Dozen of Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy students and faculty members protested for a fellow classmate who said he was racially profiled at local Safeway.

Ja’Mari Oliver, 11, visited a Safeway on the morning of April 26, but security guards insisted that he stole the sandwich he paid for, The Hill reported.

Oliver had the receipt, but the security guards would not let him leave the store until a manager verified his purchase.

The whole ordeal was tragic for Oliver, who went home crying to her mother. When Tatiana Hawkins went to the store to get an explanation of how her son got profiled, she described the Safeway workplace as “hostile.”

“A Safeway representative confirmed that third-party security guards asked for a receipt and eventually Ja’Mari left the store with his mother. Those involved have been ‘removed’ from the store, said spokesperson Wendy Gutshall, the San Francisco Examiner reported,

“The store manager was unaware of what happened until the young man returned to the store with his mother,” Gutshall told the Examiner. “He extended our most sincere apologies for the boy’s unsettling experience. While our internal investigation is ongoing, we can tell you that this is counter to our policies and training.”

The managers gave Hawkins a $25 gift card.

Third-grade teacher Ryan Swick said his students are aware of the racial divide among Black people and White. As students of a school named after an openly gay civil rights icon, they wanted to take a stand against injustice.

“Kids are aware that this kind of stuff happens,” Swick told the Examiner. “You don’t think it happens to someone in your community, until it happens to someone in your community.”

Last Wednesday,  students, staff, and community members walked a mile to the Safeway, marching on Oliver’s behalf and carrying  “Black Lives Matter” signs.

“We don’t just want to focus on the things that can happen to [Black and Brown students],” Swick said. “But also, how are we restoring Ja’Mari’s joy? How are we showering him with the community to let him know we are with him? When you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.”

Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy also prepared a list of demands for Safeway.

With previous announcements of two documentaries featuring the youngest heavyweight boxing champion in history, another one is being premiered at the end of this month.

ABC News recently announced that it will debut a four-hour documentary series on the life of the youngest heavyweight champion, boxing legend Mike Tyson. The documentary, Mike Tyson: The Knockout will chronicle the former boxing champion’s climb, crash, and comeback. It will feature the real-life story of Tyson from his difficult childhood to becoming the undisputed world champion as well as his 1992 rape conviction and his personal struggles throughout his infamous career.

RELATED CONTENT: Jamie Foxx Portrays Boxing Champ Mike Tyson in Upcoming Series Directed By Antoine Fuqua

The documentary will spotlight his life’s extreme highs and lows. The two-part primetime event examines some of the most pressing questions about resilience and reinvention. Mike Tyson: The Knockout will feature exclusive interviews with actor and boxing enthusiast Rosie Perez, former President of HBO Sports Ross Greenburg, ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap, as well as people and associates who were in Tyson’s inner circle and more.

Footage will also include exclusive ABC News archival material and previously unaired interview footage with Tyson. The former champion reflects on what he has learned throughout his boxing career and his new outlook on life. Mike Tyson: The Knockout premieres on back-to-back Tuesdays, May 25 and June 1, (8:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET), on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu.

“In addition to being an inspiring story of the perseverance and hard-won growth of one extraordinary person, Mike Tyson’s life and career are also relevant to the important collective self-reflection finally occurring in America,” said executive producer Geoffrey Fletcher.

After sharing his disgust for Hulu producing an unauthorized biopic based on his life, Mike Tyson is getting the chance to get his story out with his involvement. Multi-talented entertainer, Jamie Foxx will be playing heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson in a new biographical limited series. Unlike the upcoming Hulu-produced Iron Mike series, Tyson is directly involved in this limited series titled, Tyson.

• News

by Derek Major

May 10, 2021

VP Kamala Harris Discusses Ways To Stem Migration With President Of Mexico

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(Reuters) -The United States must fight corruption in Central America and help its economies in order to stem migration, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday in a call with Mexico’s president who pitched a tree-planting-for-visas plan.

The Biden administration has made the rule of law, judicial independence and combating corruption prominent elements of its strategy to improve conditions and lower migration from Central America and is keen to engage Mexico as a partner.

“Together, we must fight violence, we must fight corruption and impunity,” Harris said, at the start of call with Lopez Obrador prior to a June 7-8 visit to Guatemala and Mexico, her first foreign trip as vice president.

President Joe Biden has tasked Harris with leading U.S. efforts to lower immigration from Mexico and Central America as the administration grapples with an increase in people crossing at its southern border.

Harris said the rising numbers of migrants were a serious challenge for the two countries and they should provide immediate relief in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

RELATED CONTENT:Mexico President Obrador, V.P. Kamala Harris, to Discuss Immigration Friday in Virtual Meeting

In a statement after the meeting, the vice president’s office said Mexico and the United States will work together in Central America to tackle unemployment, limited market access and deforestation and instability caused by climate change.

