An Ohio judge acquitted the brother of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles of voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault related to a 2018 shooting in Cleveland.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Joan Synenberg granted Tevin Biles-Thomas a judgment of acquittal for lack of evidence. Biles-Thomas was initially charged with voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault charges stemming from a New Year’s Eve shooting in Cleveland.

CNN reported on the night of the shooting, a group of uninvited guests entered a home and a fight broke out which led to a shooting where multiple people were hit. Three people involved in the incident were shot, two died at the scene and a third at the hospital.

Cleveland police identified Biles-Thomas as the shooter. He was arrested for the shooting in 2019 and pleaded not guilty. Joe Patituce, Biles-Thomas lawyer, told CNN that his client maintained his innocence throughout the situation.

“This was a horrible tragedy, three families lost three family members and you know, absolutely horrific. So, we understand emotions were running high,” Patituce said. “But today, Tevin Biles was vindicated – what he’s waited to get for the last two and half years.”

People Magazine reported that when Synenberg granted Biles-Thomas the acquittal, the mother of one of the victims leapt from her seat yelling ‘You killed my baby’ as she approached Biles-Thomas. The woman was stopped by three officers before she reached Biles-Thomas.

Simone Biles, a four-time gold medalist, is fresh off her seventh U.S. gymnastics championship and is gearing up for the summer Olympics next month in Tokyo, Japan. It’s unclear if the United States has cleared athletes to travel to Japan for the Olympics.

However, the government has warned citizens about traveling to Japan in advance of the Olympics.

“Travelers should avoid all travel to Japan,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement according to ESPN. “Because of the current situation in Japan even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to Japan.”

• Technology

by Derek Major

June 16, 2021

U.S. House Set To Vote On Antitrust Bills Focusing On Big Tech Next Week

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Reuters – The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will vote next week on a package of recently introduced antitrust bills including several targeting the market power of Big Tech, committee chair Jerry Nadler said on Wednesday.

Five antitrust bills were introduced last week in the House of Representatives. They will be marked up in committee to consider changes and then voted on by the panel to decide whether the full House should vote on the measures.

Two of the bills introduced last week address the issue of giant companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google, creating a platform for other businesses and then competing against those same businesses.

These bills — one of which would force companies to sell businesses — have attracted the most opposition. Some pro-tech groups have said they could mean the end of popular promotions like Amazon Prime free shipping and iMessage in iPhones.

Representative David Cicilline, chair of the antitrust subcommittee, talked about a crisis given the power of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. “These modern day robber barons are growing their power from anti-competitive means,” he said at a press conference flanked by Republican and Democratic colleagues.

A top antitrust Republican, Representative Ken Buck, said he had been skeptical of the need for additional antitrust enforcement but had changed his mind. “I think you’re going to see more Republican support as folks understand the issue more,” he said.

In addition to the two bills aimed at conflict of interest in platforms’ businesses, a third bill would require a platform to refrain from any merger unless it can show the acquired company does not compete with any product or service the platform is in. A fourth would require platforms to allow users to transfer their data elsewhere, including to a competing business.

The House members also introduced a fifth bill, a companion to a measure that has already passed the Senate and would increase the budgets of antitrust enforcers and make companies planning the biggest mergers pay more. Observers have said that this bill was the most likely of the five to become law.

(Reporting by Diane Bartz, Editing by Franklin Paul and David Gregorio)

• Education

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Mississippi School System Accused of Cheating Black Students Out of Valedictorian Honors

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After two Black high school seniors in Mississippi were recently forced to share their valedictorian and salutatorian honors with two white students, it brought back sensitive memories of a 2016 graduate who went through the same thing.

Jasmine Shepard was a graduating senior at Cleveland High School in Mississippi in 2016. At the time, Shepard was set to be honored as the class valedictorian. But she was blindsided when she learned that certain standard operating procedures were violated so that a white student could share the valedictorian honors with her, EURWeb reports.

While speaking with the outlet, Shepard’s mother, Dr. Sherry Shepard explained how the white student, identified as “H.B.” was “allowed to receive credit for courses that were not in the approved courses manual in the Mississippi Department of Education.”

The mother and daughter were prompted to speak out after learning about recent graduating senior Layla Temple and Ikeria Washington. The two Black students went viral after word got out about how they were forced to share the valedictorian and salutatorian honors with two white students at West Point Consolidated School District.

