Janitor Guilty Of Spreading STDs By Urinating Into Drinking Water Gets 6 Years In Prison
Lucio Diaz pled guilty to one charge of aggravated assault for the intentional spread of Herpes.
In March 2024, a janitor from Houston was sentenced to six years in prison for aggravated assault after he was found guilty of contaminating office drinking water with his urine, leading to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Lucio Diaz, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors said the “weapon” in this case was his bodily fluids, which he used to intentionally spread infections. Diaz originally faced four counts but accepted a plea deal.
According to court documents, Diaz was arrested in October 2022 after an investigation. A female employee at Westmont Medical Building noticed a foul odor coming from the water cooler. She became increasingly concerned after her personal water bottles, which she brought from home to avoid the office water, began to emit the same odor.
“I raised [the water bottle] to my face, smelled it, and it smelled like urine,” the employee told KHOU 11.
Suspicious, the woman placed a hidden camera inside the office. Video footage showed Diaz tampering with both office and personal water sources. The footage reportedly captured Diaz rubbing his genitals on and urinating into multiple water bottles and the water cooler.
“He just picked it up, removed the cap and proceeded to put his penis halfway into the bottle. He then tilted it up so that his penis was surrounded by the water,” she said.
Diaz’s Harmful Intention
After his arrest, Diaz admitted to the crime, telling investigators he had been infecting water bottles and other drinking sources for eight months. Diaz urinated and placed his privates inside water bottles at the office for eight months, saying he had ‘malicious intent’ and it was a “sickness,” according to court records cited by the Houston Chronicle.
Diaz tested positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Chlamydia at the time of his arrest.
Pending Lawsuit
Four women have since filed lawsuits against Diaz, the janitorial company that employed him, the building owner, the management company, the maintenance firm, and the cleaning contractor. They allege they contracted incurable sexually transmitted infections due to Diaz’s actions. Following the initial lawsuit, nine additional women have come forward, claiming they also contracted the same diseases.
While Diaz’s criminal case has been closed, the civil lawsuit is still pending.
6 Tips To Stay Financially Afloat In Economic Uncertainty With Money Expert Shavon Roman
These six tips can sustain financial wellness no matter the economic times.
In times like these, everyone is watching their pockets. With an economy shaken from mass layoffs to stock market drops, finding ways to stay in the positive seems rarer than ever. However, a fluctuating economy does not mean you have to forfeit financial stability or even progress.
No matter what’s in your bank account, making the most of this economic moment remains possible. Money Expert Shavon Roman has the keys to staying on top of one’s financial strategy. Focusing on helping the Black community heal from its financial trauma, Roman has developed six tips to keep thriving in trying times.
These tips include many free resources to help resolve money-limiting woes, from eliminating debt to building credit with everyday bills. Roman spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE on methods for still accomplishing financial goals even during economic turbulence.
Dig Yourself Out: Get a Debt-Free Strategy
First things first, build a plan to become debt-free. However, not all debt is created equal. For this money expert, high-interest-rate debt should be the priority. Whether through credit cards or personal loans, these overwhelming bills have to go before one can freely invest their money in other places. According to Roman, having a strong financial foundation means ridding oneself of these skyrocketing interest rates.
However, one does not have to build a debt-free strategy alone. In fact, Money Management International, a nonprofit aimed at helping people eliminate debt, has relationships with creditors that can lead to smaller interest rates. With more cash freed up, and after dividing what’s owed versus what’s owned, one can calculate exactly how much cash they can use for other money-making opportunities.
Roman says, “The way that you get out of credit card debt is by finding a company to help you create the strategy – skipping the gimmicks.”
Everyone’s got issues, but taking the extra step to heal your money mindset is crucial to future financial empowerment. Taking accountability for the ways financial trauma shows up, whether through overspending or refusal to make any big money moves, can pave the way to growing one’s net worth. According to Roman, overspending and feeling paralyzed from making a money decision are two sides of the same coin. Either way, your money is working against you, not for you.
