affordable housing, Washington State, Program, Historical Housing Discrimination, housing discrimination, property taxes, South Fulton

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 7, 2025

Georgia City Launches Affordable Housing Program For Officers To Live Where They Serve

The program aims to reduce crime and make residents feel safer in their communities

South Fulton, Georgia’s police department has partnered with Progress Residential, a real estate agency, to provide officers with affordable residences in the city.

Police chief Keith Meadows, believes the initiative will reduce crime in certain areas by providing the “right type of presence.”

“We want to get our police officers moving back into the city,” Meadows told Fox 5. “Certainly, there were some areas that [were] more challenging than others, and we want to make sure we have the right type of presence in those particular areas.”

Thus far, 12 officers have joined the program. They receive 35% off their monthly rent for single-family homes and a $400 monthly stipend toward living expenses.

“Having our police officers there instantly translated into residents coming over and having dialogue with our police officers, and all of these things certainly help to foster communications around safety,” Meadows explained.

By having officers more invested in the neighborhoods they patrol, they can better understand what these areas deal with regarding crime and safety. South Fulton is also predominantly Black, with 2024 U.S. Census data estimating that Black people account for over 91% of the population.

According to Census Data from 2006 to 2010, as examined by USA Today, only 31% of officers across 745 cities and towns were residents of those areas.

“This is one of the ways we are putting a stake in the ground and making an investment, frankly, in the communities where we’re operating,” Progress Residential Executive VP and General Counsel Ama Romaine said.

Some residents shared with Fox 5 how the housing program makes South Fulton a “safe space,” especially for kids. “…My nephew, he comes over here sometimes, and you’re not too worried about anything really happening to him,” said Saje Alston.

Progress Residential hopes its pilot program in South Fulton will encourage other police departments to participate.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 7, 2025

Motown Icon Smokey Robinson Faces $50M Suit For Sexual Assault Accusations

Legendary singer, Smokey Robinson, is accused of multiple allegations including sexual assault.

Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, face a $50 million lawsuit from their former housekeepers. Four of the couple’s previous employees accuse the couple of sexual assault, labor violations, and creating a hostile work environment, TIME reported.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6, alleges that Robinson repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the women over a several years, spanning from 2007-2024. The plaintiffs are unnamed and referred to as Jane Does 1 through 4 in the suit. The Jane Does claim the assaults occurred at the Robinson’s residence in Chatsworth, California, and Las Vegas.

According to the complaint, the women allege that Robinson used his celebrity status to intimidate and control them. They said the “Cruisin” singer isolated them in areas of his homes without surveillance to commit the assaults. One plaintiff claims she was raped over 20 times.

Frances Robinson is also named in the lawsuit and is accused of labor violations. These include failure to pay minimum wage and fostering a hostile work environment. The plaintiffs allege that she used ethnically derogatory language and failed to intervene despite being aware of her husband’s misconduct.

The women’s attorney, John Harris, stated at a press conference that the plaintiffs delayed coming forward due to fear of retaliation, public embarrassment, and concerns over their immigration status.

“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist and must be stopped,” Harris said.

Harris also spoke about the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on the women. The fear of personal judgment from their families was also a reason for their silence.

“Having to tell their husband and children of these despicable actions left them filled with shame and embarrassment,” Harris said. “So, throughout their dreadful experiences with Mr. Robinson, all four women remained silent.”

As of now, no criminal charges have been filed. Representatives for the Robinsons have not publicly commented on the allegations. According to Harris, the women have not filed police reports due to aforementioned concerns. Yet, they believe justice is owed to them, and $50 million is an appropriate start.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 7, 2025

Cape Town To Host WorldPride 2028

South Africa will be the first African country to serve as host for the global LGBTQIA+ celebration

Cape Town, South Africa, has been chosen as the host city for WorldPride 2028. The event will mark the first time the global LGBTQIA+ celebration will take place in Africa.