Hundreds of thousands of people from the three Central American nations, known as the Northern Triangle, have left since last year, traveling to and through Mexico following economic damage from the pandemic and hurricanes.

“Most people don’t want to leave home and when they do it is often because they are fleeing some harm or they are forced to leave because there are no opportunities,” Harris, 56, said.

Harris recently unveiled $310 million in additional aid for the region, which has been badly hit by the pandemic and storms that devastated parts of Honduras and Guatemala last year.

Lopez Obrador, 67, said he had a specific proposal he wanted to discuss with Harris. He did not give details, but told reporters earlier that the tree planting idea was at the top of his mind.

“We agree with the migration policies you are developing and we are going to help, you can count on us,” he said.

Mexico’s government has launched a large jobs program that pays small farmers to reforest land, and has recently expanded it to Central America. At a Washington climate summit in April, Lopez Obrador raised the idea that the United States could reward farmers with work visas and citizenship.

U.S. officials have so far given no indication that such a proposal could become policy.

CORRUPTION

Lopez Obrador rose to prominence criticizing corruption in past governments and considers the issue central to his legacy.

However, shortly before Friday’s call his government made a formal diplomatic complaint to the United States for financially supporting an anti-graft group he considers to be politically opposed to the government.

Lopez Obrador said the issue would not be raised in the meeting with Harris. He also said he would not stay for the entire call.

Lopez Obrador, who touted his good relations with both the previous Trump administration and the Biden administration, has taken a harder line with Washington on a range of issues in recent months.

Asked what Harris hoped to accomplish in the talks and what agreements were expected, Ricardo Zuniga, the U.S. special envoy on Central America’s Northern Triangle countries, said on Wednesday the discussions would go beyond immigration.

“We’re undertaking these kinds of engagements with the view of the totality of our relationship with Mexico in mind,” Zuniga said. “Mexico is our largest trading partner… We’re deeply connected to them through economics and, through… our value chain and production chains.”

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick and Ted Hesson in Washington, and Raul Cortes Fernandez in Mexico City; Editing by Grant McCool and Alistair Bell)

The legacy of the man who is considered by many sports fans to be the greatest player to ever put on a basketball uniform and a pair of sneakers continues to grow as another former item of his has sold for over a million dollars!

• Business

by Derek Major

May 10, 2021

Merck Executive Ken Frazier Named Chief Executive’s 2021 CEO Of The Year

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Chief Executive magazine has named Merck CEO Black corporate executive Kenneth Frazier as its 2021 CEO of the year.

Frazier was selected for the award by an independent committee that has recognized his team leadership skills and his unprecedented work at Merck over the past decade. Since Frazier was appointed CEO and chairman of Merck in 2011 he has made significant changes, especially early research.

The changes Frazier implemented have led to numerous breakthrough products that have provided far-reaching benefits to society. Additionally, Frazier has made his presence well known in the fight for justice and equity. Frazier was paramount in the effort of more than 70 Black executives to take out an ad in the New York Times and Washington Post arguing against more than 90 election restriction bills introduced in 48 states.

RELATED CONTENT: Most Powerful Black Business Leaders Urge Corporate America to Fight For Voting Rights

Multiple peers had nothing but positive comments and congratulations for Frazier in their comments to Chief Executive magazine.

“Ken is an extraordinary individual who defines the meaning of leadership, not only in the corporate world but in society as well,” Tom Quinlan, chairman, president, and CEO of LSC Communications and a longtime member of the selection committee told Chief Executive. “This is evident from the results and milestones Merck has achieved during his tenure coupled with the courageous actions Ken has taken over the years to improve our society.”

According to Merck, Frazier currently sits on numerous executive boards including PhRMA, Weill Cornell Medicine, Exxon Mobil Corp., Catalyst, and Cornerstone Christian Academy in Philadelphia.

The Penn State University graduate also co-chairs OneTen, a coalition of leading organizations committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting 1 million Black Americans into family-sustaining jobs.

Frazier announced in February that he will step down as CEO after 30 years with the pharmaceutical giant in a variety of -positions, but will stay on as executive chairman.

Last year, Officer Steven Teets, who was off-duty, vandalized Mirella Castaneda’s home and it may have been because of the Black Lives Matter flag in her front yard, The Washington Post reported.

At first, it was reported that Teets acted alone, but new reports from The Oregonian say that Teets had a driver—Officer Bradley Schuetz, who responded to the home when police were called.