Roman recommends multiple therapy sources to address the root of money trauma. For general consultations, Rula has helped thousands find reputable therapists and psychiatrists for their diverse mental health needs. Another resource, the Financial Therapy Association, specifically helps people uncover and heal from their mental issues with money.
3. Secure Your Legacy: Get a Will
No matter your age, get a grip and get a will. Not only is it free to do so, but it also secures one’s financial legacy. Roman understands the concerns surrounding accessibility, with many thinking wills are reserved for millionaires. However, this could not be further from the case, with platforms already available to help everyone secure their bag for the next generation.
Fabric by Gerber Life Insurance can guide people in drafting these documents, ensuring that whoever comes next can reap the benefits. These 100% free digital wills allow one to protect one’s assets and one’s family’s growing wealth.
“It’s a problem that, especially for minorities, the thing they will talk about is access. ‘It’s expensive, like, I can’t get it done.’ Well, I’m saying you can get it done. You can decide what’s going to happen with your money and your stuff before you pass away. And you can do it for absolutely free,” added Roman.
4. Lock It Down: Protect Your Identity
While people are encouraged to check their credit score at least once a year, staying on top of this number does more than secure a loan. Locking down one’s identity combats credit fraud or other schemes that can derail your financial progress. Roman emphasized how this is the most overlooked aspect in building one’s money mindset.
“Most people only check it maybe once a year, in a good year. But our credit is the thing that we visit the least, yet actually benefits us the most, and it has so much exposure.”
Credit reporting sites like Equifax, Experian, and Transunion allow credit freezes to ensure no one, even yourself, can open a line of credit so easily. If you are not in the business of getting a new home or buying a car, Roman says to lock it down. This also applies to one’s children, who are also vulnerable to credit fraud. Freezing their lines adds an extra layer of safety, protecting their financial futures. For even more protection, Everify.gov offers a self-lock over Social Security numbers as well.
5. Get Credit For What You Already Pay For
Imagine not needing a credit card to boost your credit score. This is actually possible right now. We already pay bills for our everyday needs, building a positive payment history from doing so. However, these checks can actually go toward building one’s credit.
Just as credit scores track how one pays their bills, Experian Boost builds a positive credit history just by doing the little things. When you are trying to avoid plastic, this avenue creates another opportunity to further one’s credit score for the next big purchase.
“So in this day and age where people say, ‘well, you got to get credit to have credit,’ you don’t now. You can use this type of program and establish credit without going in debt,” assures Roman.
6. Plant the Seeds: Open an Investment Account
Investing is essential to financial growth. Once the debt has subsided and the money trauma has healed, then one can make informed choices to build wealth. Roman understands that most people do not want to take the risk. However, making money while you sleep may come from unorthodox methods. Jumping into the market during low peaks could result in high profits.
A beginner-friendly, free investment platform like Plynk offers an easy and accessible way to invest in stocks. The free app also offers fractional shares so users can start investing in companies like Apple or Amazon without having to fork over the entire stock price.
“When the stock market is down, everything is on sale. Take advantage,” says Roman. “And let’s find some good opportunities to invest in the market. And let’s switch it from fear to empowerment, like ‘I am empowered now to make these purchases, and I’m not panicked and afraid that I’m losing all of this money.'”
These wealth-building methods aim to sustain through economic scares and lulls. With Roman’s tips on financial wellness and healing, anyone can become their own money hero, no matter their initial standing.
“Hope that where you come from, things can be so different. You just have to start.”
Suspected Gang Leader ‘Big U’ Arrested On RICO Charges In Los Angeles
The suspected Rollin 60s Crip leader allegedly ran a criminal operation that committed a series of racketeering crimes, including extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and the murder of an aspiring artist on his label, Uneek Music.
