Olivia was fined $482.60 just before finishing her senior year after receiving a citation for fighting at school. During the 2022–2023 school year, Highlands police issued 105 student citations; 28 of these, or about 27%, were issued to Black girls.

“It feels like being Black at a white school district, you feel targeted about a lot of things,” Olivia said. “They point you out for everything. And every little thing, every little mess up you do, it’s like you’re targeted.”

The disproportionate use of school citations extends beyond Allegheny County. A 2023 U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that Black girls were referred to law enforcement at school at three times the rate of white girls. That same year, Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Plan showed that while just one in seven youth in the state are Black, they made up nearly a third of all youth arrests.

Olivia’s mother, Pauline McKnight, arranged a monthly payment plan with the court to cover the $482.60 her daughter owed. The cost forced Olivia to skip prom, a sacrifice McKnight, a fellow Highlands High School graduate, hopes will inspire her daughter and other young Black women to stand together and steer clear of becoming victims of a flawed justice system.

“I really would love togetherness, especially with these girls of color, to try to unite and be one,” McKnight said. “It’s not going to be with the school. It’s going to have to come from little old me, and helping these girls grow and mature and know that we carry ourselves well,” she said.

by Black Enterprise

August 26, 2025

UMYO Network Is A Community-Based Digital Ecosystem Launched By Black Dad And His 3 Sons

Their mission is simple but powerful

UMYO Network is a groundbreaking digital ecosystem created and owned by African American father Gregory Barnard Cherry and his three sons—Gregory Jr., Isaac, and Isaiah. Together, this father-and-sons team built UMYO as a community-owned platform designed to prepare people for the future of artificial intelligence, automation, and economic disruption. Their mission is simple but powerful: give everyday people—not politicians, corporations, or celebrities—the tools and opportunities to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Gregory’s journey to building UMYO began with hardship and redemption. The son of a reverend and military veteran, he suffered a brain injury at age 10 that left him struggling in school. After losing his brother to violence at 19, he spiraled into destructive behavior that landed him in prison. He now views that prison sentence as a turning point that allowed him to rediscover faith, value life, and redirect his path. His experience forged the foundation for a lifelong mission: to create opportunities for youth and underserved communities that are often overlooked by traditional systems.

Determined to live with purpose, Cherry became a father, ministry leader, and community organizer. In 2010, he co-launched STI740 with former NFL player Telance Sawyer, the first Black-led youth media project that trained young people as creators, producers, and interviewers of national sports content. At the same time, Cherry taught his own sons technology and critical thinking from the time they were five years old. Together, Gregory and his sons began solving community economic issues as a family tech team, which eventually became the bedrock for UMYO Network.

Since 2005, Cherry has warned that automation would wipe out millions of jobs, disproportionately harming Black and underserved communities. UMYO is his solution: a “Wall Street of Technology” owned by the people themselves. Already, the network has launched more than 50 digital hubs to equip communities for the AI-driven economy. By taking the same technology that threatens jobs and reengineering it to create opportunity, the platform empowers people to build their own digital economies instead of relying on failing systems.

UMYO is built on accessibility, with membership starting at just $5.99 per month. Members receive a private digital hub that combines social media, e-commerce, education, and networking into a single platform. They can access financial support, spiritual growth resources, storefront giveaways, and even income opportunities as account executives. Beyond individual benefits, UMYO reinvests profits back into communities, making traditional fundraising unnecessary for HBCUs, nonprofits, churches, and unions.

Ultimately, UMYO is more than just a platform—it is a movement born from the vision of an African American father and his three sons. Gregory Cherry, Gregory Jr., Isaac, and Isaiah have built a family-led legacy that challenges the dominance of corporate tech giants while providing a sustainable path forward for everyday people. Owned by the people and powered by the people, it stands as a model of innovation, resilience, and generational leadership in the fight for economic survival in the age of AI.

Weekly Meetings Now Open:

Every Tuesday at noon CST and Thursday at 7 pm CST, Gregory and his sons host free weekly virtual meetings for partners, leaders, and members. Learn how UMYO works, see the plan of action, and hear how communities are already being transformed. Register here.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2025

John Bey Elected To Lead Largest Organization For Plaintiff Lawyers

Attorney John Bey brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new presidential role.

A Black attorney from Atlanta will now lead the American Association for Justice, the largest organization for plaintiff lawyers.

