by Sharelle B. McNair

May 20, 2025

Democratic Leaders Stand With Rep. LaMonica McIver After She’s Hit With Federal Assault Charges By DOJ

Rep. Alma Adams said the charges against McIver are an indication of the Trump administration’s issue with Black women.

Several Black leaders of Congress are speaking out against the federal assault charges pushed on Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after a May 9 rift between protestors and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Reps. Alma Adams (NC), Joyce Beatty (OH), and Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) say the charges are political payback

According to ABC 7, Alina Habba, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, said misdemeanor charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested outside of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center at the time of the scuffle, were being dismissed.

“The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe,” Habba said.

The assault charges come after McIver was seen on video going back and forth with authorities during the May 9 protest that turned ugly. Sporting a red jacket, McIver can be heard telling officers not to put their hands on her. In a statement, the New Jersey congresswoman pointed the blame at the Trump administration and said the charges are “meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight.”

“This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” McIver said. “I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received, and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court.”

https://twitter.com/LynnwoodTimes/status/1924856131433988136

President Donald Trump agreed with McIver’s arrest.

“The days of woke are over. That woman—I have no idea who she is—that woman was out of control…The days of that crap are over in this country,” he told reporters. “We’re gonna have law and order.”

Trump on arrest of Rep. LaMonica McIver: "Give me a break. Did you see her? She was out of control. Those days are over. The days of woke are over. That woman — I have no idea who she is — that woman was out of control … the days of that crap are over in this country. We're… pic.twitter.com/9jAFMvL1va
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025

Beatty said the Trump team is trying to criminalize McIver for standing up for transparency. “The charges against her are a politically motivated stunt—an abuse of power meant to punish oversight and silence dissent,” she wrote on X.

Adams went further.

“This administration seems to have issues with Black women lawmakers doing their job,” the congresswoman said. “I will continue to stand with Rep. McIver until these blatant, ridiculous, racist charges are dropped and proudly thank her for her courage.”

This administration seems to have issues with Black women lawmakers doing their job. I will continue to stand with Rep. McIver until these blatant, ridiculous, racist charges are dropped and proudly thank her for her courage.
— Rep. Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (@RepAdams) May 20, 2025

Despite having the charges against him dismissed, Baraka wrote, “I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 20, 2025

Denzel Washington Reportedly Earned $35M For Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ And Upcoming Netflix Film

He's worth every penny.

Denzel Washington is reportedly raking in $35 million a movie these days.

The Oscar-winning actor is said to have earned that to star in Netflix’s upcoming crime thriller Here I Come, Puck reports. According to “three sources familiar” with the deal, the paycheck matches what Washington was paid by Apple and A24 for Spike Lee’s new neo-noir film, Highest 2 Lowest.

Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller High and Low—whom Spike Lee honors with a solo credit at the film’s end—Highest 2 Lowest reimagines the crime classic about an abduction and ransom scheme. Washington stars as David King, a legendary music mogul known for having the “best ears in the business,” who finds himself at the center of a ransom plot that forces a harrowing moral decision.

The film marks a reunion between longtime collaborators and friends. Lee and Washington have delivered classics like Malcolm X and Mo’ Better Blues. With Highest 2 Lowest, it’s Lee’s first feature shot in his native New York City since 2012’s Red Hook Summer. The return has “reignited his love for the city as a visual playground in ways that vibrate throughout” the film, according to film critic David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter.

The film—featuring Jeffrey Wright, A,$AP Rocky, and Ilfenesh Hadera—premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19 and earned a six-minute standing ovation. During the event, Lee paid tribute to Washington for making the trip to France despite his tight schedule: he is currently starring in Broadway’s record-breaking production of Othello.

Spike Lee pays tribute to Denzel Washington after the ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ premiere in #Cannes2025.

Washington had to fly back to NYC to resume performances of ‘Othello’ on Broadway before the screening ended pic.twitter.com/F1tD2fqH46
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) May 19, 2025

The film has earned a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes thus far, but the reviews are glowing.

“Lee has made a film that feels modest and grand at once, the kind of movie you can see on a Saturday night just for kicks and still be thinking about the next day,” Stephanie Zacharek wrote for Time.