The suspected leader of a Los Angeles-based gang was arrested after being accused of using his charity to receive millions in grant money while allegedly running a criminal operation in the California county for years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, announced that 58-year-old Eugene Henley Jr., known as “Big U,” has been arrested and charged in a federal complaint. The suspected gang leader allegedly ran a criminal operation that committed a series of racketeering crimes, including extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and the 2021 murder of an aspiring artist, R.W., who was signed to his recording label, Uneek Music.
Big U is suspected to be the long-time leader of the Rollin 60s Crips gang and is a self-proclaimed community activist. He is being charged in the complaint with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Along with Big U, two other alleged members of the criminal enterprise, 59-year-old Sylvester Robinson, also known as “Vey,” and 50-year-old Mark Martin, who goes by “Bear Claw,” were also arrested and charged.
“The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud – all led by a supposed anti-gang activist and purported music entrepreneur who was nothing more than a violent street criminal,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally in a written statement. “Eliminating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority. Today’s charges and arrests target the leadership of this criminal outfit and will make the neighborhoods of Los Angeles safer. I am grateful for the work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.”
Authorities also arrested 10 other members of the Rollin’ 60s crew and charged them with various federal crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses. Law enforcement is seeking five other defendants, expecting three to be in custody soon.
An affidavit revealed that, from 2010 to the present, “Big U Enterprise” operated as a mafia-like organization using his association with the Rollin’ 60s and other gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles.
Big U is also accused of submitting a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan. In its application, it claimed that Uneek Music made a $200,000 profit in 2019, although it supposedly had a $5,000 loss that year.
The affidavit also accuses Big U of using his nonprofit arm, Developing Options, to gain donations through celebrities, including NBA players. He then allegedly embezzled those funds into his personal bank account.
If convicted of the charges, Big U could face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Vey and Bear Claw, if convicted, would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Tina Knowles Stays ‘Classy’ While Clapping Back Against ‘Ignorance And Evil’
Tina Knowles seemingly claps back against Ye's latest "meltdown."
Tina Knowles appeared to respond after Kanye “Ye” West verbally attacked Beyoncé’s children–her grandchildren.
Known for her “Corny Joke Time” series on Instagram, Knowles seemingly addressed the Sunday Service rapper’s latest tirade with a post many interpreted as a response.
“What happens when a snowman throws a tantrum? He has a meltdown,” Knowles quipped.
The now-deleted caption that accompanied the video gave more weight to her stance. Knowles stressed remaining composed in the face of adversity.
“It’s hard to remain positive and classy in the face of ignorance and evil. But I know that no weapon formed against me or my family shall prosper,” Knowles, 71, wrote.
While Knowles remains classy, Ye appears to continue to spiral. His initial post, in which he referred to the children using an ableist slur, was quickly taken down. However, Ye later explained that the deletion was not due to regret or wrongdoing. Instead, he admitted he feared losing his platform on X, his outlet for spreading his rhetoric.
“I need everyone to know that I took the post about Jay Z and Beyoncé’s family down … because there was a possibility of my Twitter being canceled,” Ye wrote.
Ye’s behavior extends well beyond personal attacks on former friends and collaborators. In recent years, he has drawn widespread condemnation for expressing admiration for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
During a widely publicized interview, Ye praised Hitler, claiming the dictator “did good things too,” a statement that prompted backlash from multiple communities.
The rapper’s latest outburst is another disturbing entry in a growing pattern of erratic behavior. In a now-deleted post on X, the “Father Stretch My Hands” rapper made a vile comment, questioning the whereabouts of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s youngest children, twins Rumi and Sir. He went further, suggesting the twins are kept out of the public eye due to mental deficiencies.
Ye later attempted to reframe his feud with Jay-Z as personal, claiming that he was excluded from the Roc Nation executive’s inner circle. The Trump supporter cited Jay-Z’s alleged snubs, such as not being considered for the 2025 Super Bowl and missing Ye’s wedding to Kim Kardashian.