John Bey is officially the President-Elect of the association, bringing almost 20 years of experience in representing individual civil lawsuits. He shared that the organization has over 20,000 members nationally, making his appointment a significant honor.

“I’m excited to represent trial lawyers and their clients across the country,” Bey told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I really do kind of embrace this David-versus-Goliath role and the ability to go out there and get justice for folks who don’t always have the opportunity to have the best representation.”

As plaintiff lawyers, these attorneys represent individuals initiating a lawsuit to seek compensation from a defendant. Their clients typically include injured people, lobbies and advocates for plaintiffs’ right to a jury trial, often against large companies. Bey has also been a member of the AAJ for 15 years, and hopes that his tenure will incur more justice for the individuals they serve.

Since beginning his law career, the attorney has grown his own law firm, Bey & Associates, to 15 offices and associates across cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, Cincinnati and Birmingham. Before his new role, Bey held teaching and leadership jobs within the AAJ, formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He seized the opportunity to grow with the organization, providing better service to his clients.

The news comes while Georgia cracks down on the amount of compensation one can gain from personal injury lawsuits. A law passed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will limit these lawsuits, stating that they will protect small business owners from lofty damages in jury trials.

However, the AAJ has spoken out against this legislation, emphasizing how it favors insurers and larger companies instead of victims. The Black attorney also wants his leadership to advocate for plaintiffs’ rights within and beyond the state.

“It’s always going to be about access to justice, and is this bill or new rule going to be something that stops folks from being able to bring cases and get justice?” Bey said. “A successful time in that role as president is being able to help maintain the clients’ access to the courtroom through advocacy at the Capitol in D.C. and being able to really give life to our clients’ stories and the things that they are going through.”

Bey intends to keep getting his clients justice as he splits time in his home base of Atlanta and the AAJ’s headquarters of Washington, D.C.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2025

Heaviest NFL Player, Desmond Watson, Waived By Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Watson, who was 464 pounds before being signed as a free agent, did not lose enough weight to make the team

Desmond Watson, who was the heaviest player in NFL history, may have just participated in his last bit of league action after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived the defensive player.

According to ESPN, Watson, who was recently placed on the non-football injury list due to his weight, has been cut as NFL teams reduce their rosters ahead of the upcoming season openers. Watson weighed 464 pounds earlier this year and was an undrafted player. Although he managed to lose weight and get down to 449 pounds, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot on the roster, as the team had required him to lose weight to be in game shape.

He never got a chance to showcase his skills during the preseason, as the Buccaneers placed him on the non-football injury list to help him lose weight and perform conditioning exercises to reach an acceptable level of play. There was no emphasis placed on what weight he needed to get down to.

His head coach, Todd Bowles, had some high hopes that he would make the team. But it boiled down to getting his weight to a manageable level. He could make the practice squad if another team does not pick him up on waivers.

Last week, Bowles stated, “I’d like to have some long-term plans for him going forward because he’s making some progress and I feel like down the line he can help us, but we’ll have those conversations toward the end of the week.”

Watson never got the chance to suit up, as he did not take a practice snap or preseason snap with the team. However, he did participate in the rookie minicamp early this year in May.

Although he was unable to suit up and take the field for the Buccaneers, if another team decides to give him a chance at playing, at his present weight, he will become the heaviest athlete to take the field in an NFL game if he can sign with another team.

RoDina Williams, Illinoisan, Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2025

Racial Discrimination Denied This Georgia Woman An Art Degree, 50 Years Later Her Story Is Told In New Film

The woman did not officially receive her art degree until decades later.

A Black woman from Georgia, who was denied her art degree decades ago, will finally get her story told on screen.

In the 1970s, Gwendolyn Payton had plans to graduate from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, her dream did not come to fruition for decades, with Payton believing the initial denial stemmed from racial discrimination.

Despite the disheartening journey, Payton never gave up on her academic ambitions. Through the documentary “The Faith of the Dreamer,” Payton’s story of resilience and determination will hit the big screen in her actor son’s directorial debut.

The director, Payton’s son, and “The Walking Dead” actor Khary Payton will showcase the protagonist’s story of receiving her overdue achievement. According to The Telegraph, Payton began her first year of classes at the Macon-based institution in 1968.

The Black woman had an affinity for art, wanting to take her passion to the next academic level. However, her visit to the arts department chair left her feeling discouraged and experiencing blatant discrimination.