While Washington and Temple had the two highest QPAs among the graduating class, the school decided to also honor two white students who had the highest GPAs. As a result, four students were recognized by the school as valedictorian and salutatorian, and the school was blasted on social media.

“A Mississippi HS had two black female students as their valedictorian and salutatorian,” a now-viral tweet read. “Then suddenly, hours before the graduation, they announced two additional students were ALSO the valedictorian and salutatorian for a total of four. The school has deleted their social media.”

A Mississippi HS had two black female students as their valedictorian and salutatorian.

Then suddenly, hours before the graduation, they announced two additional students were ALSO the valedictorian and salutatorian for a total of four. The school has deleted their social media pic.twitter.com/CkAKQ5nKjL

— chris evans (@chris_notcapn) June 1, 2021

The school responded to the backlash by accepting “full responsibility for this misunderstanding” and apologizing for “any confusion and problems this has caused,” WCBI News reports.

We’ve come a long way as a country, but situations like this remind us of how far we still have to go.

Tessica Brown might have made the biggest mistake of her life when her hair got stuck and wouldn’t move after she sprayed the extremely strong adhesive, Gorilla Glue, on her head and couldn’t wash it out.

She obviously learned to flip that bad mistake into a business and launched the Forever Hair line of hair care products.

The latest adventure for the viral sensation has her hocking Sleek edge control that will safely help customers lay their edges down with ease. According to the website, the product is made with black castor and aloe vera and will be released soon. Another product called growth oil, promises to stimulate hair growth. Another produce, Forever Hold is also offered for sale. Additionally, sweats with ‘Bonded For Life’ lettered on them, t-shirts and hoodies are all for sale.

Brown seemingly learned her lesson but the gorilla glue debacle was no laughing matter when it initially happened. Brown– who is a mother — did not always receive empathy online.

Brown’s initial Tik Tok video revealed her dilemma with the world earlier this year, after she slicked her hair down with Gorilla Glue. Dr. Michael Obeng was gracious enough to free Brown’s locks without charging her for his expertise, according to ESSENCE.

“Based on my chemistry background, I created a solvent made of medical-grade adhesive remover and acetone to break through the month’s long shell,” Obeng said in the  ESSENCE interview.

This time around, Brown turned to Tik Tok on a happier note. She introduce her all natural hair growth oil, while explaining how she succeeded in bringing her locks back to life.

@im_d_ollady

Link in my bio and get you some drops it is working miracles on my hair I promise you won’t be disappointed

♬ original sound – Tessica Brown

And in this clip, Brown happily fluffs up her nicely growing locks with her fingers.

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tessica (@im_d_ollady)

TMZ reported that  Brown launched her business venture on Wednesday, under the “Forever Hair,” brand. According to the story, all of the entrepreneurs products were developed with the assistance of hair care professionals. It was noted that they can be removed safely by washing the a person’s hair. However, TMZ also said that Brown wanted to develop products for people who suffered hair loss. Brown was both encouraged and ridiculed for her Gorilla Glue faux paus. It looks like adversity made her think outside of the box, then try to make something positive out of what started out as a very bad hair day.

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Derek Major

June 16, 2021

Ohio State University To Host ‘Classic for Columbus’ HBCU Football Game Between Central State, Kentucky State

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HBCU rivals Central State University and Kentucky State University will begin their 2021 football seasons on August 28 in the first “Classic for Columbus” on the Ohio State University campus.

The game will be played as a non-conference game at Ohio Stadium, home of the Buckeyes. The rivalry between the two teams dates back to 1947 with CSU leading the series 36-23-1. Additionally, there will be more than 20 associated events and activities held throughout the week beginning Wednesday August 25.

Both schools had their 2020 seasons interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and Central State ended up cancelling all athletic competitions for the 2020 fall and spring seasons. CSU Athletics Tara A. Owens told HBCU Gameday the school is excited for the game.

“We have been anxiously waiting for the day when we can safely return to competition,” Owens said. “With a new staff led by head coach Bobby Rome and a roster full of re-energized and motivated student-athletes, we can’t wait to represent and showcase Central State University at the Classic for Columbus.

Rome, who was hired in February 2020 has yet to make his coaching debut but is chomping at the bit to get the season and his program started.