Cape Town Pride won the bid to host WorldPride 2028 with 53% of the vote, edging out Mexico’s Guadalajara Pride, which garnered 44%. InterPride, the event organizers, officially declared Cape Town the host following the bidding process, the Washington Blade reports.

”This is a first for the whole continent of Africa,” said Cape Town Pride CEO Tommy Patterson. “A few weeks ago, in Medellín, Cape Town Pride, the city of Cape Town, and the bidding team presented our bid. The team did a wonderful job, and we all forged great friendships and allies from Pride groups all over the globe.”

The landmark event is internationally recognized for championing LGBTQIA+ pride and rights through gatherings focused on unity, education, and celebration. Highlights include a human rights conference, cultural showcases, social gatherings, and a march spotlighting LGBTQIA+ experiences worldwide.

South Africa’s selection is fitting, as it is the only country on the continent that constitutionally recognizes LGBTQ rights. This bold step toward inclusion has made it a haven in recent years for LGBTQ asylum seekers from across Africa and beyond.

“This will mark the first time WorldPride is held on the African continent, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the global LGBTQ+ community to our beautiful city,” said Michael Gladwin of the WorldPride Cape Town bidding team. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our incredible partners who supported this journey. Together, we will showcase Cape Town as a beacon of inclusivity and diversity.”

The announcement comes in advance of WorldPride 2025, which will take place in Washington, D.C., from May 17 to June 8. Although Kaohsiung, Taiwan, originally won the bid to host the event in 2022, its local planning committee later withdrew their offer due to a dispute with InterPride.

Candace Owens, Ye, kanye west, cancel culture, Vultures 1,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 7, 2025

Candace Owens Explains Why She ‘Will Always Love Ye’

Candace Owens is defending her loyalty to Ye

Ye may have lost the support of many friends and fans due to a string of controversial activities, but Candace Owens continues to stand by him.

The conservative commentator appeared on The Jason Lee Show, where she was asked about her continued friendship with the artist formerly known as Kanye West, who has recently aligned himself with Nazi ideology.

According to Owens, until an investigation is done into Harley Pasternak and his involvement Ye’s 2016 hospitalization, people need to give the troubled rapper and fashion mogul a break.

Canadian fitness expert and author Pasternak made headlines in 2016 after reportedly calling 911 on Kanye during a training session. Years later, Ye showed text messages from Pasternak where the trainer allegedly threatened him with another involuntary hospitalization.

“Second option. I have you institutionalized again where they medicate the crap out of you, and you go back to Zombieland forever,” the message allegedly read. “Play dates with the kids just won’t be the same.”

In defending Ye, Owens went from expressing admiration to condemning Pasternak, referencing mind-control and experimentation in her reasoning.

“I will always love Ye, I will always defend him because I think he did one of the bravest things in speaking about what happened to him, and the questions were never answered about what Harley Pasternak did to him that night,” Owens said. “And I think it’s what was done to Britney Spears based on my readings of the MK Ultra program, which has never been stopped.”

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Owens continued. “I think Harley Pasternak is extremely problematic, and he’s literally telling you what happened to him, and no one’s listening. Everyone’s like, ‘He’s gone crazy.’…When you read those experiments of how they could literally give somebody a mental disorder via a cocktail of drugs, LA becomes very scary.”

Shen then references the mysterious, bathroom-related deaths of celebrities like Brittany Murphy and Aaron Carter—both of whom had connections to or mentioned Pasternak—and pointed to the Canadian trainer’s background.

“He was military trained in the Canadian military and was allowed to experiment with drugs on humans. He spoke about that openly,” Owens said.

