Kentucky Grand Jury Charges 1 of the 3 Officers Who Shot Breonna Taylor
by Derek Major

September 23, 2020

Kentucky Grand Jury Charges 1 of the 3 Officers Who Shot Breonna Taylor

A Kentucky grand jury has decided to press charges against just one of the three police officers who shot Breonna Taylor.

The grand jury has decided to move forward with three counts of wanton endangerment against former detective Brett Hankison for shooting into the apartments of Taylor’s neighbors, the night of March 13, reports NPR.

Hankison is now being held on a $15,000 cash bond. In the state, wanton endangerment is a Class D felony, punishable with fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison. The other two officers, Myles Cosgrove and Jonathan Mattingly, were not charged.

Taylor, a former EMT, and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were asleep the night of March 13 when Louisville Metro Police barged into her home with a no-knock warrant in relation to a drug investigation. The noise woke Taylor, who believed someone was trying to break-in. Walker, who is a registered gun owner, fired a shot toward their bedroom door.

The police responded, firing a bevy of shots toward the couple and hitting Taylor five times. Detective Hankison has since been fired for his actions.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said in a press coneference Wednesday after the charges were announced that the other two officers who were not charged, were justified in their use of force.

“Our investigation found that Mattingly and Cosgrove were justified in their use of force after having been fired upon by Kenneth Walker,” Cameron said during the press conference.

Cameron added that an FBI crime lab determined officer Cosgrove fired the shot that killed Taylor.

“Six bullets struck Ms. Taylor and… only one shot was fatal,” Cameron said, adding she would have died within “a few seconds to two minutes.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer has declared a state of emergency and has installed a curfew of 72 hours beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday night. Police Chief Robert Schroeder added the National Guard has been activated and Louisville police will be getting assistance from multiple law enforcement partners. Louisville Metro Government buildings will also be closed through Thursday.

However, this is not expected to stop protests and potential rioting. Within minutes of the announcement, protesters were recorded pulling materials out of a U-Haul moving truck to use.

https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1308835583054295041

The NAACP released a statement denouncing the decision to charge just one officer in the case.

“The injustice we’re witnessing at this moment can be sensed throughout the nation. The failure to bring substaintial charges against the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor causes angst and pain for far too many Americans still reeling from a pandemic,” the NAACP said. “Atrocities committed against the people of this country by the authorities cannot and should not go unanswered when miscalculations are made. The continuous and blatant failure of a system sworn to protect the very citizens it endangers is all too telling of its efficiency and viability.

“The justice system failed Breonna Taylor and, as such, failed us. From the officers’ ill-informed conduct to the city official’s delayed response, their actions have discredited their pledge and responsibility to the greater community,” The gorup added. “It is unacceptable that, once again, culpability has eluded those guilty of state-sanctioned murder.”

Ben Crump, the attorney for the Taylor family, called the decision “outrageous and offensive,” on Twitter and Rev. Dr. William J. Barber said on CNN that Black people who want justice, have to continue to keep pushing and fighting.

“It’s not what we wanted… Anything less than indictments for a full extent of the officers’ actions ultimately cannot stand… We have to keep on pushing.”

Celebrities and politicans including Kerry Washington, Common, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and comedian W. Kamau Bell shared their thoughts on the charges on social media.

Magic Johnson on His Fear of Police: ‘When I See a Police Car, I Still Get Nervous’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2020

Magic Johnson on His Fear of Police: ‘When I See a Police Car, I Still Get Nervous’

Despite being a decorated sports and business icon, Earvin “Magic” Johnson still feels the uneasiness of being pulled over by the police as a Black man.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend admitted that he “still get(s) nervous” about being pulled over by the police, according to BET. Johnson, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently opened up about past interactions with law enforcement as he was discussing it with California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters during a virtual conversation for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference.

“When I see a police car, I still get nervous, and I have to, you know, do everything the right way to make sure, first, I don’t get pulled over, second, if I do get pulled over, my hands are on the steering wheel,” the NBA Hall of Famer told Waters.

