Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland, house, senate, U.S. Senate Seat, Democratic Nomination
by Sharelle Burt

May 15, 2024

Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks Takes Democratic Nomination For Open U.S. Senate Seat

Alsobrooks' win puts her one step closer to becoming the state’s first Black senator.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was elected the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate. 

In a historic primary election on May 14, Alsobrooks beat out several opponents, including Rep. David Trone, in a crucial attempt to maintain control of the Senate in fall 2024. Trone conceded the victory and encouraged his supporters to move forward with Alsobrooks and reelect President Joe Biden. “We cannot let the party of Trump take our Senate,” he said. “We can’t let them take our country.”

The 52-year-old Maryland legislator will take on former Gov. Larry Hogan, a lawmaker known as critical of Donald Trump, who won the Republican nomination. Alsobrooks’ win puts her one step closer to becoming the state’s first Black senator and taking a seat in a chamber where only three Black women have served. “Stories like mine don’t generally make it to the United States Senate,” Alsobrooks said to her supporters after winning, according to Politico. 

After announcing in 2023 that he would not pursue a fourth term in office, outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin created a rush within the Democratic Party to find his replacement. Among the front-runners were Alsobrooks and Trone, swiftly emerging as party favorites and anticipated shoe-ins for the vacant seat. However, expectations took a turn when Hogan entered the primary race on the final day to file. The 67-year-old former governor consulted with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and former President George W. Bush before making his decision, surprising many and shifting the dynamics of the race.

The GOP has struggled with securing a Senate seat in Maryland, but Hogan’s campaign could affect Democrats’ attempt to maintain control of the Senate. However, both sides acknowledged the importance of the race and know they have some challenges ahead. “The fight ahead will not be easy,” Alsobrooks said. 

“Maryland has been a blue state, but it will only stay a blue state if we put in the work. Because Larry Hogan, his BFF Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump’s Republican Party want to flip this seat.”

Alsobrooks is no stranger to politics. While currently serving her second term as county executive, she previously served as state’s attorney in PG County — the second-largest county by population in the state. She has secured support from most of the state’s Democratic cabinet, including Gov. Wes Moore. Moore was present during Alsobrooks’ victory party and made remarks about her historic feat.

“Making history is not the assignment,” Moore said. “Making history is not what is asked. Meeting the moment is what’s asked.”

The most recent polls from Public Policy Polling (PPP) and Emerson College in May 2024 show Hogan trailing behind Alsobrooks. PPP shows her winning 46% to 37% with 17% undecided, and the Emerson College poll has Alsobrooks up 48% to 38% with 14% undecided.

RELATED CONTENT: New Survey Indicates Many Voters Undecided On Trump vs. Biden

Fani Willis, Conspiracy, Trump, Jim Jordan
by Sharelle Burt

May 15, 2024

Rep. Jim Jordan: Fani Willis Is Part Of ‘Conspiracy’ To Keep Trump Out Of Office

Willis caught wind of Jordan’s accusations and said, on the record, “This ain’t even worth my time.”

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) is accusing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of being part of a conspiracy to stop former President Donald Trump from winning the 2024 presidential election, Atlanta’s WSB-TV reports. 

The chair of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating Willis’ prosecution case against Trump, said Willis could affect the upcoming presidential election. “Her case is the one that’s politically motivated, and the American people can see it,” Jordan said.

Jordan and Willis have gone back and forth via letter since 2023 as the GOP lawmaker once demanded the prosecutor hand over all her documents on Trump, who is facing charges of conspiracy, racketeering, and election interference in Georgia.

In response, Willis accused Jordan of obstructing a Georgia criminal proceeding. 

Now, Jordan (without proof) is accusing Willis of conspiring with federal prosecutor Jack Smith and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to make sure the Republican nominee doesn’t sit in the Oval Office again.

“…I think Americans have common sense,” Jordan said. “I think they can see it for what it is. That’s what’s going on here.” 

The congressman still wants to question Willis regarding how she spent $14 million in federal grant money and about her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. While Wade is no longer on the case and Willis was allowed to proceed in her criminal prosecution of Trump, Jordan said “anything is possible ” in regards to his committee issuing subpoenas to the two lawyers—although he refused a Congressional subpoena to speak to the January 6 Committee.

With House Speaker Mike Johnson potentially on the chopping block for the position, according to Axios, Jordan is making aggressive power moves to be his replacement. He has privately told colleagues that he would do things differently if he were Speaker following a shouting match fight over foreign aid funding. 