“He made it clear that he didn’t think I could finish the program,” Payton told the Macon news outlet. “I don’t think that he wanted the school to go into an era of desegregation, and he told me that he did not think that I could graduate from Mercer in his department with a degree.”

She says the faculty member also called her a slur while doubting she had the intellectual chops to make it through the program. However, his words did not deter her, while Payton continued her mission to complete all the required coursework.

Payton met another roadblock as her department chair refused to let her participate in a mandatory senior art exhibit. He deemed her conceptual artwork, which featured works such as “Rebirth of Colored Folks,” “too controversial.” The art pieces showed an unabashed portrait of the plight of Black America.

“There were so many things against them, and I felt like they were just a target,” said the 74-year-old. “There were several conceptual art paintings—meaning that they were about how I thought about things that were going on in society.”

While Payton thought she had moved on, she felt her degree denial severely stunted her artistic career.

‘What was, what had brought that big impact on my art career — having been denied my degree at Mercer, having been denied that my conceptual artwork was real and reality for me, even if it may not have been reality for him,” she said.

She left the university with just her biology degree, unable to get past the racist pers i stence of the chair. Despite a dream deferred, the desire never left her. A chance meeting in 2019 with a current Mercer professor led to progress.

With the support of another faculty member, Payton finally put up a fight to receive her degree. Now, the documentary will detail her journey of perseverance and healing to finally obtain what has always been hers.

“Opposition to the truth may derail the dream, but the faith of the dreamer prevails,” she added.

The film premiered Aug. 24 at Theatre Macon as part of the Macon Film Festival. Additional screenings will follow.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2025

Basketball Cards Featuring Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant Auctions For Whopping $12 Milly

The $12.932 million surpassed the $12.6 million that a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card brought in August 2022

The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Basketball Cards, with the signatures of Jordan and Bryant, which was expected to fetch over $6 million at an auction, more than doubled that price with a record $12.932 million bid.

According to Heritage Auctions, the sale produced by Heritage Auctions ended with a bid for $12.932 million, surpassing the $12.6 million that a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card brought in August 2022. The auction house also sold the Mantle card. Mike Provenzale, production manager at Heritage Sports, stated that the basketball card was the only Jordan/Bryant dual Logoman ever made.

https://twitter.com/HeritageAuction/status/1959494937969393818

“I think that this incredible world record price reflects two things,” said Heritage’s Director of Sports Auctions, Chris Ivy. “First, this is the finest modern basketball card in the world, and second, Heritage Auctions provides our clients with the best platform to generate world record results for your rare collectibles.”

There were 82 bids for the rare basketball card.

The Jordan/Bryant card was purchased by Shark Tank co-host and Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary, hobby mega-collector Matt Allen, and entrepreneur Paul Warshaw.

CNBC reported that the “Shark Tank” regular spoke to the media outlet to inform them that he was one of the card’s purchasers.

“We bought it together, yes we did,” O’Leary said on “Squawk Box,” telling them that the three of them connected on a 3 a.m. Zoom call to buy the card. “I’m very proud to own it.”

ESPN reported that the collectible is the second-most expensive sports item behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” baseball jersey, which sold for $24.12 million last year.

Before this weekend’s auction took place, the record price for a basketball card was the nearly $6 million price ($5.9 million) paid for a 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman Autograph card that was purchased in a private sale to an investment fund almost five years ago, in July 2021.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2025

Get Ready For The Gloss Bomb Cam, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Now Sponsors WNBA’s New York Liberty

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, skin, and hair brands are the sponsors of the WNBA reigning champs.

Rihanna is making her support of women athletes known through her latest partnership with the WNBA’s New York Liberty franchise.

However, it is not Rihanna herself who is becoming an ambassador of the basketball league. Instead, she inked a deal through Fenty Beauty brands to represent the Liberty on and off the court.

The opportunity is quite lucrative for both parties. With the deal, Rihanna will bring more eyes to her billion-dollar company through the partnership with the current WNBA champions.

Rihanna is also a champion for diversity in the beauty space. Now, the “marriage” of these entities will continue propelling both their missions of uplifting women while challenging the status quo. A spokesperson for the Fenty Brands told NBC News about what the collaboration signifies for both groups.

“There’s not one monolithic view of what a female athlete looks like, and there’s not one monolithic view of what beauty and beautiful looks like,” explained Sukiana Chancy, vice president of brand strategy for Fenty Skin and Fenty Hair. “That is the perfect intersection, really, of the marriage of these two brands, Fenty Beauty and New York Liberty.”

