by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2021

Horse Named After Breonna Taylor Emerges Victorious at Kentucky Derby Week Race

We can be assured that although a police shooting victim died at the hands of police officers, her name showed up as a winner at the Kentucky Derby.

According to WLKY, a horse who was named after police shooting victim Breonna Taylor, and owned by the attorney who represented Taylor’s family, won a Kentucky Derby Week race at Churchill Downs late last week.

In a six-furlong race, the three-year-old filly that was named after Taylor cruised to victory. The attorneys posted the victory on their Facebook page.

“Sam knew this Filly was strong and special just like the woman she was named in honor of “Breonna Taylor”.”

The attorney, Sam Aguiar posted on his Facebook page that “it was awesome” seeing “Breonna” win. His wife also posted and said, “Any time we win a horse race is exciting, but it takes it to a new level when you name your horse Breonna in honor of #BreonnaTaylor, the horse wins at Churchill Downs on Derby week and you hear so many people #Say her name.”

The tragic incident that took Taylor’s life occurred on March 13, 2020, after police officers entered Taylor’s apartment on a no-knock warrant while she and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were in bed sleeping. Walker, a licensed gun owner, maintains that plainclothes officers entered into their home unannounced. and that he called the police and fired a warning shot in self-defense, thinking that they were intruders. As a result, one of the officers was shot in the leg. The cops then responded with a hail of bullets that killed Taylor, a 26-year-old Louisville emergency medical technician. That same night, Walker was taken into custody and charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. The charges against Walker were recently dismissed by a judge, as reported earlier this year.

Nazi Sympathizer Who Hunted and Killed Black People Sentenced to Life Prison

by Christian Spencer

May 3, 2021

Nazi Sympathizer Who Hunted and Killed Black People Sentenced to Life Prison

A Louisiana Nazi sympathizer has been sentenced to life in prison starting August 26, for hunting and killing Black people in 2017.

Kenneth Gleason was found guilty of first-degree murder on April 26 for carrying out a four-day killing spree which resulted in two Black men dead, The Advocate reported.

The 27-year-old Baton Rouge dishwasher’s “reign of terror,” as prosecutors called it, first took aim at the home of a Black family on September 11, 2017.

It is was reported that he searched “aggravated assault on property” on the internet after shooting up the house, Special Agent Jeff Methvin testified last Wednesday said.

Bruce Cofield was killed on the following day, when Gleason used his 9mm gun with a silencer while he Cofield sat at a bus stop.

Gleason did an Internet search for “define murder,” “best Nazi generals,” and “serial killer” on Cofield’s day of death, according to The Atlanta Black Star.

On September 14, he gunned down Donald Smart, a 53-year-old Black man, on his way to work at the Louie’s Cafe at the Louisiana State University’s campus.

Finally, on September 16, Gleason got detained and booked.

For the death of Smart, he received a first-degree murder charge, and a second-degree murder in Cofield’s death. Gleason’s failed shooting of the Black family garnered two counts of attempted second-degree murder in the non-fatal shooting.

Despite his shooting victims being Black, Gleason was not charged with a hate crime. Assistant District Attorney Michelle Fulton said, “The timing of these searches is very important,” alluding his sudden interest in Nazism after committing murder.

Prosecutor Dana Cummings said Gleason was “hunting Black men” during the killing spree.

Gleason’s family hugged and cried amongst themselves after hearing the verdict as they sat in the front row, behind Gleason and his attorneys.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2021

9 Professional Sports Unions Release Statement Opposing New Voting Restrictions

The uproar over Republicans’ changing voting laws in several states, in what appears to be voting restrictions aimed at minority voters, has caused many people to speak up and out against the recent changes. Several corporate CEOs have released statements and in Georgia, the backlash has affected the sports industry and its local economy when Major League Baseball pulled its upcoming All-Star event out of the Peach State.

Nine professional sports leagues have recently put out a statement to show a force of unity in opposing the new voting restrictions recently put in place.

“Over the last few months, state legislators across the country have proposed bills and new legislation that if passed, could make it harder for ordinary citizens to cast their ballots in future election seasons. Today, nine (9) major sports unions in North America are announcing their joint opposition to these legislative efforts aimed at restricting the right to vote, and join the hundreds of individuals, foundations, and corporations in taking a “Stand for Democracy”:

“We Stand for Democracy.

A Government of the people, by the people.

A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history.

As Americans, we know that in our democracy we should not expect to agree on everything.

