• Contributor Network

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 18, 2025

Bullied At Work? Here’s How To Stand Your Ground With Grace And Power

The only way to root out darkness is to shed light on the situation

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Reader’s Question:

Dear Fairygodmentor,
I’m experiencing bullying from a colleague, and it’s making me dread going to work. How do I handle this situation professionally?
– Standing My Ground

Dear Standing My Ground,

I’m sorry you are experiencing this at work. It’s hard enough to focus on showing up every day, giving your all, and just plain surviving. Then to add this bullying to the mix?! It’s just too much!

Sadly, according to the most recent Workplace Institute Bullying survey, it’s estimated that 52.2 million American workers are being bullied, up from 48.6 million Americans in 2021.

Workplace bullying looks like repetitive mistreatment that’s verbal, non-verbal, physical, or psychological. What’s more upsetting is that 65% of bullies are people in leadership positions. That makes the workplace environment even more tenuous. 

I want to share some strategies for handling this matter promptly and professionally.

Document, Document, Document: I usually give this advice to managers when they are interacting with their team members. Our memories aren’t as sharp 24 hours after an incident occurs. You should also document incidents and interactions that may violate safety, the law, or company policies. Be specific. Who? What Why? When? How? Were there any witnesses? What was said (as accurately as you can recall)? What was the body language you observed? Having all of this data documented does a variety of things. It captures what you experienced, it provides the organization with an account of your experience, and from a personal standpoint, it validates that this wasn’t all in your head. If the bullying is happening virtually, take screenshots of chats and or text messages. Keep those receipts.

Confront (only if you feel safe doing so):  Sometimes, a bully continues this behavior if they believe they can get away with it. If you feel safe speaking up and saying something to this bully, confront them in the moment of the bullying behavior. “Did you mean to say that?” If this behavior is based on allegations that you’re not pulling your weight or delivering results, show your receipts. The act of standing your ground and speaking up can nip future bullying behavior in the bud. 

Show Your Ask & Level Up: If the bullying continues after speaking up, level up and get help. Bubble up this incident to your Human Resources and/or Compliance department. Some companies have compliance hotlines where you can leave a voicemail outlining what’s been occurring in the workplace. Remember to use the documentation you captured, including the specifics of the incidents. Companies want their employees to be safe and productive. If you’re experiencing bullying and harassing treatment at work, the business needs to know. I know it may feel scary, but there are laws to protect you from retaliation. 

The only way to root out darkness is to shed light on the situation. By documenting, speaking up, and getting help, you can stand in your power and truly stand your ground.  

You’ve got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

Alabama A&M Boasts Record-Breaking Enrollment With More Male Students Coming To HBCU

The school announced its remarkable enrollment during its annual Torch Lighting Ceremony.

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Alabama A&M University has kicked off its 150th year with record-breaking enrollment for its freshman class.

The HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama, has introduced its largest cohort in years for the class of 2029. The school announced at its annual Torch Lighting ceremony that 2,157 preliminarily registered first-time freshmen have begun their studies. This has already surpassed last year’s record, with a significant percentage of male students included.

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Alabama A&M confirmed that male students make up 42% of its freshman class, a significant feat for the school as HBCUs everywhere struggle with a declining male population. Covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE last September, enrollment of Black men at HBCUs has seen a downward trend over the previous five decades.

Many factors, including financial, cultural, and social barriers, led to this jarring statistic. In light of these challenges, HBCUs have intensified their initiatives to bring Black male scholars back into the classroom. The news of these increased numbers at Alabama A&M represents progress at the school and HBCUs across the nation.

Alabama A&M also celebrates its diverse population with plans for a lived-in campus experience. The class of 2029 has traveled from all over to attend Huntsville. Students from 40 states and five countries now represent the cohort. The majority also have plans to live on campus, with 62% of first-year students registered to stay in its residences.

As the HBCU embarks on its milestone year of educating Black and diverse youth, it continues to build upon its initial success to evolve into a new age of academia. As students begin their classes, they will also engage in a month-long Bulldog Welcome Experience. Its scheduled activities include orientation workshops, leadership sessions, and classic HBCU traditions like the National Pan-Hellenic Council Yard Show and the Louis Crews Classic football game.