“What the hell is he doing as a gym trainer in LA to all the stars? So I have questions about what happened to Kanye, and I will always be, until we get those answers, and the media really looks into Harley Pasternak, who was also Brittany Murphy’s trainer. It’s just weird.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 7, 2025

Prime Video Announces Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Candace Parker, Steve Nash As NBA Studio Analysts

Wade, Nash, and Parker will be in-game and studio analysts, while Haslem will have duties as a studio analyst for the upcoming NBA season

With the upcoming NBA season making its debut on Prime Video, the platform announced the hiring of NBA legends Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, and Dwyane Wade, as well as WNBA legend Candace Parker as studio analysts.

When the 2025-26 NBA season starts in October, the four analysts will give their expertise on basketball for 66 regular-season games, including the opening week doubleheader, a new Black Friday NBA game, and all the contests to be played during the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup, including the Championship.

We’re excited to welcome Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, Candace Parker, and Dwyane Wade to the #NBAonPrime team. Coming this October. pic.twitter.com/dOGJ2CN2t7

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) May 5, 2025

The former basketball players–Haslem, Wade, and Nash are NBA Hall of Famers– have collectively won a combined seven NBA/WNBA championships, made 48 All-Star appearances, and have deep knowledge of the sport to give fans a unique perspective of the games.

Wade, Nash, and Parker will be in-game and studio analysts, while Haslem will have duties as a studio analyst.

“I’m excited to join the NBA on Prime team as an analyst at this pivotal moment for Prime Video,” said Wade in a written statement. “After 16 years on the court and time as a broadcaster, I can’t wait to continue to share my unique perspective and bring the energy of the game to fans streaming at home.”

Prime Video will provide exclusive coverage of every game of the postseason SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, first and second-round playoff games, and Conference Finals in six of the 11 years of the deal.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Prime Video as an NBA analyst,” said Parker. “It’s an incredible opportunity to share my passion and insights about a game I love and to be part of Prime Video’s NBA coverage with such an exceptional team.”

Last summer, the NBA signed a long-term deal with Amazon until the 2035-36 season.

“Joining Prime Video as an NBA analyst is a dream come true,” said Nash. “I’m beyond excited to break down the game I love for fans everywhere and be part of this new chapter for Prime Video’s inaugural NBA coverage alongside an incredible team.”

by Stacy Jackson

May 7, 2025

‘I Will Survive’ Singer Gloria Gaynor Says She Is Not A Feminist

When the singer released "I Will Survive," it became an empowerment anthem for women, the LGBTQ community and the oppressed.

Singer Gloria Gaynor may be the voice behind the popular feminist anthem “I Will Survive,” but don’t get it twisted; the Grammy Award-winning artist has clarified that she is not a feminist.

“The biggest misconception about me? Hmm. It may be dangerous to say this, but… that I’m a feminist,” the 81-year-old singer told Metro. “People say it to me, ‘And since you’re a feminist…’ Erm, no. Not really. I love men.”

Although Gaynor is proud of her 1978 disco hit, the vocal powerhouse shared that, along with her sister, she grew up with five brothers. “I love men who know who they are and are strong enough to take their place but also strong enough to recognize a woman’s strengths and who are able to allow her to exercise those strengths and realize that we are to be partners and not opponents,” she said. NPR reported in 2019 that Gaynor was called into a meeting with producer-songwriters Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris to record “I Will Survive.” Upon release, it was a nearly instant hit, and the song became the empowerment anthem for women, the LGBTQ community, and those who felt politically oppressed or physically challenged. The song also resonated with survivors of domestic abuse, an issue Gaynor herself has addressed as part of her advocacy.

The recent statement from the disco-era singer comes ahead of the June release of her new five-song EP, “Happy Tears,” a project which allows Gaynor to experience a full circle moment. The songs on the EP reflect on personal life experiences, just like all of her music. Picking one song from the bunch, Gaynor admitted that her new track, “Fida Known,” is her favorite on the forthcoming EP. The song picks up from where “I Will Survive” left off. “It’s called that because it’s the way Americans say ‘If I had known,'” she said. “The song is all about helping people to look back on the things that they’ve overcome and to recognize what they’ve come through.”