“I’m going to abide by the commands, and I’m going to try to do everything the right way. Any instructions that they give me, I’m going to make sure I comply with those instructions.”

Johnson added that it is very important that Black children in America are taught how to interact with police officers in order to make it out of the situation alive. According to him, the rules aren’t the same for Black children.

“Make sure whether it’s a father or mother, you have those tough conversations with your son and your daughter as well, and make sure you help them understand that listen, it’s not a time to be a tough guy—you’re not going to take it from the police or you’re not going to take crap from somebody—you have to put your guard down and just do what you’re supposed to do to be here a long time.”

Watch the full video discussion between Johnson and Waters below:

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Are Focusing on Black Businesses
by Derek Major

September 23, 2020

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Are Focusing on Black Businesses

Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden and Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris are traveling the country touting their Build Back Better plan.

Biden will hold a Black Economic Summit Wednesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The former Vice President will meet with small business owners, workers, and others struggling through the coronavirus pandemic about their experiences and what the first steps should be coming out of the pandemic.

Seventy-four percent of small businesses in the state have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Twelve percent have closed for good and another 11% have cut their staff. In a statement released Friday, Biden criticized President Trump for his record in the state.

“From calling our veterans and fallen soldiers ‘suckers’ and ‘losers,’ to purposefully downplaying coronavirus and failing to keep North Carolina’s military families, schools, and communities safe, President Trump has shown North Carolinians that he is unfit to be Commander in Chief,” Biden said.

“Instead of laying out a clear plan to tackle the pandemic and safely reopen our schools and small businesses, he is backing a lawsuit that would rip health care protections away from 4.1 million North Carolinians with pre-existing conditions, even as more than 119,000 North Carolinians have already lost their health coverage under his watch.”

Meanwhile, Harris spent Tuesday in Michigan visiting both Detroit and Flint to meet with small Black business owners who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

In Flint, Harris made three unannounced stops at three Black-owned businesses in the city, and in Detroit, Harris held a  “Shop Talk” event with Black business leaders at a Black-owned barbershop. The event featured Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and among the topics discussed was the fight for racial justice and equality as well as the power of Black men voting in this election.

“Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris are hitting key battleground states this week — reaching voters where they are as they reinforce their commitment to Build Back Better, by supporting and uplifting communities across this country. Biden and Harris recognize that Black-owned businesses operate as staples of their respective communities, and that the current administration is not prioritizing the success of Black entrepreneurs,” said Kamau Marshall, the campaign’s director of strategic communications. “A Biden-Harris administration would reverse that narrative by doing the work to ensure that Black business owners in this country are provided the same opportunities for economic advancement and wealth accumulation as other groups, so they can not only recover from the current economic crisis, but come back stronger than before.”

The Biden campaign also released two new advertisements that will air digitally in key swing states. The ads are testimonials featuring Black business owners.

The first ad featured Celeste Beatty, the owner of a craft brewery business, who explains her struggle applying for Paycheck Protection Program funding in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I applied for the loans and I just didn’t get it,” Beatty says in the ad. “I saw some really huge companies that were customers of mine get millions of dollars, meanwhile, I’m just doing what I can to survive.”

The second ad features Anthony Jefferson, a small business owner in Pittsburgh, PA whose business was forced to let go of eight employees and had to shut down for three months due to quarantine restrictions.

“Trump does not see me,” Jefferson says. “I don’t understand how he can look himself in the eye.”

White Woman Arrested After Throwing Glass Bottle at Black Jogger and Screaming The N-Word
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2020

White Woman Arrested After Throwing Glass Bottle at Black Jogger and Screaming The N-Word

A White woman in Queens, NY, has been charged with a hate crime after throwing a glass bottle and using a racial slur at a Black woman who was jogging in the street, according to CNN.

Lorena Delaguna, 53, appeared in court last week and was charged with attempted assault in the second degree as a hate crime and aggravated harassment in the second degree. If convicted, she could be sentenced to seven years in prison.