However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe the very foundation of our electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice.

For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us.

We should all feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.

Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.”

Signatories:

Basketball Players Union (BPU)

Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA)

National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)

National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)

National Women’s Hockey League Players’ Association (NWHLPA)

National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA)

Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHPA)

United States Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA)

Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Requests Harsh Sentence for Convicted Cop Derek Chauvin

by Derek Major

May 3, 2021

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Requests Harsh Sentence for Convicted Cop Derek Chauvin

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison requested former police officer Derek Chauvin receive a severe sentence for killing George Floyd.

The legal brief, signed by Ellison and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank April 30 and filed in the Hennepin County District Court states “the facts proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial demonstrate that five aggravating factors support an upward sentencing departure.”

Ellison also commented on the way Chauvin took Floyd’s life by keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes.

“A substantial portion of Defendant’s conduct also occurred after Mr. Floyd was in a vulnerable medical state: Defendant continued to kneel on Mr. Floyd’s neck and upper back even after Mr. Floyd said he could not breathe 27 times, for almost four minutes after he became nonresponsive, and for approximately three minutes after officers knew that he had no pulse,” the brief stated. “Mr. Floyd also was intoxicated, and Defendant knew as much during the incident. Thus, the facts proven beyond a reasonable doubt demonstrate that Mr. Floyd was particularly vulnerable,” the brief stated.”

Just last week, Ellison said on 60 Minutes that he feels bad for the former officer who is facing significant jail time for his actions last year. Floyd’s death sparked a summer of national and worldwide protests during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I spent 16 years as a criminal defense lawyer, so I will say I felt a little bad for the defendant,” Ellison said on 60 Minutes. “I think he deserved to be convicted, but he’s a human being.”

Chauvin’s defense attorney Eric Nelson, filed his own brief last Friday, arguing Floyd was not particularly vulnerable, Chauvin’s actions were not particularly cruel and abuse of a position by a peace officer is not a recognized aggravating sentencing factor in the state among other arguments.

Chauvin was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on April 20. Chauvin faces 12 and a half years for each murder charge and four years for the manslaughter charge.

by Andrea Blackstone

May 3, 2021

Vanessa Bryant Pays Tribute to Daughter Gianna on Her Birthday With Launch of Clothing Line

Although 13-year-old Gianna (“Gigi”) Bryant’s young life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash, the teenager and her father dream to help young women in sports lives on. Vanessa Bryant, Gianna’s mother and basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s widow, recently found a way to honor the father and daughter’s wishes while celebrating Gianna’s 15th birthday.

Gianna’s mother used her online platform to help to raise money in support of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, with additional assistance from a female-owned clothing line called DANNIJO.

“Dear Gianna, Happy 15th Birthday! ❤️😘I love you! I miss you everyday! I wish you were here with us. There are no words to express how much I miss you. I love you Mamacita! ❤️ #15 #Quincenera #Mambacita #Principessa” “ Vanessa recently tweeted with a photo.

After reminiscing, Vanessa Bryant explained that she chose to celebrate Gianna’s birthday with so many who loved her by sharing her bright and fun personality, and her sense of purpose and passion that would help make a difference in this world. She seized the opportunity to showcase her daughter’s legacy and vision by launching a clothing collection.

“I am so proud of the limited-edition MAMBACITA x DANNIJO tie-dye sweat set capsule collection, which celebrates Gigi’s spirit in every little detail – even the placement of #PlayGigisWay on the right arm of each hoodie– her shooting arm 🏀,” Vanessa Bryant also tweeted.

Vanessa added that 100% of the proceeds raised from the endeavor would support the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. According to the website, the foundation’s mission is to make a positive impact for underserved athletes and young women in sports. It was founded in memory of Kobe and Gianna ”Gigi” Bryant, while honoring the pair’s vision. Learn more about Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation by clicking here.

Big Sean And His Mother Release Mental Health Digital Series

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 3, 2021

Big Sean And His Mother Release Mental Health Digital Series

Rapper Big Sean teamed up with the woman who knows him best to release a free and low-cost digital series honoring Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Detroit native and his mother Myra Anderson developed a wellness video series as part of the rapper’s Sean Anderson Foundation, Page Six reports. The series will release a new episode every Saturday during Mental Health Awareness Month offering insight on sleep, meditation, diet, exercise, and a practice called “the emotional freedom technique.”

“Sean and I wanted to share some of the no- or low-cost techniques that we have used over the years to help us attain and maintain emotional balance,” Anderson said in a statement. “In the future, we may do a deeper dive into some of these techniques and other tools that we use.”