RELATED CONTENT: Fed Student Loan Forgiveness Tracking Paused Amid System Turmoil, Layoffs

• Events

by Kandiss Edwards

August 18, 2025

Men Who XCEL: Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson To Be Honored At The 2025 ‘XCEL Summit For Men’

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson to receives honors for his lifetime of leadership in faith.

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The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men will welcome Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. Richardson will be honored for his work as a leader and spiritual anchor in the Black community. 

Richardson has dedicated his life to strengthening faith, expanding civic engagement, and advancing social justice. Richardson leads nationally as Chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches. The organization comprises multiple historically Black denominations, representing over 20 million African American Christians. He also serves as the Chairman of the National Action Network, one of the most respected civil rights organizations in the nation. Richardson’s passion for accountability in faith-based institutions cannot be understated. Often, he uses his voice and pulpit to call for action from institutions and community members.

In 2021, Richardson spoke with BE’s Derek T. Dingle about the resilience of Black folk and the church’s responsibility to help push the community forward in all avenues. 

“No movement in African American progress has been a failure; it’s just been a foundation for the next movement. No failure. We’re at a place right now where I think we have an opportunity to move forward, and there may be some setbacks, but no failures. We may lose some battles, but we will not be defeated. And the church has got to participate in the resolve to not abandon the vision for full access to opportunity in this country.”

Richardson’s pastoral work extends far beyond sermons. Since 1975, he has served as the leader of Grace Baptist. His leadership has grown into a robust fellowship across three locations. Additionally, Grace Baptist impacts more than 10,000 people annually and has developed 800 affordable housing units in the surrounding community.

Among his leadership roles, Richardson also serves as board chair for Virginia Union University. Furthermore, he sits on the boards of major institutions, including Comcast and PepsiCo. His voice and insight help shape corporate accountability surrounding inclusion. 

At the summit, Dr. Richardson will deliver the “Morning Motivation” address on Friday, Oct. 17. Richardson brings not only spiritual resonance but institutional wisdom rooted in bridging faith, business, and civic action.

BE organizers describe the moment as essential, as “Professional success means nothing if we’re not also tending to our spiritual fulfillment.”

Be in attendance at the XCEL Summit for Men to honor one of the country’s preeminent faith leaders. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. For more information, click here.

RELATED CONTENT: Men Who XCEL: Larry Fitzgerald To Be Honored At The 2025 ‘XCEL Summit For Men’

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

The Gathering Spot Transforms D.C. Location Into ‘Safe House’ As Trump’s Police Surround City

'We have to actively resist what we are seeing,' CEO and co-founder Ryan Wilson says.

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The Gathering Spot has opened its Washington, D.C., location to Black Washingtonians as President Donald Trump’s police continue its takeover of the city.

The Black-owned private membership club typically reserves its spaces for networking events as well as professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry players a part of its cohort. However, as D.C. deals with Trump’s growing control over the city with National Guard troops patrolling the area, The Gathering Spot hopes to provide a refuge for those overwhelmed and concerned by the current state of D.C.

The club’s D.C. location shared about the “Safe House” initiative on Instagram. The Gathering Spot will allow non-members to use the facility as a safe haven to “work, rest, connect, or simply find refuge in community,” as reported by Afrotech.

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“The authoritarian-in-chief is doing something unprecedented so we are going to do something unprecedented too,” shared CEO and co-founder Ryan Wilson. “It is more important that we are in community during moments like this than ever.”

Non-members will gain access to the spot’s location through a vetting process to ensure the safety and authenticity of all who enter the premises. While they will not have the club’s full access and benefits as members, Wilson emphasized The Gathering Spot’s intentions to make sure the Black community can be united in moments like these.

“It is important during critical moments to make sure that our community broadly has the opportunity to be with one another,” he added.

The evolution into a “Safe House” comes as Trump has significantly ramped up police presence in Washington, deploying 500 federal agents earlier this month to the area. Trump also exercised his control over the city’s police, prompting state and local leaders to condemn his occupation.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser continues to navigate the tricky situation, calling the move an “authoritarian push.” Others have continued to resist Trump’s stronghold over the city.