The incident was caught on video.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the incident took place on August 17 when Delaguna threw a glass bottle at Tiffany Johnson, who was out for a jog. The bottle shattered near Johnson, splashing liquid on her. Delaguna is also accused of yelling and cursing at Johnson, telling her to get out of here and go back to Africa and also calling her the N-word.

Johnson attempted to get away from Delaguna, but she continued to follow her for at least a block while yelling and threatening the victim.

“In addition to allegedly yelling the N-word, the defendant, in this case, is also accused of throwing a bottle in an attempt to strike the victim,” said Katz in a written statement. “Crimes like this, which are fueled by hate, are in a special category for a reason. No one should have to endure being called a vile slur or being attacked simply because of the color of their skin, their religion, or who they love.”

Delaguna, of 51st Street in Woodside, Queens, was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Jeffrey Gershuny. She was ordered to return to court this Friday.

“She was so loud and aggressive,” Johnson told ABC7NY. “She did call me the N-word, and I mean I’m not an N-word, none of us are, but the reality is that this woman felt that she needed me to be that and I would just say that she needs to look into herself as to why.”

Candace Owens Accuses Amazon Workers of Stomping On Her Books and Smearing Vaseline on Them
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2020

Candace Owens Accuses Amazon Workers of Stomping On Her Books and Smearing Vaseline on Them

Candace Owens is back on Twitter with a new complaint.

Over the weekend, the Black conservative pundit accused Amazon workers of “stomping on and in this case, smearing Vaseline” on her latest book before shipping them to the people who purchased them.

Owens, who just released her latest tome, Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation, took to Twitter to complain to the retail giant that she’s been getting complaints from about 1,000 people about receiving her book in not-so-new condition.

Surprisingly, if this was done to help encourage people to buy the book, it may have worked.


And possibly the best response:

by Black Enterprise Shop

September 23, 2020

Become a Real Estate Investor Like the Stars of HGTV for Only $25

Time to stop binge-watching every show on HGTV and step into your power. You could watch them all day long–or you could also be on the come up in the real estate game yourself.

We know real estate is no joke and that it’s easier said than done. But working through the Fundamentals of Real Estate Investment Bundle makes taking that next step a whole lot easier.

There are courses specifically tailored to beginners that walk you through all the “pre-investing” knowledge you need to make a sound decision. Your eyes will be opened to all the potential opportunities around you while still keeping investment risks in mind.

Or maybe you’re set on flipping a house or buying a property and turning it into an Airbnb. No matter your mission, there’s a slew of knowledge in the 17 hours of course content.

And if you really want some practice before you enter the real world, you can even dive into some commercial real estate case studies and learn from their wins and losses before you make your own.

There’s a reason this bundle has a 5-star review…people are actually learning. Learning for only a $25 investment at that. You can join the winning team and snag the Fundamentals of Real Estate Investment Bundle from the BLACK ENTERPRISE Shop today.

 

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This Black Woman Entrepreneur Uses Tech To Source Talent From Africa For Job Opportunities
by Dana Givens

September 23, 2020

This Black Woman Entrepreneur Uses Tech To Source Talent From Africa For Job Opportunities

As the world moves to a more digital-based working environment, many companies are looking to expand their search areas to source talent. Inspired by her travels, an HBCU graduate created a virtual assistant and consulting company that connects talent across Africa with various job opportunities.

Chandell Stone created Stone Solutions in 2018 after running a travel experience company focused on cultural impact, which brought her to Kenya, where her operations are based. “Stone Solutions came out of the work I had already been doing on the continent with my first company, Destination Impact,” said Stone in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

“I recognized a need to go beyond “feel good” projects that serve an immediate need but do not ultimately solve systemic issues. My goal shifted to create jobs, empower African people through skills training, and show the continent for what it truly is, the past, and the future of economic opportunity.”

The Bronx-born entrepreneur hopes to expand her operations to other African countries to help provide people with more job opportunities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many entrepreneurs and small businesses are looking for administrative support, but aren’t able to afford local talent,” says Stone.