In fall 2023, Jordan’s campaign for Speaker was met with limited support as 25 Republicans refused to vote for him on the House floor on his final ballot.

And Willis’ response to Jordan’s accusations?

“This ain’t even worth my time,” she told WSB-TV.

RELATED CONTENT: New Survey Indicates Many Voters Undecided On Trump vs. Biden

Kamala Harris, Leadership Summit
by Stacy Jackson

May 15, 2024

‘Kick That F-ing Door Down’: Kamala Talks Breaking Barriers At Leadership Summit

Harris' memorable comment drew cheers from the crowd.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an impassioned speech Monday at the Asian-Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership summit, urging the audience to break barriers and fight for political representation.

Harris, the first Black and Asian American female vice president, reflected on her Indian heritage at the event. According to Fox News, Harris told attendees, “Excuse my language. We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t, and then you need to kick that f‑‑‑ing door down.”

Her powerful statement drew cheers from the crowd, with actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang, the moderator, joking, “We gotta make T-shirts with that saying, ‘Kick that f—ing door down!”

@couriernewsroom

VP Kamala Harris: “Sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open; sometimes they won’t. And then you need to kick that fucking door down.” #kamalaharris #bidenharris #vote #democrats

♬ original sound – COURIER

Harris advised that “breaking barriers” must involve the moment of “breaking”. You might get cut, she said, but it’s worthwhile in the end. She encouraged younger attendees, reminding them to walk into rooms with their chin up and let their voices be heard, especially “being the only one that looks like you, the only one with your background.”

CNN reported that Harris also addressed the administration’s efforts to protect abortion rights, referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“A decision has been made that takes from the American people a fundamental freedom to make decisions about one’s own body,” Harris told Yang. “Think about what that’s taking us back to, that one does not have the right to exercise authority over issues that I call heart and home, issues that are fundamental to what should be a right to decide to start a family or not.”

Additionally, the VP reflected on curbing gun violence and celebrated the power of young voters who have experienced school shootings to drive change.

“When our young leaders start voting in their numbers on so many of these issues, I believe we are going to see a sea change in terms of how we address it, because our young leaders, in particular, are very practical, and they want to see things done.”

Questlove, Jay-Z’s ‘Unplugged’ Album
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 15, 2024

Questlove Reveals ‘Second Thoughts’ About Jay-Z’s ‘Takeover’ Diss on ‘Unplugged’ Album

Questlove reveals the "second thoughts" he has about appearing on Jay-Z's "Unplugged" album during the rapper's feud with Nas.

Questlove has “second thoughts” about appearing on Jay-Z’s Unplugged album, which included a live performance of Hova’s infamous Nas diss track, “Takeover.”

The Roots drummer has been under fire for his controversial takes on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud and his recent take on Tupac’s classic diss track, “Hit ‘Em Up.” After saying “Hip hop truly is dead” in response to rap fans debating over who won the lyrical war between Kendrick and Drake, critics reminded Questlove about his role in one of the most high-profile rap beefs of all time.

It was 2001 when Questlove, 53, played the drums on Jay-Z’s live Unplugged album where the hip-hop mogul performed his scathing “Takeover” diss during the height of his rap feud with Nas. Looking back on the performance, Questlove has some regrets.

“& yeah you don’t have to remind me of my role on Unplugged——-that wasn’t one of my brighter moments & had I had a redo I prolly woulda had second thoughts of the “Takeover” situation,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption addressing the backlash.

“I mean I know I’m old y’all but damn I’m not tryna be #Poundcake/Respectable Politics Smurf over here yelling “Get Off My Lawn!!!” every 14 secs.”

Elsewhere in the post, Questlove responded to negative responses he received after calling Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” the “weakest musical smack” in rap beef history.

“I would actually respect 2Pac’s ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ if his music tracking was better,” he said on SiriumXM’s One Song podcast last week. “‘Hit ‘Em Up,’ to me, is disqualified not because of the misogynist…Dude, you’re rhyming over smooth jazz dinner music! Luther Vandross could sing over this!”

He continued. “So when this came out, everybody was like, ‘This is hard as sh–! Yo, he killin’ it!’ And I was like, ‘Dog, he’s smooth jazzed up Dennis Edwards. It doesn’t count.’…That song, to me, is the weakest musical smack. I can’t get with ‘Hit ‘Em Up.’”

Journalist Elliot Wilson took to X to call out Questlove for the controversial take.