“We have to actively resist what we are seeing,” Wilson said. “This is absolutely unprecedented and unacceptable, but together in community we will be able to overcome.”

Those in the D.C. area can apply to this venture on The Gathering spot’s website.

• Health and Wellness

by Mitti Hicks

August 18, 2025

Jermayne Harris Is Training Next Generation Of Chefs As He Waits For New Heart

Chef Harris had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted in him in his twenties.

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“Chef Mayne” etched on a white jacket is the first thing students from Columbus Downtown High School’s culinary program will likely notice when their instructor, Jermayne Harris, walks into the room. The black letters of his name are proof of the program’s success.

“Being a student at this school and coming from where they come from shows them that they can do whatever it is they want to do,” Harris tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

But what his students probably don’t see initially is the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) inside a waterproof bag that he keeps close to his chest. The mechanical pump is an implant to help the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) pump blood more effectively. It’s the same LVAD that forced him to take a leap of faith to open his own business when his employer at the time let him go after spending weeks in the hospital.

Chef Jermayne Harris Diagnosed With Heart Failure In His Twenties

Harris was in his physical prime in his early twenties. As a teenager, he ran track and was a quarterback for his high school football team. He returned home after college to start a catering business. At the beginning of 2017, he began to feel sick, and the cold-like symptoms would linger. He started wheezing first thing in the morning and eventually in his sleep.

The only way Harris could sleep comfortably was straight up against the wall. His lower extremities started to swell months later to the point he couldn’t put on his shoes anymore. He drove himself to the hospital, and doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure at the age of 23.

“I was kind of a shock because I was so young, but at the same time I was thinking, ‘OK. What’s next? Is it curable?’ and things like that.”

Harris wore a defibrillator for a few months and had one permanently put in on October 2017. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of his health scares. In 2019, he had a panic attack while working, which ultimately landed him back in the hospital. Harris said he felt different than his initial hospital stay in 2018. Doctors found a blood clot in his lung, and his health took a dramatic turn. Harris was life-flighted to another hospital, where he learned he would receive the Abbott HeartMate 3 LVAD as the next level of care.

According to Lifeline of Ohio, he contracted a virus that severely damaged his heart.

From Hospital Bed To Hot Food Truck Kitchen

While in the hospital, Harris said he had nothing but time and would watch the Food Network, which inspired him to create the menus for his food truck. His dad planted the seed to start his food truck after the restaurant he was working in let him go.

“My dad didn’t want to be under that kind of stress after seeing how they treated me while I was going through my health situation.”

The menu featured six different bowls from around the world, including bowls inspired by Asia and the Caribbean. Amid his business venture and health battle, Harris maintained a relationship with the Columbus Public Schools, where he served on the advisory board for the culinary program. That relationship opened the doors to becoming an assistant to the program and eventually a teacher.

It takes a great deal of heart for Chef Mayne to get up every day and inspire students, especially since his own heart is failing and his physical activity is limited. While others may have faltered at everything he has gone through, he has used his LVAD to pump some culinary heart into his students, and while renewing hope for himself. He has lived out his dream of opening a food truck and is now training the next generation of culinary artists.

As for what’s next for Harris, he has been on the heart transplant list in Ohio since 2017 and now has two hearts that beat outside of his body.

“I’m married and raising a daughter,” says Harris. “I think there’s another business venture in me eventually with my wife.”

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• Education

by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

White House Pushes Conservative Online Platform As PBS Alternative; May Already Be In Classrooms

PragerU is a conservative 'education' platform has been criticized for whitewashing history.

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After the White House pulled federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier in August, the Trump administration accelerated its partnership with PragerU, a nonprofit organization that has been credibly accused of creating whitewashed and far-right versions of American history.

Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post, told Vox that many of the videos reflect an effort to editorialize history, aligning with the Trump administration’s push to control the historical narrative.

“There’s a video with Christopher Columbus, who is talking to some modern-day kids who are saying, basically, ‘I heard bad things about you.’ And he says, ‘You have to judge me by the standards that were true at the time.’ The upshot of this video and other Prager videos is to — I think it’s fair to say — minimize the role of slavery or how much we should focus on it or how upset we should be about it from our past and to try to look on more, shall we say, uplifting ideas from American history,” Meckler said.

