by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2025

Le’Veon Bell Denies Incestuous Sexual Assault Allegations After Cousin Awarded $36M

Jada Bell claims her cousins Le'Veon and La'Vonte raped her from she was 6 or 7 until she turned 18.

After being accused of sexual assault by his younger cousin, Le’Veon Bell has denied the accusations as his accuser has been awarded a default judgment of $36 million.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, Jada Bell claims her older cousins, Bell and his younger brother, 30-year-old La’Vonte Bell, repeatedly raped her in their home state of Ohio.

Jada Bell said the sexual relationship started when she was 6 or 7 years old until 2017, the lawsuit states. That was after Le’Veon Bell was drafted into the NFL. The abuse, according to court records, would resume when he returned to town.

She filed the lawsuit against the Bell siblings on March 22, 2024.

“None of these encounters was consensual, and they happened with such frequency as to habitualize the Plaintiff to the abuse,” the lawsuit states.

“My client adamantly denies any and all allegations that have been lodged against him. Further, he was never served with a civil complaint or any documents,” Le’Veon Bell’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, said in a statement to TMZ. “The default judgment granted was based upon violations of his Fifth Amendment rights of due process for failing to be served. My client is in the process of filing a motion to open and reverse the default judgment because the narratives of the case have never been litigated.”

Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Lynch ruled in her favor by issuing a default judgment against the Bells because neither one appeared in court to answer the accusation. Le’Vonte Bell was ordered to pay Jada Bell $11 million in damages. Le’Veon Bell was ordered to pay $20 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

After several months without receiving a response to the lawsuit, the woman’s attorneys requested a default judgment. Lynch granted that request in October 2024, court records show.

The hearing in February was held before a magistrate, where a jury of eight people heard evidence from Jada Bell and some of her relatives. The jury listened to testimony to determine if money would be awarded and the amount that would be granted.

The hearings were held Feb. 25 and 26, and there was no appearance by the Bell brothers.

judge, racism remarks, recordings, Michigan, guilty, Adam Coy, debt scam

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2025

Actor Isaiah Stokes Found Guilty Of 2021 Murder

The rapper/actor killed Tyrone Jones in St. Albans on Feb. 7, 2021.

Isaiah Stokes, who had bit acting roles in Power, Blue Bloods, and The Mysteries of Laura, has been convicted of murder for a 2021 killing in St. Albans, New York.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the verdict in the fatal shooting of Tyrone Jones in St. Albans on Feb. 7, 2021. Stokes was found guilty by a Queens jury after killing the victim in a parked vehicle for retaliation after the two had an altercation at Jones’ birthday party several months prior in October 2020. Jones was shot 11 times as he was waiting to meet up with a friend so they could have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

“This was a calculated murder. The defendant, a part-time actor, stewed for months after being thrown out of a birthday party for his own inappropriate behavior,” said Katz in a written statement.

“Intent on revenge, Isaiah Stokes placed a GPS on the victim’s car and tracked Tyrone Jones down to Linden Boulevard, where he ruthlessly shot the man 11 times as he sat in his car. My office is laser-focused on gun violence, and we will utilize every tool at our disposal to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who use deadly guns on our streets. I thank our prosecutors and the NYPD detectives who built this case. The jury has now spoken, and the defendant faces up to 25 years to life at sentencing for his criminal actions.”

The 45-year-old former rapper and actor was handed the verdict on March 7. The jury found Stokes guilty of murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. He now faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He will be sentenced on March 21.

Stokes attended a birthday party for Jones in October 2020, where Stokes was accused of inappropriate behavior toward women at the event. After Jones requested that Stokes leave the party, they got into a fight where Stokes was injured by other people who attended the party. Hellbent on revenge, several months later, on Feb. 7, 2021, Stokes placed a GPS tracking device under Jones’ vehicle and tracked him down with the information from the device.