I LOVE JAY Z AND I DO FEEL BAD I ALWAYS FELT LIKE THE BLACK SHEEP LIKE I WANTED FAMILY IN THIS MUSIC SHIT I’D RUN ON STAGES THINKING I WAS DOING THE RIGHT THING AND WOULD ALWAYS BE A SLIGHT HOV NOT COMING TO MY FIRST WEDDING HIM PUTTING KENDRICK ON THE SUPERBOWL…
As of now, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Tina Knowles have not issued a direct public response. The billionaire couple is known for guarding their privacy, typically choosing to address matters only when necessary.
Barbados Welcomes Natives Home Through Year-Long We Gatherin’ Celebrations
Barbados is offering Bajans and visitors the opportunity to experience the island in fresh, exciting ways throughout the year.
Barbados is launching a year-long initiative inviting both Bajans and visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant local culture in new ways.
Running from January through December, the We Gatherin’ initiative invites the Bajan diaspora to “Come ‘Long Home” to Barbados, to reconnect with their roots, and experience the island like never before. The year-long event provides visitors from around the world with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Barbados’ vibrant local culture and experience the island’s spirit in an enriched and dynamic way.
“This call home to Bajans all around the world is a magnificent celebration of our island’s rich and distinctive culture and people, uniting anyone with Barbadian heritage while simultaneously providing the ideal setting for travelers to visit and experience the warm hearts of Barbadians,” Peter Mayers, Director, USA, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. said in a press release.
Each month throughout 2025 highlights a different parish and theme, showcasing key pillars of Barbados’ tourism industry, including sugar, cricket, and the sea. The year began with a focus on Faith in St. Lucy, followed by Heritage in St. Peter.
Through these themes, the island welcomes the diaspora and visitors to participate in unique tours, immersive storytelling experiences, and vibrant community events curated exclusively for We Gatherin’.
“The island’s beaches, culinary scene, and rich history will be enhanced each month in different communities in fresh new ways, making 2025 the ultimate year to visit,” Mayers said.
Alongside Barbados’ world-renowned Crop Over Festival and its spectacular Grand Kadooment finale, each of Barbados’ 11 parishes will host panel discussions, gospel concerts, Food & Rum pop-ups, and various community-driven events throughout the year. These gatherings invite both first-time and returning visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s rich culture.
Check out what visitors will experience in the upcoming months below:
March – St. Thomas (Nature): March celebrates the natural beauty of St. Thomas, featuring the lush trails of Welchman Hall Gully and the stunning depths of Harrison’s Cave. Visitors can enjoy serene eco-tours at Hunte’s Gardens, enlightening nature walks through the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, and conservation activities with the Barbados National Trust. For thrill-seekers, spelunking in Coles Cave offers an adventurous underground experience.
April – St. Joseph (Adventure): April invites adventurers to explore breathtaking landscapes from Bathsheba’s dramatic cliffs to Hackleton’s hidden waterfalls, hike through the scenic Scotland District, or take on adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing and ziplining.
May – St. John (Community): May offers visitors the chance to experience the community spirit of St. John through vibrant local festivals like the Barbados Heritage Festival, lively cricket matches, and plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views of the St. John Valley.
June – St. George (The Land): June celebrates Barbados’ rich agricultural heritage in St. George with immersive eco-tours at Drax Hall Estate, the historic Welches Plantation, and the Barbados Organic Farmers Market.
July – St. Philip (Sugar): July in St. Philip highlights the island’s deep-rooted sugar industry with inviting experiences at the Sugar Cane Museum, rum tastings at the renowned Mount Gay Rum Distillery and historic Foursquare Rum Distillery, the scenic fields of naturally sweet cane, and educational jounreys through the past at John Moore’s Plantation.
August – St. Andrew (The Arts): August in St. Andrew celebrates the arts with vibrant exhibitions by local artists, captivating performances at St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, the dynamic Barbados Music Festival showcasing diverse genres, and engaging theatrical productions.