The viral video that Meckler referenced is from a 2022 episode of its programming, in which two young modern-day students travel back in time to determine whether Christopher Columbus deserves to be celebrated. The video is emblematic of the kind of content that PragerU creates, pseudo-educational content that seeks to position itself as a conservative alternative to “woke” or the correct version of history.

As 404 Media reported in July, PragerU has increasingly been integrated into the educational curriculum of several states, and even partnered with the White House to create what the outlet referred to as an odd collection of lesser known historical figures alongside John Adams and Thomas Jefferson for its “Road to Liberty” series, which was hosted, but with a wink and nod, not officially endorsed by the White House and the Department of Education.

As Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor of the history of education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, told Education Week in 2023, “PragerU is not a university. It is a political propaganda machine, and it promotes mistruths about climate change, slavery, and a whole host of other things.”

He continued, “The things I’ve seen, both about slavery and climate science, are radically distorted and not based in evidence the way that universities understand that term.” Taking into account the argument about any left-leaning bias in the curriculum, Zimmerman noted that “there are any number of much more credible sources that one could use to balance the equation. This isn’t a solution; it’s cynicism. It is distressing and destructive.”

In 2023, members of the Texas State Board of Education criticized PragerU after another member, Julie Pickren, indicated that the group’s educational materials would meet the criteria for use in Texas classrooms.

“This has not gone through any kind of review process,” SBOE District 1 member Melissa Ortega told Fox 7 Austin. “We do not endorse this, and we will not be having this come to Texas.”

In addition, Carisa Lopez of the Texas Freedom Network noted that “PragerU has twisted the words of Frederick Douglass, making disgusting claims that slavery was a compromise. And that’s just one example of the negligence and misinformation this vendor pushes.”

According to Texas AFT Policy Analyst Kelsey King, instead of presenting the correct version of history, PragerU engages in a number of problematic narrative choices.

“These videos instead whitewash and misrepresent events in our history, glorify hyper-capitalism, promote jingoism and are rife with misogyny and white saviorism,” King told the outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: PragerU Hosts Animated Video Of Frederick Douglass Calling Slavery A ‘Compromise

• HBCU

by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

St. Augustine’s University Appoints First Black Woman Board Of Trustees Chair

Earlier in August, Saint Augustine's secured an important victory, a federal injunction that allows the university to keep its accreditation.

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The beleaguered Saint Augustine’s University appointed its first Black woman chair to its Board of Trustees as it attempts to create stability to restore its accreditation status. According to HBCU Gameday, Sophie L. Gibson, a business leader from Atlanta, will replace Brian A. Boulware, who stepped down from the position Gibson inherits after leading the Board since 2019.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the Board to guide SAU into a bright future,” Boulware said.

Making more history, the appointment of Gibson also means that both the top two positions on the Board —chair and vice chair —will be held by women. V. Lynette Mitchell, a 1989 graduate of SAU, will serve as Gibson’s second-in-command as they prepare to lead the university.

“We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,” Gibson said in a pre-written statement. “As we move into this new chapter, we honor their contributions while embracing a bold, strategic path forward that will strengthen our impact for generations to come.”

Mitchell echoed Gibson’s sentiments in her own statement, “We are turning the page to an exciting new era for SAU-–one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit.”

Earlier in August, Saint Augustine’s secured an important victory, a federal injunction that allows the university to keep its accreditation while it challenges an earlier ruling by its accrediting body. The university is also raising funds through its “Believe in SAU: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird” campaign.

Funds from the campaign will be used to support operations and the legal defense fund. Alternatively, donors also have the option to donate directly to Alston & Bird L.L.P., the university’s legal team.

As The News & Observer reported, leaders emphasized the importance of the injunction for the university’s prospects.

“This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students,” Saint Augustine’s interim president, Marcus H. Burgess, said in a news release after the injunction ruling. “Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on Sept. 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars — and we meant it.”

“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends,” Gibson said in a statement. “Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission. This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend SAU’s future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together.”