“Especially [amid the COVID outbreak], people are getting a lot more comfortable with the idea of virtual services, while simultaneously being awakened to the need to invest in Black businesses. Africa has been overlooked as a place to source talent for professional services, and we are excited to fill that niche of people wanting to invest in quality, affordable services that align with their social interests.”

by Black Enterprise

September 23, 2020

Women of Power Tech Announcements

Whether you’re looking to power through or pivot, Women of Power Tech is like no other event. Our inaugural virtual conference, taking place on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24, WPTech, hosted by Ally, provides a rich, unduplicated platform with sessions, workshops, and coaching to help you identify new trends and opportunities and gain the digital upskilling necessary to advance across an array of tech-driven industries.

Check this post throughout the two days of this virtual experience for the latest updates on sessions, as well as networking, and sponsor/partner offers and recruitment opportunities happening in The Experience Showcase.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Welcome to Day Two of WPTech! Welcome to Day Two of WPTech! Have you missed any of yesterday’s sessions? Not a problem: They’re all available on demand. Just go to the MainStage and click “PLAY” on any of the sessions you’d like to see–or see again.

HAPPENING NEXT: The Experience Virtual Happy Hour with DJ Spinderella at 3:50 p.m. Party to the sounds of special guest celebrity DJ Spinderella as we close out an amazing Women of Power Tech virtual experience in the Networking Lounge!

SistersInc.: Founders Real Talk Roundtable at 3:07 p.m. A solutions-driven town hall identifying the most critical hurdles women of color entrepreneurs are facing, along with solutions and actions we can take TODAY to overcome them.

Standing In The Gap Without Falling Apart: Bro-Culture vs. Black Lives Matter at 2:30 p.m. Join this session on how Black women executives and entrepreneurs in tech can collaborate to make a new impact, create measurable accountability, and build and sustain momentum in the industry, with the nation focused on issues of racial equity and social justice. Hosted by Ally.

Also: Our Standing In The Gap session moderator Sherrell Dorsey invites you to join The Plug for Black tech trends, innovators, news, reports, and analysis. Sign up for The Plug at tpinsights.com/join.

CybHER-Security: Network Safety Is Women’s Work at 1:20 p.m. Cybersecurity is one of the hottest and highest-paying sectors in tech. Join this panel of women cybersecurity executives who work for companies seeking women candidates now!

Command Your Worth: Negotiation Game Changers In Tech at 12:40 p.m. Learn about mastering the art of the deal, whether you’re an entrepreneur queuing up an investor, a freelancer trying to get paid what you’re worth, or a manager negotiating new terms. Here’s how the deals get done.

C-Suite Confidential: Top Tech Execs Who Defied the Odds and How You Can, Too at 12:00 p.m. Verizon Director Shellye Archambeau and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Rose Stuckey Kirk share how they scaled the tech ladder to the top, what it cost, why it was worth it–and why tech need YOU to do the same. Hosted by Verizon.

The Experience Showcase opens from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today! Get engaged and connect with sponsor partners, speakers and coaches; check out exclusive video content and presentations, and fill your “swag bag” with resources and information to help you achieve your goals.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Welcome to Day One of WPTech!

Find Your Tribe – Conquer Job Isolation and Cultivate Sponsorship at 3:05 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to get coached on how to build the community you need to thrive in any company, corporate culture and industry, so you can show up fortified and in full command of your unique value.

Another Conversation That Counts, with Lisa Jackson of Apple at 1:55 p.m. After seven year’s as Apple’s highest ranking Black executive, Lisa Jackson is squarely positioned to deliver impact “Where Tech Meets Justice,” as the head of the company’s $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. Don’t miss this WPTech Masterclass as Jackson joins Women of Power Chief Brand Officer Caroline Clarke for real talk on making change happen and leading through crisis. Hosted by Apple.