“Highest 2 Lowest isn’t just a welcome reunion between two of cinema’s greats after a long break,” wrote Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture “It’s a triumphant work from a filmmaker who has smartly updated a story to discuss relevant and personal themes while never compromising his voice.”

by Mitti Hicks

May 20, 2025

TikTok Influencers Urge Gen Z To Lie On Resumes, Data Show Nearly Half Do

For better or for worse, TikTok has become a source for career advice for Gen Z.

Lie on your resume to secure a job. That’s the latest advice from influencers to Gen Zers looking for work.

TikTok has become a source of career advice for Gen Z. A new study reveals that more than 70% of Gen Zers are using TikTok for career advice. The hashtag #CareerTok has become a valuable resource for the young working generation, where they share advice and success in the workplace.

“An underrated skill that you need to get good at is bullsh***ing on resumes,” TikTok influencer and HR Executive @Womptomp said in a viral video with over 400,000 likes and thousands of comments.

For instance, he says if you have ever locked a door at a security building, then “you are the operations manager.” For people in assistant roles responsible for getting coffee, @Womptomp says it’s actually, “responsible for developing customer relationships.”

“Unless it’s a pilot or a heart surgeon, being qualified for a position is not real. You can learn that. You just have to use white people’s language to make your previous experience sound better than it is.”

He’s not alone in his sentiments. A Career.io survey asked 1,000 people, “Have you ever lied, exaggerated, or provided inaccurate information in a job application?” Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (47%) admitted to lying on a job application.

Gen Z Is More Likely To Lie; Older Generations Less Likely To Lie

The same survey found that while Zoomers are most likely to exaggerate in job applications, older generations are less likely to lie on resumes. Thirty-eight percent of millennials admitted to lying on resumes, compared to 20% of Generation Xers, and nearly 10% of baby boomers.

Certified Professional Career Coach Amanda Augustine believes that a majority of job seekers who lie or exaggerate on job applications are betting on the belief that if they can get through the initial resume screening for an interview, when they can impress the hiring manager.

She warns that even a “little lie” can come back to bite you and ruin your professional reputation.

“If you’re worried that your experience isn’t a perfect fit for a position, focus on reframing your information rather than falsifying it,” she said in a statement.

Ways to reformat your resume include showing only the years or highlighting any freelance work, professional development workshops, and volunteer roles.

“These strategies can help tell a more compelling and truthful story,” she said.

by Mitti Hicks

May 20, 2025

DOJ Investigating Chicago Mayor After Highlighting Black Officials in Administration

The DOJ is investigating Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson after he highlighted the number of Black officials in his administration at a Chicago church Sunday.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is concerned about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighting the number of Black officials in his administration. The DOJ has announced that its Civil Rights Division is investigating the mayor for possible discrimination.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted the letter sent to Mayor Johnson on X confirming the investigation of the city of Chicago’s “employment practices.”

“When the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a state or local government employer is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Title VII, it is the Attorney General’s responsibility to take appropriate action to eliminate that violation, including injunctive relief.”

The letter follows Mayor Johnson’s remarks at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn on Sunday, during which Johnson highlighted three Black officials.

“You then went on to list each of these individuals, emphasizing their race,” Dhillon writes in her letter.

Johnson highlighted his deputy mayor of business and economic neighborhood development, the department of planning and development, and the infrastructure deputy mayor, all Black women.

How Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Is Responding

Mayor Brandon Johnson has not responded to the DOJ’s investigation. BLACK ENTERPRISE contacted the mayor’s office for comment, but his team hasn’t responded.

The investigation into the Chicago Black mayor comes as no surprise. For various reasons, Chicago, a left-leaning city, has come under fire from Trump and his administration.

In one instance, during President Trump’s visit to the Windy City with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, he criticized former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center. According to CBS News, Trump described the center as a “disaster” and blamed DEI and “woke” construction workers.

“I mean, look, President Obama — and if he wanted help, I’d give him help because I build on time and on budget — he’s building his presidential library in Chicago. It’s a disaster,” said Trump. “And he said something to the effect, ‘I only want DEI, I only want woke.’ He wants woke people to build it. Well, he got woke people, and they have massive cost overruns; the job is stopped. I don’t know, it’s a disaster.”

During his first term and first Presidential visit, Trump disparaged Chicago as a haven for criminals. As The Guardian reported, Trump called the city “embarrassing to us as a nation.”

Chicago is one of the most racially diverse cities in the U.S. It has an estimated population of 2.7 million within city limits. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly 49% of the city identifies as white, 28% identify as Black, and almost 30% identify as Hispanic or Latino.

by Stacy Jackson

May 20, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Sounds Off At Tory Lanez’s Fans Amid New Allegations

Megan Thee Stallion had one request for rapper Tory Lanez and his fans this week. "PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE."