RELATED CONTENT: Historic Black Church In Virginia Pays Off Debt Of 11 Graduating Seniors At Saint Augustine’s University

• Legal

by Daniel Johnson

August 18, 2025

Former University Of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Players Sue Ex Coach, Alleging Mental Abuse

Five former players are accusing their former coach, Maria Moseley, of psychological abuse, mental cruelty, retaliation, and discrimination

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Five former University of Wisconsin women’s basketball players filed a federal lawsuit against the school’s former coach, Maria Moseley, its former sports administrator, Justin Doherty, and the Wisconsin Board of Regents on Aug. 15 in the Western District Court of Wisconsin.

According to The Athletic, the five former players, Alexis Duckett, Krystyna Ellew, Mary Ferrito, Tara Stauffacher, and Tessa Towers, are accusing their former coach of psychological abuse, mental cruelty, retaliation, and discrimination. The players are seeking punitive and compensatory damages, as well as attorney fees and a trial by jury.

Per their complaint, “She (Moseley) unconstitutionally toyed with the mental health of her players, including Plaintiffs, as a means of exerting control over every facet of their lives, including retaliating against them based on their protected speech and expressive acts and discriminating against them based on their disabilities or perceived disabilities.”

Moseley, who resigned in March after spending four seasons at the helm of the program, is also being accused of interfering in her players’ mental health treatments, prying into their personal and romantic lives, and threatening players regarding their scholarships and playing time. Doherty, meanwhile, was allegedly made aware of issues by both players and parents and was also involved in removing players from the team.

According to the lawsuit, “medical providers treated a disproportionate number of Moseley’s players for mental health issues,” and “several players required emergency medical treatment or treatment at a mental health facility.”

The lawsuit also alleges that doctors at the university diagnosed several players with “serious mental illnesses and mood disorders and placed them on numerous prescription mental health medications.” In addition, the University of Wisconsin “coerced players, following a mental health incident, to sign broad agreements releasing their medical records if they wished to remain on the team.”

Notably, Moseley never compiled a winning record at the university, going 47-75 overall and 21-51 in Big Ten play. In her resignation from her position, Moseley cited “personal reasons” as the reason she chose to resign rather than presumably waiting for the university to fire her.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Towers, a 6’5″ former center at Wisconsin who now plays for Ball State University, went public with her account in January, posting a video to TikTok in which she detailed various acts of mistreatment from Moseley.

According to the lawsuit, Moseley singled out Towers, which disturbed other players on the team. “Tessa’s teammates found Moseley’s behavior towards their friend and teammate disturbing. Her teammates knew about Tessa’s ADHD and they watched their coach bully her because of it. Then, as they witnessed Tessa’s mental health problems escalating in multiple crises, they observed their coach’s behavior growing even worse. They could do nothing about it since Moseley threatened to reduce their playing time if they visited Tessa in the mental health facility or continued their friendships with her.”

The University of Wisconsin’s athletic brand communications department responded with a statement after Towers went public with her account.

“We are aware of comments shared online by former Badger student-athlete Tessa Towers and will be looking into this matter. We care deeply about the physical and mental well-being of all of the student-athletes on our teams, during and after their time on campus. While we would like to share additional context around Tessa’s comments, federal privacy laws prohibit us from publicly addressing the health-related claims made on Tessa’s social media account,” the university stated.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Black Mead High School Student-Athletes & Their Parents Sue School For Failing To Protect Students From Racial Harassment

• Business

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

Black-Owned Barber Shop And Beauty Salon In Mississippi Honored With Historic Marker

Tyrone's Barber & Beauty Salon initially opened to serve Black servicemen from the nearby Air Force base.

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A Black-owned barbershop and beauty salon in Biloxi, Mississippi, has a new historic marker outside its doors.

Tyrone’s Barber & Beauty Salon has stood in the southern city since the early 1960s. It initially opened as a way to serve Black servicemen at the nearby Keesler Air Force Base. Now, residents and travelers to Biloxi will understand its significance on Main Street with the historic marker. The couple unveiled the marker on social media Aug. 16.

The shop’s owner, Tyrone Burton, began cutting hair as a teenager. He worked with scissors and clippers in hand to help Black men in the community stay groomed. The salon became a staple in East Biloxi’s historic Black business district. This new marker will now forever celebrate the shop’s history and legacy in the town.