The investment by Rihanna also emphasizes a greater focus on women’s sports for visibility. The New York Liberty CEO expressed how beauty brands getting in the game is helping their cause to expand and elevate as a league.

“It all really goes back to investment, general investment, from brands who want to step up and have value alignment with us,” Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, told the news outlet. “I think there’s a different level of visibility for women’s sports right now, and especially in basketball.”

Furthermore, it showcases the nuances of womanhood, where sports stars can play hard while serving looks.

“I think it’s pretty cool now that both sides are kind of meeting in the middle,” added Isabelle Harrison, a forward for the New York Liberty. “I finally found a perfect space for me to represent all of who I am, not just being an athlete, not just being a beauty junkie. So Fenty, with this partnership with the Liberty, it’s truly brought both of my worlds together.”

In true Fenty fashion, Liberty fans can expect players and promotional materials to feature some of the makeup brand’s popular products. From the Fenty Gloss Bomb Cam to exclusive in-game products, WNBA enthusiasts can take part in the inaugural festivities that “beauty blend” sports and makeup.

The games have not only featured the cam, but will have the Liberty’s world-famous mascot, Ellie the Elephant, show off her favorite Fenty products. Since the WNBA season began, the collaboration has been a hit, marking the benefits of investing in the league and promoting women in sports.

Clarke added, “It was such a validating moment, that this is the right partnership, and that we’re engaging with the community in a way that they want to be engaged with. And it also highlighted that maybe this was a gap in the audience.”

Nedra Dickson Reportedly Appointed Interim CEO Of WBENC, A Historic 1st For Women’s Business Certifier

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 26, 2025

Nedra Dickson Reportedly Appointed Interim CEO Of WBENC, A Historic 1st For Women’s Business Certifier

At its core, WBENC's entire operational framework is built on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s leading certifier of women-owned businesses, has appointed Nedra Dickson as its Interim President and CEO, allegedly. The appointment marks a historic first for the organization, as Dickson becomes the first Black woman to hold its top leadership role.

A respected, trusted source also shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE that the transition comes as WBENC navigates the sudden and tragic loss of its former President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason, a beloved figure and tireless advocate for women-led enterprises.

Dickson, who has served as the WBENC Board Chair since January 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked closely with Prince-Eason and the organization’s leadership for over a year.

A recently retired, longtime executive from Accenture, Dickson’s career has been dedicated to advancing purpose-driven leadership and fostering a more inclusive business landscape. Her immediate priority is to provide steadfast leadership and ensure all organizational programs, certifications, and events remain on schedule and without disruption.

The appointment is a pivotal moment for an organization that oversees a vast ecosystem of over 20,000 members, including a formidable network of Fortune 500 corporations and women-owned businesses. WBENC’s leadership change is significant on two fronts: it offers a promise of continuity during a period of mourning and, simultaneously, represents a major milestone in racial diversity within a major business organization.

The Pine Bluff, Arkansas native’s career has been a testament to her commitment to diversity and inclusion. A seasoned and highly awarded executive, she brings more than two decades of experience in technology consulting, operations management, and procurement sourcing with Fortune 500 companies. While at Accenture, she was the driving force behind the global expansion of the award-winning Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP), a mentoring initiative that helps diverse-owned businesses successfully integrate into the worldwide supply chain. Her leadership has led to Accenture’s supplier diversity program being globally recognized as “Best in Class,” and she has managed over $2 billion in contingent labor spend.

The corporate maven’s dedication is further evidenced by her numerous board positions with influential organizations, such as the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, as well as a long list of accolades, including being named one of “America’s Top 100 Leaders in Corporate Supplier Diversity” by WE Magazine.

“NMSDC is now Black-led and WNBEC is Black-led,” the source said. “And it just so happens in the season of anti-DEI.”

Dickson’s ascension to the role signals a new chapter for the organization, one that reflects the evolving landscape of inclusive economic growth.

As the community moves forward, it will continue to celebrate Prince-Eason’s extraordinary contributions while uniting to embrace a future of courage and innovation under Dickson’s guidance. Together with its Board of Directors, Leadership Council, and Women’s Enterprise Forum, WBENC will continue to use the collective expertise of its networks to address the unique barriers women-owned and small businesses face in establishing and managing their enterprises.