The “Bounce Back” rapper praised his mom for teaching him about the importance of mental health early on. “I feel that Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to talk with my mom about some of the things I have learned from her that have helped me along the way, and I hope will help others,” he said.

Big Sean (Image: Instagram)

Each episode runs for about 10 to 15 minutes with the mother-and-son duo helping their audience to “attain and maintain emotional balance,” AfroTech reports.

In the past, Big Sean has opened up about his struggle with depression and how it led him to cancel his 2018 tour with Playboi Carti, Complex reports. “I never really took the time out to nurture myself, to take care of myself. It took me a lot of depression [and] having a lot of anxiety to realize something was off,” he told Billboard at the time.

Sean’s most recent philanthropic endeavors include a mental health awareness panel his foundation hosted and COVID-19 fundraisers to aid in relief efforts. Alongside his mother, Sean and Anderson launched their Mogul Prep educational program that guides students in obtaining careers in music and other industries.

Mourners Gather To Celebrate The Life Of N.C. Resident Andrew Brown

by Derek Major

May 3, 2021

Mourners Gather To Celebrate The Life Of N.C. Resident Andrew Brown

Reuters – Mourners gathered on Monday to remember Andrew Brown, a Black man whose shooting death by North Carolina sheriff’s deputies trying to arrest him is under investigation, at a service joined by civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton.

The killing of Brown, 42, under unclear circumstances has captured the national spotlight. It occurred on April 21, a day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in a highly publicized trial.

A casket bearing Brown’s body was due to make its way to the Fountain of Life Church with his son, Khalil Ferebee, acting as a pallbearer. Several people gathered nearby, some wearing T-shirts that said, “I am Andrew Brown” and “Say his name.”

The shooting, and a decision by authorities not to make public a video of the incident, triggered several boisterous but peaceful demonstrations in Elizabeth City, a riverfront community whose population of roughly 18,000 is half African-American.

A North Carolina judge last Wednesday rejected requests to release four videos from body-worn police cameras of the shooting, siding with arguments their immediate disclosure could jeopardize active investigations.

Superior Court Judge Jeff Foster said he was delaying the release for 30 to 45 days to allow state investigators and the local prosecutor to complete their investigations.

Accounts of the incident by people who have seen some of the videos have varied widely.

Lawyers for Brown’s family said a 20-second portion of the video they were allowed to see showed that he was “executed” by the deputies. The family said the deputies continued shooting at him in his driveway after he drove away from them.

But Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble said officers fired only after Brown’s car lurched toward them and made contact with them.

A private autopsy conducted by Brown’s family found that he was struck by five bullets, including a fatal one to the rear of his skull.

Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten and Chief Deputy Daniel Fogg have said the shooting occurred as deputies were trying to serve arrest and search warrants on Brown stemming from a felony drug charge, adding that Brown had a history of resisting arrest.

(Writing by Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Howard Goller)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 3, 2021

North Carolina A&T Receiving Record-Breaking Donations

The nation’s largest HBCU has been enjoying a record-breaking year of fundraising after raising over $88 million in donations.

The school year isn’t even over yet and North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro has already raised six times what the school typically raises in one fiscal year, NPR reports. “There has not been a year like that ever in our history,” Todd Simmons, N.C. A&T’s associate vice chancellor for university relations said. “Nor has there been a year like that in the history of nearly any other public HBCU in America.”

After the Black Lives Matter movement received international attention in 2020, HBCUs, Black-owned businesses, and initiatives toward developing and uplifting the Black community have received increased financial support from major corporations. As a result, North Carolina A&T and other HBCUs are seeing an increase among its donors’ list.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has been advocating for public and private funding of HBCUs since its inception in 1987. But over the course of the last year, the fund has received massive donations toward many of the universities it represents.

“It was a record-breaking year,” says Thurgood Marshall College Fund President Harry L. Williams. “We have never, ever seen anything like this for HBCUs.”

Williams noticed an increase in donors following the death of George Floyd that sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice. “With the social unrest with George Floyd, we have seen an uptick in the amount of support for our HBCUs in this country, and one of the major supporters has been MacKenzie Scott,” Simmons said.

Scott is a philanthropist, the ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, an Amazon stockholder, and one of the world’s wealthiest women, the Wall Street Journal reports. Following their 2019 divorce, Scott received 25% of the couple’s Amazon stock, which gave her a 4% stake in the company, totaling around $38 billion, CNN reports.