Megan Thee Stallion sounded off at Tory Lanez’s fans this week after new allegations claim a friend was allegedly responsible for the 2020 shooting incident.

The Grammy-winning artist and songwriter said she is over the continuous attack from the Canadian rapper’s fans. “At what point are y’all gonna stop making me have to re live being shot BY TORY !?” she wrote in her May 19 TikTok statement. “At what point are Tory and yall FANS gonna stop lying? Like how much is the check to keep harassing me?”

She demanded to be left alone as she further questioned why the record producer’s fans harass her every day. “One min him/ yall said I was never shot. Now y’all letting him play in y’all face AGAIN and say I was shot but it wasn’t him, oh okay?! I’m sick of this s*** LEAVE ME TF ALONE!!!!” the Houston native continued. “HE AINT DARE GET ON THAT STAND AND DENY HE SHOT ME AND THAT WAS HIS CHOICE BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE DID THAT S***! IDGAF ABT A BLOG OR A BOT!!! WHY IN TF WOULD ME … MEGAN THEE STALLION HAVE TO LIE ON THIS MF ABT SHOOTING ME!”

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Lanez is serving a 10-year prison sentence following accusations that the rapper shot Meghan in both feet after a party in July 2020. In a request to have Lanez released from prison, social justice non-profit, United the People, revealed the latest information, claiming the “Say It” rapper “never fired the gun.” Instead, they say, Megan’s ex-bestie Kelsey Harris allegedly fired the shots that struck the Texas artist in the foot.

The non-profit has requested for Lanez to be released and granted a pardon or a new trial. However, according to Meg, “FACTS ARE FACTS” and “aint no new f***ing evidence.” She had one more message for Lanez himself: “TORY PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE you a f****** demon.”

Lanez was charged in October 2020 before a trial began in December 2022. The rapper was found guilty of three charges: negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm.

The new allegations surfaced following recent reports this month that Lanez was stabbed 14 times in a prison altercation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 20, 2025

North Carolina Popeye’s Manager Arrested After Allegedly Shooting Co-Worker During Dispute Over ‘Burnt Biscuits’

22-year-old Rodney Wood was taken into custody and charged with attempted first-degree murder

A dispute between two Popeye’s employees led to one being shot over “burnt biscuits.”

According to Fox 8 Live, a manager at a North Carolina Popeye’s restaurant was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting a co-worker. 22-year-old Rodney Wood was taken into custody for the shooting that took place May 11 around 6 p.m. A customer told police that Wood and the victim had an altercation because of overcooked biscuits.

The witness stated that the argument escalated when the two employees went outside after one “challenged” the other, leading to a physical fight. While the two were fighting, Wood allegedly pulled out a gun and fired twice at the victim.

Court documents revealed that surveillance video from the restaurant showed “[Wood] discharging his firearm twice at point-blank range.”

The victim was hit twice. Once in the groin, and the second bullet hit him in the chest. After being shot, he was taken to Atrium Health Main, where he received emergency surgery after being listed in life-threatening condition with critical injuries.

When police arrived on the scene, Wood had already fled and was captured in the shopping center where the restaurant is located.

Wood told police officers that the victim, also a manager at Popeye’s, went outside with him to fight and punched him in the face three times. He drew his weapon and used it to fire two “warning shots allegedly,” but there was no intention to kill the co-worker. Although he wanted to use that reasoning to justify what he had done, the affidavit stated that “he failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force necessary to support a self-defense claim under state law.”

This is not the first time the two have been involved in a conflict. Wood claims he requested a transfer to another store to avoid working with the other manager.

People reported that Wood’s bond was set at $50,000.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 20, 2025

Skai Jackson Files Restraining Order Against Child’s Father, Citing Years of Abuse

Jackson accused Burgin of attacking her on Mother's Day while she held their infant child, Kasai.

Skai Jackson has taken legal action against the father of her 3-month-old son, claiming he’s been abusive for years.

TMZ confirmed Jackson received a domestic violence temporary restraining order against Deondre Burgin. Jackson alleged several instances of abuse for years. However, she stated that his assault on her on Mother’s Day led her to seek legal support.