Related stories: OKLAHOMA LAWMAKER JUSTIN HUMPHREY COMPARES BLACK LIVES MATTER TO KKK

By not arresting Teets immediately, as Beaverton police Sgt. Kevin MacDonald said best, Schuetz “prevented the investigation from happening.”

“Sharing such information at this time (or rushing to make decisions based on partial information) could do more harm than good and could potentially hinder the City’s ability to address these important issues,” Forest Grove Police Chief Henry Reimann said in a statement regarding why he could not release any information about the October incident until the criminal cases are resolved. “Once the criminal process is complete for each of the officers, an outside law enforcement agency will evaluate if policy violations occurred.”

However, Teets is not off the hook as he faces charges of second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree disorderly conduct for allegedly violating Castaneda’s home, setting her truck alert off, and interfering with the flag.

When Castaneda went outside to see the commotion, Teets allegedly attempted to fight her.

Castaneda called the police and when the responding officers arrived, including Schuetz, the officers recognized Teets and Schuetz drove him home against police department procedures.

Teets has been placed on administrative desk duty, while Schuetz has been placed on paid administrative leave, Forest Grove Police Capt. Michael Hall told The Associated Press.

• Career

by Andrea Blackstone

May 10, 2021

Legal Advocacy Organization Taking The Fight For Workers’ Rights Online

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A Better Balance (ABB), a national organization dedicated to advancing justice for workers caring for themselves and their loved ones, will hold a free online event Tuesday, May 11, to celebrate its 15th anniversary.

According to a press release, celebrating progress and the road ahead in tackling today’s unprecedented care crisis will be the theme. Honorees include Chai Feldblum, former Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and long-time civil rights leader. Among the speakers scheduled to appear ar  Samantha Bee, host of Full Frontal With Samantha Bee on TBS; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Colorado State Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster); and Charlotte Burrows, chair of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission.

In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Sherry Leiwant, co-founder and co-president of ABB, said anyone who is interested in issues related to ABB’s work may want to attend. Many issues ABB addresses pertain to women.

“We’re really in the midst…of trying to get paid family and medical leave passed in Congress, as well as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which is up for a vote next week in the House,” Leiwant said.

She noted that during the event, attendees will learn about what people can do to raise these issues and others impacting all at the state, local and federal levels.

ABB’s website mentions that some of the organization’s work includes researching, drafting, and testifying in support of bills that will help working people care for themselves and their loved ones without risking their paychecks. ABB has also been supportive of low-wage workers and workers of color.

Dina Bakst, ABB’s co-founder and co-president, penned an op-ed in The Hill with Leiwant on President Biden’s commitments to invest in working families and their importance.

ABB is currently urging individuals to tell legislators that pregnant workers and mothers should not have to choose between feeding their families and their health. According to the organization’s blog, ‘Congress must immediately pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to help ensure dignity, security, and equity for pregnant workers.’

ABB also serves a resource to learn more about workplace rights. Anyone who is interested in attending the May 11 online event may register directly on ABB’s website.

• Lifestyle

by Keka Araújo

May 9, 2021

Little Four-Year-Old Noah Bryant Ordered Over $2600 Worth Of SpongeBob Popsicles

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A Brooklyn mom got the coldest surprise of her life when a gigantic Amazon order showed up at a family member’s doorstep.

According to Jennifer Bryant’s Instagram, her 4-year-old son, Noah, ordered $2600 worth of SpongeBob Squarepants popsicles and the cool treat arrived at his aunt’s house in mid-April.

“Noah loves SpongeBob soooo much that he managed to purchase $2618.85 worth of SpongeBob popsicles from Amazon & had it sent to his Auntie houseWeary face. That equals to 51 cases, 918 popsicles. DID I MENTION THE NO RETURN POLICY,” wrote Bryant on her Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 💫jennie.b💫 (@amazin_mii)

Apparently, Little Noah really likes SpongeBob and popsicles. Because the treats from Amazon are non-refundable, Bryant had to figure out what she’d do with them– and Noah eating all of them was not an option. 

Related Story: AMAZON WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE DESIGNATED TO IMPROPERLY TEST WORKERS FOR COVID-19, DIES AND THE MEDIA ISN’T TALKING ABOUT IT

The mother, a social work student at NYU, is interning and working while rearing three boys and can’t afford the expensive, unexpected purchase.

Fortunately, a friend and fellow student, Katie Schloss created a GoFund Me to help Bryant recoup the cost of the popsicles. The $2,619 ask has been surpassed. The total donated as of May 9 is almost $24,000.

On May 4, Bryant thanked supporters for their donations.

“Thank you SO much for your mind-blowing generosity and support. We’re so grateful to have made back the $2618.85 in a mere 24 hours (!!!). As a child living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), all future donations will go towards Noah’s education and additional supports. We cannot thank you enough. Truly. Love Jennifer.”