Founded in 1997, WBENC was created to establish a nationwide standard for women-owned business certification. The nonpartisan 501(c)(3) non-profit has since grown into the largest third-party certifier of businesses majority-owned by women. It is also a leading authority on advancing economic opportunities and providing vital tools and resources to help small businesses thrive. The organization partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its certification and programming to all U.S.-based small businesses.

At its core, WBENC’s entire operational framework is built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The organization promotes diversity in the business landscape by ensuring women-owned businesses have a recognized seat at the table.

It works to create equity by providing certification and access to larger markets, giving women-led enterprises the tools to compete effectively.

Ultimately, it fosters an inclusive environment through networking events and support communities designed to help women entrepreneurs thrive and succeed. This comprehensive approach is dedicated to leveling the playing field and creating a more diverse and inclusive business ecosystem.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2025

50 Cent Deletes Farewell ‘Goodbye’ Post To Starz After Dismal Report

Serial troller 50 Cent writes, 'Not hard to say goodbye"

Perhaps the biggest troll on social media, 50 Cent, has told STARZ that it was “Not hard to say goodbye,” after recent news of the company’s financial woes.

After constantly going back and forth with the movie and television network, it seems as if the relationship between the two entities is over. According to Complex, the entertainment executive responded to the Starz CEO and the company’s recent financial report.

In its latest report, STARZ stated that its streaming subscriber base fell to 12.2 million from 13.4 million in the second quarter of 2025. Its domestic customer numbers fell by 410,000 for its regular audience to 17.6 million users. In a since-deleted post, 50 wrote, “It’s not that hard to say goodbye. Bye.”

STARZ CEO and President Jeffrey Hirsch blamed the “underperformance” of BMF’s latest season as one of the primary reasons for the company’s dismal report.

However, there seems to be no struggle when it comes to whatever 50 throws his weight behind. After agreeing to purchase a film studio in Shreveport, Louisiana, the G-Unit boss has promised another “Humor and Harmony” festival in the southern city next year. While the event was underway, a temporary G-Dome was constructed to accommodate some of the events that took place last summer.

Since that was successful, he promised the city that a newly constructed, permanent G-Dome will be done by next year, much to the delight of his new town. They were notified by Orville Hall, G-Unit’s Growth Advisor, when he informed officials during the Aug. 18 meeting of the Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee.

KSLA also reported that Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s office has already confirmed that the Humor & Harmony Festival will make its return to the city in March of 2026.

The G-Unit Film and Television Studio opened last year in a previously unused studio that was not being used by the Louisiana city.

nursing home The family wants the nursing home to be held accountable.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2025

Wheelchair-bound Woman Forgotten And Locked Inside Atlanta Clinic By Staff

The woman says staff walked past her room multiple times without checking on her.

A wheelchair-bound woman claims she was forgotten and locked inside an Atlanta clinic after it closed.

Ankita Mackin was stuck on her exam table at the Hanger Clinic for hours, unable to move due to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Mackin said she could only find help after rolling off the table to crawl to her phone charger.

Before the ordeal, Mackin was transported to the clinic for a brace-fitting appointment to straighten her feet. She assumed the staff would help her secure transportation back home once she finished. However, no one came to check in on her, leaving her in the room to fend for herself.

“So, I’m thinking that, ‘OK, well they know I’m finished so they’re going to call transportation to come back and get me,’” explained Mackin to 11Alive.

The woman thankfully had her charger on her, or else she may have spent the evening in the medical facility. She saw staff walk by as she dozed off, waking up as everyone left the building. She yelled out for help, but no one answered.

“I’m still waiting, waiting, waiting, and the next thing you know, it went quiet, it gets quiet,” she recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I know. Lord knows I hope they didn’t lock me in this building.”

She put her body at risk to get out of there, saying the fall hurt her back. She called 911 several times to no response, FaceTiming her daughters right after, who came to her rescue. The Atlanta police and medical personnel arrived shortly after the women did.

Now, Mackin and her family are questioning Hanger Clinic about their negligence. They want to know how they could leave without ensuring all patients had left the building.

“Like, who locks up the building? No one walks around to check each room,” expressed her daughter, Yahkia.

Mackin went to Grady Hospital to inspect her injuries, later checking out of the center. However, she still feels traumatized by the ordeal and feels unsafe in a place of care.

When the new outlet also inquired about the situation, the Atlanta clinic stated HIPAA laws prevented them from speaking on it. It remains unclear if Mackin will take legal action against Hanger.