Wealth-building Strategies for Black Women at 1:20 p.m. During these challenging times, it is even more vital than ever for Black women executives and entrepreneurs to protect their financial worth and keep their investments working for their futures. Join this WPTech session to gain insights into wealth planning when your career, business and personal finances are being disrupted, and to learn about the latest digital tools to navigate turbulent markets in uncertain times. Hosted by JP Morgan Chase.

Your Time Is NOW! – Career Pivot(s) in the Post-COVID Workplace at 12:45 p.m. Join this session to understand the trends and data driving the future of work and learn how to access emerging opportunities within your current company and throughout industry. Then: Make your move, whether a promotion, a job change or to launch your own venture.

Fame, Fortune and Werk – A Masterclass with Badass BOZ! at 12:10 p.m. You don’t want to miss Women of Power Chief Brand Officer Caroline V. Clarke’s powerful conversation with marketing superstar and Netflix Global Chief Brand Officer Bozoma Saint John, about St. John’s career at the nexus of culture, celebrity, marketing and tech. It’s a WPTech Conversation That Counts! Hosted by Ally.

WPTech officially begins at 12:00 p.m. Join us as Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. and Ally Technology Director Rochelle Streater welcomes all attendees.

The Experience Showcase opens from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today! Get engaged and connect with sponsor partners, speakers and coaches; check out exclusive video content and presentations, and fill your “swag bag” with resources and information to help you achieve your goals.

Trump and Biden To Debate Over Supreme Court, Coronavirus, Race Relations, and More During Presidential Debate
by Derek Major

September 23, 2020

Trump and Biden To Debate Over Supreme Court, Coronavirus, Race Relations, and More During Presidential Debate

The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will hit on several topics, including the coronavirus pandemic, the Supreme Court, and racism in America.

The debate commission announced on Tuesday those three issues will be discussed along with others on Sept. 29 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. CNN reported the debate will be broken down into six 15-minute segments and Fox News’ Chris Wallace will moderate.

This will be the first chance voters will have to see both Biden and Trump on the same stage. Since the year began, the two have traded attacks that have been largely seen in press conferences or read on the internet.

Biden has been relentless on Trump’s coronavirus response, which has led to the death of more than 200,000 Americans and the economy falling into a recession. Trump, meanwhile, has said electing Biden will lead to the demolishment of suburbs and the appointment of Supreme Court Justices who will kill the Second Amendment and other freedoms.

According to The Hill, candidates will also field questions related to the Supreme Court, days after President Trump is set to announce his nominee to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday.

Trump told CNN earlier this month he’ll prepare for the debates “every day” by “just doing what I am doing.”

“I’ve been all over the place, and I watch this guy sitting home, and I think, maybe I’m doing it wrong,” Trump told Fox News Monday.

Biden did not say whether he has a debate strategy but did tell CNN he is “looking forward” to debating Trump and “holding him accountable.”

“I know how to handle bullies — we’ll find out,” Biden said as a fundraiser this month. “I hope I don’t get baited into getting into a brawl with this guy. It’s going to be hard because I predict he’s going to be shouting.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2020

Deion Sanders Named as HBCU Jackson State University’s Football Coach

Jackson State University has announced that Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Deion Sanders has been named the 21st head football coach in Jackson State history.

Sanders took to Twitter to make it official to the world.

“I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University,” said Sanders. “This amazing HBCU has always enjoyed a high level of commitment academically and athletically. It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general. I am TRULY proud to be a part of the JSU Tiger family. ‘I BELIEVE'”

JSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson weighed in on the hire.

“I am thrilled to welcome Deion Sanders to Jackson State University, the City of Jackson, and Mississippi,” said Robinson. “Coach Sanders is student-athlete centered and cares about young men and their well-being beyond the football field. We expect to compete for and win championships at Jackson State, and Coach Sanders will help us achieve those goals.”

JSU Acting President Thomas K. Hudson also stated he is pleased that Sanders will lead the program into the next decade.

“Jackson State is excited to bring in Coach Sanders to lead our football program,” said Hudson. “He understands the legacy and history of football at JSU. I am confident Coach Sanders will solidify the brand of JSU football.”

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