September – St. James (Cricket): September in St. James celebrates Barbados’ beloved sport of cricket with thrilling matches at the historic Kensington Oval, competitive events at the Barbados Sports Complex, and local athletic festivals honoring sportsmanship. Enjoy immersive events at Trents Playing Field or cheer on a favorite team at Holetown Sports Ground.
October—Christ Church (The Sea): October in Christ Church celebrates the rhythm of the sea with beachside adventures at Miami Beach and Accra Beach, kite surfing adventures at Silver Rock Beach, and surfing lessons at Freights Bay. Experience the vibrant energy of the renowned Oistins Fish Fry, where fresh seafood, lively tuk-band music, and open-air dining under the stars create an unforgettable atmosphere.
November – St. Michael (Food & Feting): November in St. Michael celebrates food and festivity, offering a dynamic mix of culinary delights and vibrant gatherings. Experience the award-winning Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the island’s Independence anniversary celebrations. Explore the historic Bridgetown and its UNESCO-listed Garrison, rich with cultural heritage, or take a stroll through Golden Square Park as you search for your family name.
December – Nationwide (Family & Friends): December in Barbados is a time to celebrate family and friends with joyful reunions at family-friendly resorts, festive holiday events like the Bridgetown Christmas Parade, and community gatherings such as Christmas in Queen’s Park.
By bringing people together, We Gatherin’ not only fosters a deeper connection to Barbados but also strengthens the local economy by supporting businesses and driving future development. It’s an opportunity to turn the journey home — or to a home away from home — into a meaningful and lasting experience.
Two Families Win $750K In Discrimination Civil Lawsuit Against Racist Landlord
The landlord of the Lazy Cove Campground told news outlets that she felt "betrayed" because she didn't know that Smith's husband was Black before arriving to the grounds.
Two families have been awarded $750,000 in a racial discrimination lawsuit after a jury ruled that the owner of a Virginia campground refused to rent to them because one of the campers was a Black man. On March 19, the family of Amanda Mills and Angela Smith won damages in their civil case against Regina Turner.
In June 2020, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the Virginia Fair Housing Board filed a lawsuit against Turner, the campground’s owner. The charges included one count of refusing to rent and two counts of discrimination.
After the suit was concluded, the Mills and Smith families were awarded $100,000 each for the incident and $550,000 in punitive damages.
Attorney General Jason Miyares explained in a news release that two friends, Amanda Mills and Angela Smith, took a joint family camping trip to Lazy Cove Campground in 2020. The problem arose with Turner when Smith, who is white, brought her husband and their 8-year-old son. Angela Smith’s husband, Damien Smith, is Black, and they all joined the Mills family on the campground for vacation.
After being there for a month, the Mills and Smith women got a phone call from Turner. Turner told Mills in the call, “You didn’t tell me that your friend’s husband is Black.”
“Had I known, I wouldn’t have rented the lot to them. I saw the son, but I figured everyone makes a mistake,” she said.
According to the Virginia Fair Housing Board complaint, Turner spoke to another campground tenant about the Smith family, stating that she was intentionally waiting until their lease was concluded before moving to evict them. Turner told the other tenant, “I can’t make them move now because if I give both of them moving notices now, they could take my park from me. I’m smart, you know, and I’ve got to use my head.”
Following the conclusion of the civil case, Turner revealed to The Washington Post that her late husband also refused to rent the campground to Black people, but now the Lazy Cove Campground accepts everyone. However, Turner admitted that she called Angela Mills about Damien Smith after feeling “betrayed” by not knowing he was Black.
Damien Smith expressed relief at winning the civil lawsuit but said it doesn’t take away his anger about the situation.
“It was like a sigh of relief, but at the same time, I’m still angry because we never should have had to go through this,” Smith told the Post.
“It was 2020 at the time, and somehow, we’re still getting judged by the color of our skin versus the kind of person we are.”
Rocky Mount Mayor Holland Perdue, Turner’s lawyer, has since filed a motion to discard the jury’s original verdict in the Smith and Mills case. The next court appearance about the discrimination case is scheduled for April 8.