When responding to all the backlash from the public on Tuesday, May 14, Questlove made sure to tag Wilson to his response about the Kendrick-Drake feud, Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up,” and his appearance on Jay-Z’s Unplugged.

“Let’s be clear on the context I was speaking of aight? lol woke up to a grip of ‘what did Dennis Edwards/Pac do to you?!’ texts I’m speaking of the musical backdrop of that record (“Hit Em Up”),” Questlove wrote in his caption.

“Still mostly not a fan of dis records mostly because having lived in that period (mid 90s) I never seen any good results from hip hop beef.”

RELATED CONTENT: Questlove’s New Book ‘Hip-Hop Is History’ Coming June 2024

Florida Principal, Arrested, Child Abuse, Classroom
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 15, 2024

Florida Principal Arrested, Charged With Child Abuse In Classroom

Prophet had prior accusations of child abuse and molestation.

Florida principal Dontay Akeem Prophet was arrested May 13 on charges of alleged child abuse and false imprisonment of a child under 13, The Ocala Gazette reports.

The incident allegedly occurred in a classroom at Destiny Leadership Academy in Ocala, Florida, on May 9. The school’s secretary informed its owner, Pastor Lillie Tuggerson, that Prophet seemingly assaulted the child. Tuggerson then called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO).

When Deputy Ronald Bailey’s arrival at the school, the secretary showed him the over an hour-long surveillance footage. In the video, Prophet was seen placing a male student in a chokehold while grabbing him and holding him down on the floor.

“Prophet can be seen on camera using a charging cable to strike the child, causing the child to fall and sustain injuries,” wrote the MSCO in a press release obtained by the Ocala Gazette. “Additionally, Prophet twisted the child’s ankle, slapped the child in the face, and subjected him to further physical abuse.”

Furthermore, the arrest report detailed a teacher witnessing Prophet attacking the child. The said the educator “slam[med] the victim on the floor and (prevent the victim from) leaving the room.”

However, Prophet claimed he acted in such a way due to the child making suicidal statements. As to why he got on top of the student, Prophet said, according to the report, that “he was scared the victim would leave the school and run into traffic.”

Shortly after the incident, the unidentified victim asked his mother if Prophet called her about what happened. The mother also informed the police that her son was acting unusual.

According to Fox 35, MSCO released body cam footage of Prophet’s arrest, where the educator seemed surprised to find out the camera inside the classroom. Prophet has denied harming the student.

Further investigation also revealed child molestation allegations against Prophet in 2017. However, a prosecutor dropped one of the charges, leading to no conviction. Destiny Leadership Academy released a statement that it fired Prophet.

Prophet remains in the Marion County Jail without bond. His next court date is June 11.

TNT, NBC, NBA, Reggie Miller, Ian Eagle
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 15, 2024

Bill Simmons Speculates That NBC Outbid TNT For NBA Broadcast Rights

'I don't know why we're waiting til after the playoffs. Maybe that's how they have to do it, but it's a wrap. NBC's getting it.'

There is speculation that NBC has picked up the broadcast rights to air NBA games after journalist Bill Simmons stated as much on a recent podcast episode.

According to Complex, Simmons revealed that little tidbit on The Bill Simmons Podcast. With the contract with TNT ending next year, there has been speculation as to which network (or streaming service) would place a bid to pry it away from the hands of TNT. Simmons predicts that the deal has been done for more than a week and that the Peacock Network was the winner who will be able to showcase the games in the future.

“One of the funniest things ever is that we’re all pretending the TV deal wasn’t done like a week-and-a-half ago… I think it’s done,” said Simmons during a discussion on the episode. “I think Warner already lost it. I don’t know why we’re waiting til after the playoffs. Maybe that’s how they have to do it, but it’s a wrap. NBC’s getting it.”

If Simmons is correct, it would most likely blow up one of the most popular NBA shows in existence, Inside The NBA. The show features Ernie Johnson and three former NBA players, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show has been on TNT since its inception in 1988. One of the most-watched sports programs has taken home eighteen Sports Emmy Awards in over 30 years on the air. The chemistry and witty banter between the four hosts will be greatly missed if the contract between the NBA and TNT is not extended.

The speculation is that Johnson would not be leaving the network if the deal isn’t extended, but the future of the former NBA players is up in the air, with rumors circulating that Barkley will be out the door if Simmons is correct.

So far, the NBA and TNT have not disclosed any news on the reported talks.