After getting out of his car, Stokes circled the area where Jones was for about 15 minutes before descending upon Jones’ Jeep Grand Cherokee, where he took out a gun and fired 11 times into the car. Jones died after suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Black Youth, Incarceration, Racial Disparities

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 12, 2025

New York Prison Strike Ends With 75% Of Officers Reporting Back To Work

The strike was implemented by officers who allege dangerous conditions inside prison walls and claim things escalated due to the HALT law.

A three-week strike resulting in lockdowns of prison systems across New York State has ended with close to 75% of corrections officers returning to their stations, Gothamist reported.

A statement from New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Dan Martuscello revealed roughly 10,000 officers and sergeants were back to work as of Mar. 10 after going on strike Feb. 17. Prior to, there were approximately 13,500 officers and sergeants working in the prison system. Martuscello said the strike ending is a sign of changes. “It is time to turn the page,” the commissioner said.

“We’ll start with a high-energy recruitment campaign moving forward with a clear focus on stabilizing and resuming operations while ensuring safety and security in our facilities.”

The strike was implemented by officers who alleged dangerous conditions inside prison walls and claimed things escalated due to the HALT law, known as the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act. The legislation places a limit on the amount of time a person can be placed in solitary confinement, in addition to a required hearing prior to.

To get officers back to work, prison officials upped concessions, including an overtime pay rate 2.5 times over the hourly rate for the next 30 days and a promise that officers returning to work would escape departmental discipline. With the HALT law being a concern, state officials also offered to look into the bill for possible amendments. However, not all the officers were eliminated from disciplinary actions.

According to Fox News, over 2,000 workers were terminated from their jobs as a result of them not returning to their post as public strikes are labeled as illegal. Martuscello said letters were sent out to those who weren’t pre-approved for leave. “Termination letters have been sent to over 2,000 officers who remained on strike. Officers and sergeants who did not have pre approved medical leave and didn’t return by this morning, 6:45 a.m. deadline, have been terminated effective immediately,” he said.

Buffalo-based lawyer Ralph Lorigo, representing close to 300 striking corrections officers, highlighted that the reason some did not return is because they don’t feel the state did enough, given the increase of violence and scrutiny within some state prisons.

Ten guards working at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York were charged in the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks. The incident was caught on video, going viral and making headlines across the nation. A medical examiner ruled Brooks died as a result of compression of the neck and multiple blunt-impact injuries.

Lorigo said that staff members are also increasingly becoming victims of violence, and that a report from DOCCS backs up his viewpoint. In December 2024, the reported number of assaults by prisoners on staff went up in addition to the number of assaults among prisoners. The attorney said that is something that needs to be addressed before wondering why some officers decided to not go back. “People need to understand the conditions that these officers have dealt with for over three years,” Lorigo said.

“They acknowledge and admit that they’re 70% staffed, which means that they have made people work 24 to 48 hours in a row.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2025

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Re-Election Bid

Mayor Dickens has taken steps to help the most vulnerable Atlanta residents through housing and food security.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens officially announced his intention to seek a second term during a press conference on March 11.

Dickens, who was elected as Atlanta’s 61st mayor in 2021, has deep roots in the city. Before assuming office, he spent eight years on the Atlanta City Council (2014-2021) and worked in the private sector. The Atlanta native attended Atlanta Public Schools before earning a degree from Georgia Tech. Dickens won office with a 64% majority vote.

In February 2024, when asked about his re-election plans, Dickens expressed his commitment to continuing his work.

“I love being the mayor of Atlanta, a job I’ve wanted since I was 16 years old. I believe we have accomplished a lot in the first two years, and I intend to work hard in the next two years and beyond.”

Since taking office, Dickens has focused on helping Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations, particularly children, low-income families, and seniors. BLACK ENTERPRISE has reported on many of Dickens’s initiatives to aid in “moving Atlanta forward.”

Food Security:
Dickens has worked to combat food insecurity in underserved communities. His administration introduced “Good Grocery Stores,” ensuring more residents can access fresh food.

“Communities without fresh food options are often in low-income areas, and only 76% of Atlanta residents live within a half mile of fresh food. That’s a gap too big for too many people. Our administration and City Council said we have got to work on that,” he said.