Lives In Limbo: 60,000 Households Face Eviction As Housing Voucher Program Falters
Thousands will face the risk of eviction as $5 billion rental assistance program runs out of money.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has warned local housing authorities that the rental assistance program is running out of money, putting 60,000 households at risk of eviction.
Local public housing authorities administering funds from the Emergency Housing Voucher program received a March 6 notice from HUD announcing the program’s expiration, Governing reports. According to the letter, agencies will receive one final payment this spring, which may allow some to extend the program into 2026.
The announcement means there is no plan to prevent the $5 billion program from running out of funds. Roughly 60,000 renters who benefit from the vouchers — more than 15,000 of them in California — will be at risk of losing their housing once the final dollars run out.
Despite the short notice, housing authorities were advised to proceed “with the expectation that no additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming.”
“This could very well lead to thousands of additional people becoming homeless in California,” said Alex Visotzky, senior policy fellow, the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
The Emergency Housing Voucher program is specifically designed for those in the most critical need, including individuals experiencing homelessness, those at risk of losing their housing, and anyone fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking. In California’s major metro areas, voucher waitlists often exceed a decade.
This means housing authorities will have few if any, extra vouchers to offer those losing assistance from the emergency program. Without an alternative solution, authorities could face the unfortunate challenge of revoking aid from individuals who rely on it to keep a roof over their heads. The fund’s end comes as the Trump administration makes sweeping cuts to federal programs nationwide.
“We should figure out a way to save this program and make sure these people continue to receive federal rental assistance,” said Tushar Gurjal, a policy analyst at the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. “None of these folks did anything wrong. They’re just using their vouchers and following all the rules.”
White German Woman Cosplaying As Black Intends To Move To Africa
Martina Big, known as Malaika, has worked tirelessly to appear as Black woman. She now intends to live amongst them.
Martina Big, a German-born white woman who identifies as Black, plans to relocate to Africa, Wales Online reported.
Calling herself Malaika, she is known for her unnaturally dark skin tone. Malaika has worked extensively to replicate the features of Black women. She has undergone melanin injections and extensive tanning sessions in an effort to emulate their appearance.
The self-described model, who was born with pale skin, said she is currently deciding where to settle on the continent. Malaika claims that fans of her aesthetic choices from several African countries have encouraged her to move.
“We have received invitations from fans in many African countries, and so it hasn’t been easy to choose,” Malaika said. “Currently, we have Kenya and Namibia on our shortlist. My husband and I had already planned to emigrate a few years ago, but then the pandemic hit.”
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaika said she feels ready to move forward. She is married to Michael Groß, who has reportedly undergone similar melanin injections. Though Groß is supportive of Malaika’s choices in appearance, she admits he was not in favor of the move.
Malaika claims she receives significant attention during her visits to Africa and feels a “strong connection” to the continent.
“Though I never walk around alone — my husband always accompanies me — every time I’ve visited Africa, I’ve felt at home and overwhelmed by the response,” she said. “Once, as I got out of a taxi, a fan recognized me, and a short time later, I was surrounded by a whole crowd of people wanting to take selfies and asking many questions. I can’t wait to live there.”
Malaika first gained public attention in 2017 after undergoing a series of body modifications. The melanin injections — which are not approved by many regulatory bodies — are intended to darken her skin permanently. She has also had lip fillers and other cosmetic procedures to alter her facial features.
The surgery enthusiast is planning on getting her nose widened, as well as buttocks enhancements, before making the journey. The soon-to-be African resident believes European doctors are better suited for her surgery needs.
“My husband and I are still working on the schedule. It’s especially important that I have my surgeries done here in Europe beforehand. Since I want my surgeries very extreme, I don’t know any surgeons in Africa who can do those,” she said.
Malaika has experienced an immense amount of backlash since being introduced to the public in 2017. She notes that the majority of the criticism comes from the United States. However, Malaika said she does not indulge in the opinions of others.