New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, Migrants
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 15, 2024

NYC Mayor Says Migrants Are ‘Excellent Swimmers’ To Help Lifeguard Crisis

The Mayor's comments undermined the often dangerous journey many migrants take.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has a unique solution to one of the city’s workforce crises. Adams faced backlash for referring to migrants as “excellent swimmers” that could help resolve the city’s lifeguard shortage.

Adams made the comment while speaking at a City Hall event on May 14. The city suffers from a lack of lifeguards for its pools and beaches, leading Adams to his solution. According to The New York Post, he referred to migrant people as “excellent swimmers” to fill the roles.

“How do we have a large body of people that are in our city, our country, that are excellent swimmers and at the same time we need lifeguards—and the only obstacle is that we won’t give them the right to work to become a lifeguard,” explained the public official. “That just doesn’t make sense.”

He added, “We have all these eligible people waiting to work, with the skills we need to do the jobs, but we are unable to allow them to work because bureaucracy is in the way.”

The bureaucracy he referenced stems from the inefficient process of approving work visas for migrant workers. In Adam’s eyes, expediting these approvals can quickly relieve the city of this shortage.

However, some feel that his comments not only undermine the plight of migrant people but trivializes their journey. Describing them as excellent swimmers stems from many being forced to travel by water to get to the U.S. To critics of the mayor’s words, the offensive comment pokes fun at the dangerous travel conditions.

Over 180,000 migrants have arrived in NYC since 2022, according to the NYCLU. Many have struggled to obtain the necessary documents to fully establish themselves in America, and in addition to the city’s own housing crisis, they are leaving without shelter. As local leaders claim the issue stretches their resources thin, Adam’s comments spark greater backlash for how NYC has handled the influx of people thus far, especially for African migrants.

Despite this, many believe that the migrants are of great benefit to the city. According to New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, job vacancies and a right to shelter make NYC an optimal place. Moreover, he stated, immigrants have always filled and uplifted the city.

“This is an opportunity to build a future thriving New York,” explained Lander to NYCLU. “Let’s look at the facts and not be shaped by our fears in how we develop thoughtful public policy to welcome this next generation of New Yorkers.”

Rep. Monroe Nichols, Langston University
by Daniel Johnson

May 15, 2024

Local Politician Urges Equal Funding Of Langston University

Nichols is calling for the university to receive $17 million in fiscal year 2025, which would match the amount provided to Oklahoma State University.

Monroe Nichols, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has called for greater investment into the state’s only HBCU, Langston University, which he argued has been underfunded by $160 million from 2014-2024. Nichols, who is also the chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, is calling on the state to increase the university’s funding to proportionally match Oklahoma State University, also a land grant institution. 

As Fox 25 reported, the material condition of the university is one reason Nichols is calling for the increased funding. Nichols, a Democrat, told the outlet, “We have a four-year institution here in Oklahoma that sometimes can’t have class when it rains outside in 2024. I don’t think there’s anybody who thinks that’s okay.” Nichols continued, saying that the funding discrepancy is “a real signal that we got a real problem there as it relates to how we…support students of color. We know we have not done this right. It’s time for us to begin to make it right and do it on behalf of students.”

According to documents from the university obtained by Fox 25, “Based on comparative data, from 2014-2024, the 1862 Land Grant Institution (Oklahoma State University) was matched at an average rate of 3.14:1 state to federal appropriation. During the same period, Langston University was matched at an average of 0.47:1 state to federal appropriation.”

Nichols is calling for the university to receive $17 million in fiscal year 2025, which would match the amount provided to Oklahoma State University. The university, in addition to Nichols, is requesting $3 million yearly for endowment investments, $40 million for a new agriculture-biotechnology center, and $25 million for its newly acquired Oklahoma City campus. Nichols does not expect securing the requested funding to be an easy task.

In a 2023 letter addressed to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education and Thomas J. Vilsack, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, argued that the state’s underfunding of HBCUs like Alabama A&M created a disadvantage for the university. 

“The longstanding and ongoing underinvestment in Alabama A&M University disadvantages the students, faculty, and community that the institution serves. Furthermore, it may contribute to a lack of economic activity that would ultimately benefit Alabama. It is our hope that we can work together to make this institution whole after decades of being underfunded.”

The letter continued, “Unequitable funding of the 1890 institution in your state has caused a severe financial gap, in the last 30 years alone, an additional $527,280,064 would have been available for the university. These funds could have supported infrastructure and student services and would have better positioned the university to compete for research grants. Alabama A&M University has been able to make remarkable strides and would be much stronger and better positioned to serve its students, your state, and the nation if made whole with respect to this funding gap.”