It hasn’t been confirmed how many popsicles Noah ate. We wish them the best. 

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 9, 2021

Olathe North High School Baseball Coach Pete Flood Calls Black Player The N-Word Over Rap Music

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The head baseball coach at a Kansas high school faces termination after spewing racist vitriol toward a Black player on his team last Thursday.

Pete Flood, Olathe North High School’s head baseball coach, became angry as teen players played rap music before a game. According to The Star, as the students set up speakers during batting practice, the bigoted coach approached the only Black player on the squad to admonish him for the music.

“We don’t play that N***** music over here. We only play country and rock music,” Tony Banks, the teen’s father, told the news outlet the Flood told his son.

Banks notified the district about what took place after saying that other players’ families confirmed that Flood said the racist statement.

“To say something like that directly to a kid in the presence of other kids — this person does not need to be where he can influence or impact anybody, especially children,” Banks said. “My son was hurt through this.”

Banks shared what happened at Olathe North High School on his Facebook.

“FB Family, Friends, Coaches and Concern Citizens, I need 5 minutes of your time and support to make a call!  Here’s why and to whom.

My son, Nyle Banks, is the varsity starting shortstop, batting average leader and overall leader of Olathe North High School Baseball Team.  Nyle is the only player of color on the team,” he wrote. “At last night’s game versus Olathe South, during pre-game batting practice, Nyle and another player set up his phone with speakers and was playing Rap music as the team hit balls.”  

“The head coach, Pete Flood, heard the music and came over. He looked Nyle directly in his eyes and said, ‘We don’t play that N**** (the long nasty version) music over here.  We only play country and rock music”.  Olathe North is about 40% minority, but the team is not.” 

Olathe school officials responded to Flood’s egregious actions on Friday. Via a statement, the district denounced the man’s vile actions calling them “racist and derogatory.”

“We are appalled by the remarks made by the Olathe North head baseball coach and have thoroughly investigated the situation.”

“The comments made are absolutely unacceptable,” the statement continued. “In the Olathe Public Schools, our priority is the well-being of ALL our students. Racist and derogatory statements will never be tolerated. This is not who we are in Olathe. Our focus now is on the support and care of our students.”

Flood has not responded to the allegations.

There is no question that Black culture heavily influences American/pop culture. There’s also no question that mainstream American culture steals from the culture mentioned above while attributing credit to something completely separate.  

On Saturday night, a skit performed on the long-running comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL) didn’t go over well with Black folks on social media. The routine was an ill-attempt at using African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and ascribing it to Generation Z.

bestie’s gonna be okay, right? pic.twitter.com/fhT7DrQrIz

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) May 9, 2021

Reactions from Twitter ranged from disgust to an all-out lesson on why AAVE existed in the first place. 

To all the people that wrote this damn skit pic.twitter.com/zokkkergRD

— ₩ØⱠ₣ⓋⒾ (@SWOOPDIZZY) May 9, 2021

yeah no, this is unacceptable. AAVE is NOT Gen Z slang, it’s NOT twitter slang, and it’s definitely a form of appropriation when used like this so thanks for mocking Black culture.

if a bunch of millennials can do the research, i know SNL can too ⬇️ https://t.co/Vm6hJvRWfU

— chyenne tatum ‎‎‎‎⍟ (@chyandblack) May 9, 2021

This feels very antiblack pic.twitter.com/819ed2SJ3y

— Bri The Best (@So_like_no) May 9, 2021

I’d consider this a form of Blackface. You can call it Gen Z all you want but y’all are only fooling these yt folks

— FREDDIE (@eastbayvicious) May 9, 2021

This is why black people (AA) want to gatekeep aave. Aave isn’t some funny internet language created by some teens on TikTok nor is it slang, it’s a whole dialect with its own rules. Black people have been literally speaking like this during slavery of course-

— My @ makes no sense (@MTimmitjr) May 9, 2021

So y’all wrote a script, acted out, rehearsed, and recorded this sketch, and still saw nothing wrong with it? pic.twitter.com/a6eYxePjlD

— Jammie ;; {} (@jammiemulti) May 9, 2021

AAVE is a creolized version of American English created by enslaved Africans brought to the Western Hemisphere. 

“Creolization is a common process that results from lots of people who speak different languages needing a common means to communicate and mixing their languages together to make one,” The Messenger reported.

Although academia criticizes AAVE, it is a viable and flowing language that continues to expand even after its inception over 500 years ago. 

In 2018, The Atlantic reported that “most speakers of African-American English do learn to code-switch naturally.”

Ultimately, the preservation of AAVE revolves around gatekeeping Blackness. And skits like those portrayed on SNL should be dragged.