“It is an exciting time for Central State football. We have spent the time away from the field recruiting and developing talented and versatile players who possess championship mentalities and unmatched passion for the game of football,” Rome told Gameday. “The Classic for Columbus is a great opportunity for us to return to action in a world-class venue. Central State is a program and a university that’s on the rise and we look forward to kicking off our season on August 28th in Ohio Stadium.”

Other classic HBCU football games include the Southern Heritage Classic (Jackson State University vs. Tennessee State University), the Bayou Classic (Grambling State University vs. Southern University), the Magic City Classic (Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University) and the Florida Classic (Bethune-Cookman University vs. Florida A&M University). The inaugural HBCU Combine for NFL Draft eligible HBCU football student-athletes will take place in early 2022.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Morehouse Professor Helped To Detain Unruly Man On Delta Flight

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Morehouse Professor was put to work during his recent Delta flight after he helped airplane staff subdue an unruly passenger.

Rashaun Williams, a Morehouse College grad and professor, was captured in a recent viral video of a man going wild on an active Delta flight, 11 Alive reports.

The flight was en route from Los Angeles to Atlanta on June 12 but was forced to make a detour to Oklahoma after the unruly passenger sparked a confrontation with Delta staff mid-flight, NBC News reports.

Williams was lucky enough to be seated next to the man before the melee broke out.

“He was exhibiting some weird behavior and asked me a bunch of personal questions: What’s your name? What do you do? Where do you live in Atlanta? Can I get your phone number? Do you have a business card,” Williams recalled.

Williams said the man wrote down a note before walking to the back of the plane, then back to the front where he tried to take control of the plane’s intercom system. That is when the plane’s captain asked for assistance in bringing the man down. “We’d like all strong males to the front of the aircraft to handle a problem passenger,” the captain can be heard saying in the now-viral video footage.

“As soon as I stood up, he’s coming right towards me, facing me,” Williams said. “I immediately jump, grabbed his shoulders, pulled his hood over his head, pull him to the ground. Now, I’m holding him on the ground and he’s kicking, someone’s grabbing his feet.”

The unruly man ended up being an off-duty flight attendant. The note he wrote accused Williams of making terroristic threats. However, after the plane landed in Oklahoma, Williams spoke with law enforcement and the accusations were cleared up without incident.

“I just think he was having a mental health breakdown,” Williams said. “It’s up to us at citizens to invest in our own mental health, to be compassionate with people, and to learn how to diffuse situations with people without it becoming dangerous.”

One of the most controversial Hip-Hop figures would have celebrated his 50th birthday Wednesday if he were still alive. To commemorate his birth, an actress who knew him when they were both teenagers shared a rare gift that hasn’t been shown to the public before.

Actress and spouse to one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was a childhood friend of slain rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, posted song lyrics he had written and sent to her while he was incarcerated at Rikers Island in 1995. Pinkett-Smith posted the lyrics to what he titled “Lost Soulz” on her Twitter account to celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday.

“Some say nothing gold can last forever / And 2 believe this [I] need no proof / I have witnessed all that was pure in me / And be changed by the evil men can do / The innocence possessed by children / Once lived inside my soul / But surviving years with criminal peers / Has turned my warm heart to cold / I used 2 dream and fantasize / But now I’m scared 2 sleep / Petrified, not to live or die / But to awaken and still be me / It is true that nothing gold can last / We will all one day see death / When the purest hearts are torn apart / LOST SOULS are all that’s left / Down on my knees I beg of God / To save me from this fate / Let me live to see what was gold in me / Before it is all too late.

“Yours, Tupac.”

Tupac Amaru Shakur would’ve been 50 midnight tonight! As we prepare to celebrate his legacy … let’s remember him for that which we loved most … his way with words. Here are a few u may have never heard before✨ Happy “you goin’n to be 50 at midnight” Birthday Pac!😆I got next😜 pic.twitter.com/QAvhCll3zM

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 15, 2021

P.s I was planning to post tomorrow which is why the video says today is Pac’s bday. But I decided to start earlyyyyy✨

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 15, 2021

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Kevin Hart Claps Back At Critics Who Say He Isn’t Funny Following His Cancel Culture Comments

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Kevin Hart is no stranger to backlash. But after noticing a debate around his recent comments on cancel culture, the “Let Me Explain” comic clapped back at all the critics saying he isn’t funny.