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Since signing to Columbia Records in 1973, Gaynor has released 22 studio albums, two live albums, 10 compilation albums, and 52 singles. As the singer continues to extend her music portfolio, the “I Am What I Am” artist is hitting stages worldwide. According to the artist’s Instagram page, fans will see her in July at the Sani Resort in Halkidiki, Greece, for the Sani Festival 2025, but the party won’t stop there. Fans will also have a chance to jam out to the “I Will Survive” anthem this August during Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle in the UK.

Pastor, Houston, sexual assault, Keion Henderson

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 7, 2025

Catholic Africans Hope For A Black Pope, But See It As A Distant Possibility

African Catholics are enthusiastic about the possibility of a new pope who could reflect the continent’s growing influence within the Catholic Church

With at least three African cardinals in the running to become the next Pope, African Catholics are excited by the prospect but remain cautiously optimistic.

Cardinals Robert Sarah of Guinea, Peter Turkson of Ghana, and Fridolin Ambongo of Congo are among the African leaders considered “papabile”—a term Vatican watchers use for potential papal candidates. As the conclave of eligible cardinals prepares to gather in the Sistine Chapel on May 14, the stage is set for a potentially historic decision that has many African Catholics on edge.

“For us, it does not matter whether he is African, white, or Black. What matters is having a good, holy pope who can unite Catholics across the world,” Luka Lawrence Ndenge, an emergency officer with the Catholic charity Caritas in the remote town of Wau in South Sudan, told NBC News.

Ndenge believes an African Pope is a strong possibility, especially as “we already have African cardinals who are fully capable.”

It would mark the first African Pope in over 1,500 years—and the first ever from sub-Saharan Africa. Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze drew global attention ahead of the 2005 conclave that ultimately chose Pope Benedict XVI.

The upcoming conclave takes place amid a shifting religious landscape. Catholicism is declining across Europe, but rapidly expanding in the developing world, with Africa seeing the fastest growth in Catholic followers. At least 20% of the global Catholic population resides in Africa, something the Vatican says “is characterized by a highly dynamic spread of the Catholic Church.”

Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin, head of the Adigrat diocese in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, expressed hope that the next pope will share Pope Francis’ compassion, recalling Francis’s speaking out against the Tigray conflict in 2021 and 2022.

“For me, having a passionate, dedicated, and competent African leading the Catholic Church is very important to me as an African, and to see it in my lifetime is my absolute wish,” he said.

Meanwhile, Emily Mwaka doesn’t care if the next Pope is “green” because he “will be for all of us,” she said.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 6, 2025

Kamala Harris Makes Met Gala Debut To Support ‘Black Dandyism’ Theme

Kamala Harris served elegant glam for her Met Gala debut.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her Met Gala debut in a striking black-and-white gown supporting this year’s theme, honoring the style and legacy of the Black dandy.

Harris made a rare appearance on May 5, attending the 2025 Met Gala with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Vogue reports. She wore a custom Off-White designed by Sierra Leone-born and London-based creative director IB Kamara, who crafted the dress from rich black and white cady silk for a deep, luxurious texture.

Harris’s look boasted elegant nods to the evening’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” dress code with a dramatic scarf, a single statement sleeve, and a pleated skirt. Her husband complimented her look with a classic tuxedo by Brunello Cucinelli.

Kamala Harris stuns at the Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/aHtwmu9Xss
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) May 6, 2025

“Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture but also our policies and politics,” Harris said. “Artistic expression—whether it’s dance, music, visual arts, or fashion—has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.”

Her appearance at the coveted annual event underscored Harris’s commitment to honoring this year’s theme, spotlighting Black culture and history through fashion. Since leaving office, she has kept a low profile, catching a Broadway performance of Gypsy, accepting an NAACP Image Award, and browsing the Brentwood Farmers Market.