Scott’s $45 million donation to North Carolina A&T came with no strings attached, which gave the school a rare opportunity to spend the money how it sees fit and not how a donor wants it allocated. “[Scott’s] message to us was that ‘I’ve watched A&T. I’ve watched its development,” Simmons said. “I’ve done my research, and I have full faith in the leadership of the university to use this money to its very best effect.’ “

T.S. Monk Talks Activism, Jazz, 80s Funk And Keeping His Father’s Legacy Alive

by Derek Major

May 3, 2021

T.S. Monk Talks Activism, Jazz, 80s Funk And Keeping His Father’s Legacy Alive

T S MONK (Thelonious Monk III.) sat down with Black Enterprise Executive Editor-At-Large Alfred Edmond Jr. for an hour-long discussion on music, activism, and a whole lot more.

T.S., the son of the great jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, spent five years touring with his father’s band before branching out to R&B. He went on to tour with Natural Essence but soon after formed his own band. Monk’s group had two recordings he arranged, sang, and played drums on.

Monk’s band also toured with some of the best bands in the 1980s including Kool and the Gang, Gap Band, and Sister Sledge.

In the interview, Monk talks about a variety of topics including jazz, 80s music, racism, and activism. In the interview, the award-winning musician praises the youth movement of today including the protests and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Monk also shared his views on today’s America, how we got here, and how today’s youth picked up where parents from his generation left off.

“I’m glad to be able to say this younger generation of African Americans and Latinos and Whites and Asian Americans have all decided that they’re going to step up to the plate and bring these issues to the fore and see if we can get them resolved,” Monk told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Monk also discussed music and his career after his dad retired in 1975. Monk said he considers himself part of Jazz’s Generation X. By 1980, Monk has composed several hit records.

“I formed a group with my sister and one of the records I made is Bon Bon Vie (Gimmie The Good Life)and it plays all over the country to this day, 40 years later, so in 1980 I won New Artist of the Year.”

Monk, who serves as the chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, also discussed education and how the removal of extracurricular activities such as music has hurt our children.

“I think we over-emphasized reading, writing, and arithmetic because we left out life,” Monk said. “And some of those things don’t do anything for you in real life, that’s why we have major CEOs that never went to college.”

Listen to the interview to hear more about how Monk dealt with unexpected tragedy at the height of his career, his father’s music, and how he’s keeping his legacy alive.

New York Attorney General Letitia James Call NRA Bankruptcy A ‘Circus Sideshow”

by Derek Major

May 3, 2021

New York Attorney General Letitia James Call NRA Bankruptcy A ‘Circus Sideshow”

(Reuters) – A lawyer for New York Attorney General Letitia James called the National Rifle Association‘s (N bankruptcy bid “a circus sideshow” during closing arguments on Monday in a case over whether to allow the NRA to reorganize in the gun-friendly state of Texas.

The NRA filed for Chapter 11 in January, saying it planned to use the bankruptcy process to exit what it has called a corrupt political and regulatory environment in New York, where is it currently incorporated.

It is attempting to fend off a lawsuit to dismiss the Chapter 11 case by James and the group’s former ad agency, Ackerman McQueen.

The NRA’s lawyers will present their closing arguments later on Monday.

The case before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Harlin Hale in Dallas coincides with the United States reeling from another spate of mass shootings, with President Joe Biden calling for a ban on assault weapons and tighter gun control measures.

If the NRA is permitted to proceed with the Chapter 11 case, it could make it easier for it to fend off allegations of financial wrongdoing and corruption.

James, a Democrat, sued the NRA and Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre in New York state court in August, accusing it of financial misconduct and aiming to dissolve the organization.

She said the NRA had diverted millions of dollars to fund luxurious trips for officials, no-show contracts for associates, and other questionable expenses.

LaPierre has testified that he sought bankruptcy protection out of fear that James would try to place it into receivership.

James has said the NRA claims to be solvent and called its bankruptcy and plan to reincorporate in Texas after 150 years in New York a bad-faith effort to escape her lawsuit and oversight.

Gerrit Pronske, a lawyer for James, called the NRA’s bankruptcy “a circus sideshow” on Monday during the closing stages of the trial that began on April 5. The NRA has accused James of “weaponizing” her powers to pursue a “blatant and malicious retaliation campaign” against the group because she dislikes what it stands for.

(Reporting by Maria Chutchian; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Grant McCool)