Hart became a topic on Twitter following his recent CNN appearance where he criticized how cancel culture affects comedians. “When did we get to a point where life was supposed to be perfect?” the “Ride Along” star said. “Where people were supposed to operate perfectly all the time? I don’t understand.”

While speaking with The Sunday Times, Hart reiterated his views while explaining how unbothered he is by cancel culture. “I’ve been canceled, what, three or four times? Never bothered,” he said. “If you allow it to have an effect on you, it will,” he said. “Personally? That’s not how I operate. I understand people are human.”

But members of Black Twitter weren’t here for Hart’s thoughts on the topic and blasted him while downplaying his comedic chops. “Kevin Hart not funny enough for the aggravation he be causing,” one person tweeted. “Pls get your Hollywood bag and leave us alone.”

Kevin Hart not funny enough for the aggravation he be causing. Pls get your Hollywood bag and leave us alone.

— The Gooseologist (@likenicefrance) June 15, 2021

Another person compared Hart’s comments on cancel culture to takes from other regarded Black comedians.

“Eddie Murphy and Katt Williams, two funnier guys than Kevin Hart admitted that comedy could do with some self reflection,” the user said. “Hell, Eddie basically said he could understand where his stand up was considered harmful if I’m not mistaken….. but Kevin Hart is dying on the same hill.”

https://twitter.com/BC28_/status/1404796025823445001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1404796025823445001%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fatlantablackstar.com%2F2021%2F06%2F15%2Fi-got-time-today-kevin-hart-fires-off-multiple-tweets-at-haters-who-blasted-him-for-his-anti-cancel-culture-comments-and-questioned-his-comedic-chops%2F

But instead of ignoring the shade, Hart took to Twitter to let the public know he “had time today.” He tooted his own horn while reminding his haters how they make his job “fun.”

“The “He’s not funny” slander is the best….this is for you,” he said in one tweet. I have 3 stand up comedy specials that fall in the top 10 highest grossing comedy specials of all time….2 of my specials are in the top 3 of all time.”

The “He’s not funny” slander is the best….this is for you. I have 3 stand up comedy specials that fall in the top 10 highest grossing comedy specials of all time….2 of my specials are in the top 3 of all time.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) June 15, 2021

Not one to typically “talk sh*t”, as he put it, Hart told his fans to stop believing the press headlines and read articles in their entirety before passing judgment.

“I felt the need to today. Stop believing these headlines and read the actual articles,” he added. “You guys fall for the banana in the tail pipe trick every damn time.”

I rarely talk shit….but I felt the need to today. Stop believing these headlines and read the actual articles…. you guys fall for the banana in the tail pipe trick every damn time.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) June 15, 2021

It looks like the Kevin Hart shade isn’t falling on deaf ears.

As far as Sean “Jay-Z” Carter is concerned, there’s “reasonable doubt” that a photographer has the right to use his likeness for his personal gain without obtaining permission from the billionaire businessman.

According to Reuters, Jay-Z is suing photographer Jonathan Mannion, the photographer who shot the iconic cover of his 1996 debut album “Reasonable Doubt” and other notable pictures of the legendary rapper on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California. The lawsuit was filed in federal court accusing Mannion of misusing his likeness on merchandise which includes photo prints, shirts, and turntable mats, and licensing his image to others without Jay-Z’s permission.

The complaint says that “JAY–Z brings this action to stop Jonathan Mannion from exploiting JAY–Z’s name and image without JAY–Z’s consent. Mannion has developed a highly–profitable business by selling copies of photographs of JAY–Z on Mannion’s website and retail store, and by selling licenses to others to use JAY–Z’s image. Mannion has done so on the arrogant assumption that because he took those photographs, he can do with them as he pleases. But JAY–Z never gave Mannion the right to use his likeness for these or any other purposes. And without that permission, Mannion has no legal right to do so.JAY–Z has asked Mannion to stop, but he refuses to do so.

According to Complex, a legal representative for Mannion supplied them with a statement:

“Mr. Mannion has created iconic images of Mr. Carter over the years, and is proud that these images have helped to define the artist that Jay-Z is today. Mr. Mannion has the utmost respect for Mr. Carter and his body of work, and expects that Mr. Carter would similarly respect the rights of artists and creators who have helped him achieve the heights to which he has ascended.

“We are confident that the First Amendment protects Mr. Mannion’s right to sell fine art prints of his copyrighted works, and will review the complaint and respond in due course.”