A Langston University spokesperson released the following statement to Fox 25: “Langston University is encouraged by the significant efforts on the part of the legislature toward meeting the mandated match funding research and cooperative extension, further closing the gap of the reported more than $400 million discrepancy in funding since 1987.”

The spokesperson continued, “Langston University continues to communicate routinely with Oklahoma legislators regarding the variety of funding needs including support of academic programs, capital and infrastructure needs, and workforce initiatives. Langston University will continue to engage in discussions with state and federal leadership concerning the needs of the institution as a whole. We remain optimistic these discussions will continue in a positive manner to ensure that we carry out our land-grant mission to provide resources across Oklahoma.”

RELATED CONTENT: Data Shows HBCUs Duped By Billions Over The Last Three Decades

HBCU Grads, BLK Dating App
by Stacy Jackson

May 15, 2024

BLK Dating App To Select 3 HBCU Grads For New MBA Program

Participants will go on an immersive journey with the BLK community as they delve into Black Gen-Z's approaches to dating and networking.

The leading dating and lifestyle platform for the Black community, BLK, has announced an innovative program called the BLK MBA (Master of Black Affection).

This initiative aims to support recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as they transition from academia to the workforce while redefining professional and dating dynamics, as stated in a press release. According to Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Marketing at BLK, the company’s commitment to the Black community expands beyond the dating realm. “The BLK MBA Program showcases our dedication to creating opportunities for professional growth and personal development for recent HBCU graduates,” Kirkland said. “Through this initiative, we hope not only to address the employment challenges faced by Black graduates but also to enrich our platform with diverse perspectives and experiences.”

BLK is awarding a stipend to three exceptional HBCU graduates to participate in a transformative summer experience. Unlike traditional MBA programs, participants will partake in an immersive journey with the BLK community and work alongside the brand to delve into Black Gen-Z’s approaches to dating, networking, and creating connections.

Through the program, selected grads will provide feedback to enhance the user experience. Establishing meaningful connections with other Black singles, recent graduates, young professionals, and business leaders, the participants will actively network, arrange meetings, and go on dates with the aim of creating lasting relationships, with the hopes of developing significant partnerships and job opportunities. BLK looks ahead to its inaugural participants as they help shape the future of dating for Black Gen-Z as they gain invaluable knowledge on effective networking.

The digital dating platform boasts over 11 million downloads and has been described as “the go-to app where Black love is celebrated in all its forms,” and users can share their authentic selves while creating meaningful relationships. As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the app has curated a safe space for Black singles in the online dating community.

The BLK app is user-friendly and available now to download for free. Check out other perks on BLK’s platform, like a new special feature recently covered by BE that is specifically designed to appeal to spring breakers traveling to popular destinations.

Gayle King, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 15, 2024

Gayle King Surprised She Made The Cover Of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, ‘Sexy Isn’t An Age’

Gayle King has no idea that she would make the cover of Sports Illustrated's 60th anniversary Swimsuit edition.

Gayle King knew she would be featured in Sports Illustrated’s 60th anniversary Swimsuit edition, but she had no idea she would be selected to grace the cover!

The “CBS Mornings” co-anchor expressed her surprise on Tuesday, May 14, during a live taping of the morning news show after she learned she was among the cover stars for the magazine’s special edition. Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady also graced the cover and appeared as guests on Tuesday morning where they shared the big news with King.

“I’m on the cover?” King exclaimed as Upton handed her a copy of the magazine. “They told me I was just going to be on the inside.”

King held the magazine excitedly and needed time to take in the special moment. “This is real,” co-anchor Nate Burleson told King.

As she remained speechless by the big reveal, McGrady stepped in to remind King, 69, of the inclusivity behind the notion of being “sexy.”

“It goes to say — sexy isn’t an age. Sexy isn’t a size. Look how beautiful you look. That’s so inspiring to women of all ages,” McGrady said while pointing to the cover. “Yes, girl, you did that.”

King applauded the photographer who shot her swimsuit cover for guiding her through the process by helping her pose in ways that highlighted her beautiful features.

“I just never saw myself this way. I still don’t see myself this way,” King said. “But when I look at that…I go, I look damn good.”

It’s a noteworthy moment for King, who graces the coveted Swimsuit Edition ahead of her 70th birthday in December. However, she is not the oldest woman to cover the magazine. Martha Stewart made history last year as the oldest cover model on a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue at 81.

RELATED CONTENT: Gayle King And Charles Barkley’s CNN Talk Show Comes To An End

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