Her Met Gala appearance comes one week after Harris gave an impassioned, politically charged speech at a San Francisco gala fundraiser, where she criticized the Trump administration for what she called the “abandonment of America’s highest ideals.”

When designing her Met Gala look, Kamara wanted to keep things simple but elegant.

“For this monumental night at the Met celebrating Black culture and iconicity, we felt simplicity is best,” he said. “Utilizing a mix of silk fabrications and precise tailoring, we added subtle flares, allowing her own dandyism to shine through, like the dramatic sleeve and elongated scarf.”

by Stacy Jackson

May 6, 2025

Charlotte-based Rideshare Company Prioritizes Women’s Safety

Just Her Rideshare drivers must pass a background and driving record check to successfully complete the application process.

A rideshare company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is promising safe travels for women passengers and drivers across the Carolinas.

Just Her Rideshare, founded by Kimberly Evans, emerged from an incident in 1987 when a friend was abducted while waiting to catch a ride. For Evans, rideshare apps were a no-go for her due to similar stories that came to light as rideshare companies rose in popularity.

Just Her Rideshare is “here to offer peace of mind,” the founder told Axios. “Uber and Lyft had become so big that I knew they had lost touch with what it looks like to create a safe ride for women.”

In 2020, Evans launched her rideshare company of all-women drivers, with “worry-free” transportation at the core of its vision.

“Our mission is to provide safe rideshare services for women drivers and riders,” Just Her Rideshare states on its website. “By fostering a community of mutual support and trust, we aim to create an environment where women can travel with confidence, and drivers can thrive while making a positive impact.”

To carry out the founder’s mission, drivers are required to pass a background and driving record check. Drivers with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and license plates with current registrations must be 21 years or older to apply. Vehicles that lack access to four doors and five seatbelts are prohibited from operating through the company. Riders are able to specify their preferences in the notes section of the Just Her Rideshare app. Customers can schedule rides in advance and choose car temperature, music genre, or silence.

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With over 2,000 drivers across seven cities, the company also looks out for the safety of its drivers, who have the option to decline any riders who do not identify as female. Drivers currently operate in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina. Evans is looking to expand into Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in the coming months.

Interested drivers can sign up by completing the online application. The Just Her Rideshare app is available to download via the App Store and Google Play Store.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 6, 2025

Novelist Percival Everett Wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize For ‘James’

Percival Everett's honors for his acclaimed novel continue

Percival Everett’s 2024 novel James continues to earn widespread acclaim. After being named a Booker Prize finalist and winning both the Kirkus Prize and the National Book Award for Fiction, Everett has added the 2025 Pulitzer Prize.

The Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California was announced as a Pulitzer Prize winner on May 5. Everett’s powerful novel, James, serves as a reimagining of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told through the eyes of Jim, Huck’s enslaved companion.

The Pulitzer Prize stands as a defining moment in Everett’s stellar literary career, which also includes his novel Erasure (2001), which inspired the Academy Award-winning film American Fiction. His other works include I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009), and The Trees (2021), which was shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize.

The prestigious Pulitzer Prize recognizes excellence in journalism, literature, drama, and music. The 2025 winners were honored at a ceremony opened by Administrator Marjorie Miller, who started the event by addressing the ongoing challenges facing the media and publishing industries in the United States.

“ Atop years of severe financial pressures and layoffs, amid the dangers of covering wars and natural disasters, journalists and writers now face additional threats in the form of legal harassment, the banning of books, and attacks on their work and legitimacy. These efforts are meant to silence, criticism, to edit or rewrite history,” Miller said.

She added that this year’s finalists and winners entailed “ courageous reporting and impactful storytelling” as well as “ authors and composers who stand up for their values.”

Anoher notable Pulitzer Prize winners this year was Ann Telnaes, the former Washington Post cartoonist who resigned earlier after her editor declined to publish a satirical cartoon that mocked media and tech leaders’ allegiance to President Donald Trump.