She accused Burgin of attacking her on the holiday while she held their infant child, Kasai. The documents recalled the incident where Burgin allegedly grabbed the 23-year-old by her hair. He reportedly slammed her head against a car window as well as punched the Disney actress.

However, the violence reportedly goes back months before Mother’s Day. In her filing, she claims that Burgin abused her every week, from choking to scratching and damaging her personal property, such as an iPhone and television.

These claims escalated even further during Jackson’s pregnancy. The documents also detailed another incident in which Burgin held the then-pregnant woman at knifepoint. He reportedly told her to drink bleach to kill the unborn child. He also allegedly threatened to stab her in the stomach if she yelled for help as they walked to her car.

Burgin was arrested in April on an outstanding warrant, but was also jailed during the birth of his child with Jackson for a parole violation.

The violence, however, does not stop there. Jackson recalled another incident where Burgin punched her through a bathroom door, where she had locked herself inside. She also alleged that he choked her to the point where she could not breathe. She claims she has additional video to prove it happened.

Jackson shared that Burgin owns multiple firearms, emphasizing that she fears he could use them to harm her and their child. This news also follows another young starlet, “Little Mermaid” actress and singer Halle Bailey, who recently filed a restraining order against her child’s father, internet personality DDG. Bailey was also granted temporary sole custody over their young son, Halo, after citing claims of abuse.

As for Jackson, she also wants a legal child support agreement, while Burgin stays 100 feet away from her and their child. She also asked the judge to order Burgin to enter a domestic violence treatment program.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 20, 2025

Donald Trump Thinks Kamala Harris’ ‘Dance Party With Beyoncé’ Was A Paid Gig, Threatens Investigation

Trump’s recent antics against the celebrities follow a blowout with rockstar Bruce Springsteen who candidly spoke out against him on several tour stops.

President Donald Trump lashed out against Kamala Harris, accusing her of paying for endorsements from Hollywood and music heavyweights like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, U2’s Bono, and Bruce Springsteen, and is considering a “major investigation,” USA Today reported.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump alleged the “Cowboy Carter” singer was paid $11,000,000 to appear at a Texas-based rally during the 2024 presidential campaign trail and falsely claimed news reports are saying she was booed “loudly” off stage and never performed. “Remember, the Democrats and Kamala illegally paid her millions of Dollars for doing nothing other than giving Kamala a full-throated ENDORSEMENT,” the president wrote.

“THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ELECTION SCAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL! IT IS AN ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION! BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, OPRAH, BONO AND PERHAPS MANY OTHERS, HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!!!”

Donald Trump is spreading lies (again): No, Beyoncé wasn’t paid $11 million to endorse Kamala Harris.

She didn’t get a dime—she even paid her own way. The campaign only covered standard event costs for her production team.

Another bogus and pathetic MAGA meltdown. pic.twitter.com/sS5wbpHADn
— Voter Protection Project (@voterprotectpac) May 19, 2025

Of course, all of Trump’s celebrity targets, who have endorsed Democratic presidential candidates over the years, have condemned claims of paid endorsements toward the former vice president. However, that hasn’t stopped the indicted president from pushing forward with false narratives.

He hasn’t spoken out about which type of investigation he wants launched on these celebrities. Still, it is unlike that anything will transpire, as the Federal Election Commission (FEC) doesn’t have any guidelines that prohibit candidates from paying for endorsements.

According to The New Republic, Trump’s recent antics against the celebrities follow a blowout with Springsteen, who candidly spoke out against him on several tour stops. The president called the decorated performer and creator of the patriotic song “Born In the U.S.A.,” “highly overrated” in a rant on Truth Social. “Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our worst ever president, who came close to destroying our country,” Trump wrote.

Like his rant against Springsteen, it is unclear where he got the $11 million figure regarding Queen Bey performing, but it’s not the first time this type of rumor has spread. In 2024, the Harris campaign rejected the notion that it paid the Grammy-winning artist $10 million for her endorsement. Finance records reported to the FEC revealed that Beyoncé’s production company, Parkwood Production Media LLC, was paid $165,000.

Oprah was also accused of accepting payments, only for it to be revealed that the Harris campaign paid Winfrey’s production company, Harpo Productions, $1 million for a televised town hall event with appearances from comedian Chris Rock, actresses Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, actor Ben Stiller, and singer Jennifer Lopez.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 20, 2025

Metro Atlanta Neighborhood Settles For $40K Over HOA Lawsuit After Homeowners Faced Liens Over Fines

Two resident sued the Conyers, Georgia subdivision after they received liens on unpaid HOA fines.