“It’s a beauty to live to see it because so many times, so many things happened,” shared Burton to WLOX.

The barber shop remains open to this day, with long-time residents still coming in for a fresh haircut. Burton still cuts hair, with the community knowing him and his shop as a space for change and togetherness.

“I have lived carrying the torch and still carrying the torch, and I’ve enjoyed the walk with the people,” he added.

The barber shop has held many roles across its decades-long existence. During the Civil Rights Movement, it became a safe haven and a crucial meeting ground for community activists. The salon once helped Black people with voter registration and later navigated changes from desegregation to Hurricane Katrina.

“Black and white couldn’t leave the base in the same cab, and I was seeing those changes,” recalled Burton.

Amid the natural disaster, which severely damaged the city, Burton and his wife, Vera, opted to stay and rebuild, continuing to serve their community as a hair-cutting duo that catered to all people’s haircare needs.

“I’m very proud of him,” shared Vera. “So proud of him. He deserves every bit of it. His legacy will just continue on.”

The recognition of the barber shop’s place in Biloxi extended even further. In May, a part of Main Street outside the shop was renamed to “Tyrone Burton Way.” Tyrone’s importance to the people of Biloxi remains felt, with hair appointments feeling more like a family reunion.

“You can go into a business and just be a customer, but when you can go into it and feel fellowship as a family? That’s what you feel here when you come to Tyrone,” explained a patron and friend, Bob Gibson. It’s awesome that the city would take time and recognize the work and the impact that he’s had on his community.”

RELATED CONTENT: Montgomery Newspaper Launched During Civil Rights Movement Gets Historic Marker

• Uncategorized

by Daniel Johnson

August 17, 2025

Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Who Targeted Black People Wants Federal Charges Dropped Because Jury Was Too White

Lawyers for Payton Gendron argued that the federal charges should be dropped because there were not enough Black people on the jury that convicted him.

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On Aug. 14, lawyers for Payton Gendron, the white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket in May 2022, argued that the federal charges against their client should be dropped because there were not enough Black people or other minority groups on the jury that convicted him

Gendron’s constitutional rights were violated as a result, they say.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo noted that their objection to a lack of Black and other people of color seemed to him “a little incongruous” considering their client is accused in a hate crime case. Gendron’s federal charges are separate from the state charges which he was convicted of in 2022.

Gendron is currently serving eight life sentences and could face the death penalty if he is convicted on federal charges in the trial slated to begin next June.

“It is very ironic that attention to this problem is being brought out in this case, where Payton Gendron committed a racially motivated homicide,” attorney John Elmore, who represents some of the victims’ relatives in lawsuits, told reporters by phone after the hearing. “But this has been a persistent problem in our courts that needs to be addressed.”

According to Gendron’s lawyers, Black people, Latinx people, and men are “systemically and significantly underrepresented” in the lists created for jurors to be selected from.

“To illustrate this point, the grand jury that indicted Payton Gendron was drawn from a pool from which approximately one third of the Black persons expected and one third of the Hispanic/Latino persons expected,” they argued.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin Higgins, the issue is a “technical violation” and doesn’t rise to the evidence necessary to completely dismiss the indictment.

Notably, Gendron’s lawyers have previously challenged the demographic composition of his federal jury, in April, they filed a motion to move the trial to New York City so that it could be tried by a racially diverse, impartial jury.

Additionally, as a result of their concerns over the jury selection process, the lawyers requested that the death penalty be removed as a potential punishment. Villardo denied the latter request, but has not decided on whether to move the trial.

According to ABC News, the families of some of the victims, like Wayne Jones, the son of 65-year-old victim Celestine Chaney, are vehemently opposed to moving the trial.

“What could you really call a ‘fair trial’ and you’re on video doing it?” Jones said in reference to the livestream video of the mass shooting that Gendron recorded. “We all know you did it. You already pleaded guilty once.”

He continued, “The only way you could watch that video and not give him the death penalty is if you’re really against it. The only way you could watch that video and not give him the death penalty is if you’re really against it. I want him to stay here so I can see the trial. In New York City, we wouldn’t be able to go to the trial.”

RELATED CONTENT: Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Payton Gendron Indicted on Terrorism, Murder Charges