“People say things like, ‘You’re white, you’ll never be Black,’ or say my skin is ‘Blackface.’ But I don’t take these comments to heart,” she said.
AJ Johnson Reveals Why Some Folks Haze Others During Initiation Process
AJ Johnson revealed during her induction into a Divine Nine sorority involved hazing.
Actress AJ Johnson said she experienced hazing while pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Spelman College alumna discussed her experience during an interview with the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club.
The Baby Boy actress criticized hazing culture at historically Black fraternities and sororities, often referred to as the Divine Nine.
During the conversation, co-host DJ Envy raised the topic of hazing.
“I’m so glad you brought this up,” Johnson said.
Johnson emphasized that hazing is not endorsed by Delta Sigma Theta or any Divine Nine organization but noted that such actions often stem from individuals who were hazed.
The actress also called the tradition of outdated, physically and mentally taxing initiation rituals outdated and no longer appropriate. Reflecting on her time as “Dean of Pledges” in the early 1990s, Johnson said she fostered discipline and bonding without inflicting harm.
“I had them exercising. You don’t know your founders? OK, run a mile,” Johnson said. “There are different forms of teaching and being authoritative. It doesn’t have to be physical abuse.”
The renewed focus on hazing comes after Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old pledge of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., died following a hazing ritual on Feb. 27.
The tragedy is raising serious questions about the secretive initiation processes at some Black Greek-letter organizations.
Witnesses said Wilson and other pledges were lined up and punched while wearing boxing gloves as they stood in formation. After each hit, pledges were instructed to run to the end of the line. Wilson reportedly collapsed shortly after enduring the assault and began seizing.
Reports revealed that members of Omega Psi Phi covered up the circumstances of Wilson’s death. According to investigators, fraternity members failed to call 911 immediately but changed Wilson’s clothes and drove him to Baton Rouge Medical Center. They also falsely claimed that Wilson collapsed while playing basketball at a park miles away from where the hazing took place.
Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith have been charged with manslaughter and hazing in connection with the crime.
Tony Buzbee Steps Back From Diddy Lawsuit After Court Reveals He’s Not Allowed To Practice
Tony Buzbee has to back off from one lawsuit against Diddy since he isn’t authorized to practice in that district.
Tony Buzbee has withdrawn from one of his multiple sexual assault lawsuits against Sean “Diddy” Combs, as the Houston-based attorney is not authorized to practice in the Southern District of New York.
A March 17 notice revealed Buzbee’s withdrawal after a judge pointed out that he is not authorized to practice in New York’s Southern District, Chron reported. His client will continue to be represented by the remaining attorneys from Curis Law, with Buzbee officially signing off on the filing.
“A grievance was filed by Shawn Carter against me alleging I was practicing law in the Southern District of New York without formal admission,” Buzbee said in a statement.
“Until that’s sorted out, I’m going to let my colleagues who are formally admitted push those cases while I continue to march on the New York State cases,” Buzbee told Chron. “We also will be filling cases in Nevada and California very soon.”
Buzbee has since moved to withdraw his appearance “until such time as he is admitted to practice” in the district, the notice states. Buzbee withdrew from the lawsuit after U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams ordered him to submit a letter explaining why he had failed to inform the court of his ineligibility to practice in the Southern District of New York.
In the order, Abrams noted that Buzbee had not addressed his admission status in a parallel case. Despite withdrawing, the judge could deny Buzbee’s motion and require him to explain why he did not disclose this information earlier.
The notice comes after Buzbee’s unsuccessful attempt to sue Combs and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter on behalf of Jane Doe, who alleged the rappers raped her when she was 13. The lawsuit, one of many formal allegations against Combs, was voluntarily dismissed in February at the accuser’s request.
A recently released recording includes a conversation where Jane Doe admitted to lying about Jay-Z’s involvement and accused Buzbee of encouraging her to go after the hip-hop mogul. The notice appears to be the latest development in Jay-Z’s response to Buzbee involving him in Diddy’s scandalous legal troubles.