A neighborhood in Metro Atlanta offered to settle an HOA lawsuit for $40K after homeowners faced liens on unpaid fines.

Since Channing Cove’s 2007 establishment in Conyers, Georgia, the annual HOA fees have jumped from $100 to $200. The fees reportedly cover three common grass-patch areas and a small retention pond. Five homes in the neighborhood faced liens for unpaid fines, ranging from $878 to $2,755.

Two subdivision residents sought legal action against their homeowners’ association over the fees. They believed the HOA did not provide enough documentation of what the fees went toward.

“It doesn’t make any sense for any hardworking individual to go through these things that I have been going through, as well as my neighbors,” said Michelle Bernard, one of the residents suing the HOA, to Atlanta News First. “They have forced people to pay thousands of dollars and never provided proof they owe it.”

Some homeowners paid the fees to avoid losing their homes, as Georgia law allows HOAs to foreclose on homes if fees exceed $2,000. Homeowners who want to fight paying these fees can typically get a private attorney.

“I told them bring the lien,” said Bernard. “I’m bringing a lawsuit.”

Bernard and another resident have accused the HOA of fraudulent charges and changing its bylaws without proper procedure. The Channing Cove residents have now questioned the “reasonableness” of these charges, such as fines if a homeowner sends a “mass email” to the community.

New policies, assumed to be in light of the controversy, also prohibit residents from making “slanderous statements” about property owners. Residents must write an apology letter within 48 hours or face a $1,500 fine if charged with such action.

Other hundreds-of-dollar fines led to residents’ discontent with how the HOA handled alleged infringements. The HOA’s current president, Orton Reynolds, has denied any issues regarding its financial processes. When asked about disclosing receipts for its finances, Reynolds denied having any.

However, Bernard believes that the HOA knows residents are catching up to their wrongdoing. She says she was offered a $40,000 settlement to bury the lawsuit.

While a Rockdale County judge approved the monetary allotment, Bernard still wants the HOA held accountable for potentially charging residents unlawfully. Furthermore, the community will still have to pay for the HOA’s legal fees, which total $7,000 in its budget proposal.

She added, “I need someone to address this, because it’s affecting our community.”

Under Georgia law, homeowners in the state are entitled to all financial documents from their HOAs.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 20, 2025

Shameik Moore Joins Cast Of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ In Final Season

The actor is sure to add some drama to the series

Shameik Moore has been added to the 50 Cent-produced Power Book III: Raising Kanan cast, which is entering its fifth and final season.

The series, part of the Power Universe on the STARZ network, is ending its run as the prequel to the original Power series, which debuted in 2019. Moore will be playing a new character named Branford “Breeze” Frady. The actor promises fans are in for a “wild ride” when they see how the character shifts the story dynamics.

“The ‘Power’ Universe fans have been patiently anticipating this moment, and I’m honored to step into the iconic role of Breeze,” said Moore in a written statement. “I jumped into a story that is already alive with such strong characters, but it was a fun challenge to find Breeze’s unique identity, and I can’t wait for fans to see how Breeze will shift dynamics in the story. It’s gonna be a wild ride.”

The series revolves around a young drug dealer named Kanan Stark (originally played by 50 Cent in the original Power series and currently being played by Mekai Curtis) who was an associate of two main characters, James St. Patrick and Tommy Egan. In Power, Kanan reappears to cause havoc for his former associates in the later seasons. Power Book III: Raising Kanan tells the origin story of Kanan and his beginning in the drug game.

Breeze was mentioned during the Power series, so fans of the show may remember that he was a drug kingpin for whom Kanan, St. Patrick, and Egan worked while they were coming up in the game.

“It was always my intention that ‘Raising Kanan’ would run for five seasons, and thanks to my friends and partners at STARZ and Lionsgate, as well as the incredible cast, crew, and writing staff, I’ve been able to tell the entirety of the story I set out to tell way back in 2019. Having said that, with the table we’ve set in this season finale and the inevitable introduction of Breeze, there is still an exceptionally intense and action-packed season left for the viewers to experience, and I assure you that the stakes for Kanan and the entire Thomas family have never been higher,” said Sascha Penn, executive producer, writer, and showrunner, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”

All four seasons of the show can be viewed via the STARZ streaming app, while the current season can be seen on STARZ.