Support for Education

Demonstrating a commitment to education, Dickens co-hosted the 41st Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in December 2023, which raised $4 million for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Affordable Housing:

In May 2023, he unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest $200 million into affordable housing projects across the city to support the unhoused and address housing affordability. The mayor has also partnered with investment firms to preserve historic structures and transform them into affordable housing. One notable project is the renovation of the Atlanta Motel at 227 Moreland Ave., now renamed the Ralph Davis House, to provide housing for those in need.

The mayor expressed excitement for the project and its impact, “Together, we’re turning opportunity into action and making a difference where it matters most. This isn’t just housing—it’s hope, stability, and a brighter future for our community. Let’s keep building!”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2025

YouTube Star Alysha Burney’s Brother Nixed Rumors On Her Unexpected Death

Burney's brother shut down rumors that drugs and other allegations played a role in her death.

The brother of Black YouTube star and influencer, Alysha Burney, is setting the record straight on her unexpected death.

Burney died in her sleep Mar. 2 while on her 25th birthday trip to Mexico, a day shy of her actual birthday. Her brother, Charles, announced the news on Mar. 10 to his social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBurney (@charles_burney)

As rumors began to swirl about what caused her death, Charles refused to let commenters tarnish her legacy.

“It is extremely difficult seeing all of the false narratives trying to defame her legacy and we are ready to take legal action for those continuing to spread false information regarding her passing,” he wrote in the caption after confirming their loss. “We know so many people care about her and will share more information soon but just give us some time and please stop harassing the family… Her legacy will still live on FOREVER!!”

The protective brother also spoke to WDAF about his sister and the allegations surrounding her death. He asserted that she was an “open book” who loved to inspire others through her life.

“She was not selfish with her knowledge and was a very open book about her journey,” shared the grieving sibling to WDAF. “She will always be dearly loved, and her legacy will live on forever,”

Burney accrued social media success with more than 5 million followers on multiple platforms. She also became a film producer with her own production company, ABurney Productions. While noting her impact, Charles also shut down rumors that drugs played a role in her death. He emphasized that she was a determined young woman with plans to expand her entrepreneurial ventures.

“She does not do drugs. She was a self-loving and happy individual who cherished her life and was looking forward to the upcoming year’s plans,” he said. “There’s a spread of misinformation online, stating different things based on speculation. These sources lack credibility and should not be believed. My sister did not engage in environments that would lead to such situations.”

Despite remaining vague on the other allegations, he did confirm that she died from an asthma attack that occurred as she slept. Prior to her death, Burney had aspirations of opening up a productive studio in their hometown of Kansas city.

“Her lifelong goal was to be a writer and a director,” continued Charles. “Another goal she had was to return to Kansas City, open a production studio, and help other young creatives from Kansas City get to where she was.”

While healing from this tragedy, he hopes for others to remember his sister’s impact and spirit of giving back.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Mitti Hicks

March 12, 2025

Trump Proposes Shortening ObamaCare Enrollment, Dropping Dreamers From Coverage

Open enrollment currently runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. However, a proposed rule released on Monday would shorten ObamaCare open enrollment through Dec. 15.

The Trump administration proposes to shorten the annual open enrollment period for ObamaCare, which runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. However, a proposed rule released Monday would extend it through Dec. 15.

According to The Hill, the administration says shortening the open enrollment period would help consumers pick the right plan.

“This proposal aims to reduce consumer confusion, streamline the enrollment process, align more closely with open enrollment dates for many employer-based health plans, encourage continuous coverage, and reduce the risk of adverse selection from consumers who otherwise may wait to enroll until they need health care services,” the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said in a fact sheet.

The move is nothing new. President Trump shortened open enrollment to seven weeks during his first term. He also cut funding for advertising and allowed consumers to choose short-term plans after his attempts to repeal the law failed. As The Hill points out, enrollment numbers dropped significantly during Trump’s first term.

Under President Biden, a record number of people enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans. An estimated 24 million people are enrolled in health plans.

Trump Ends ObamaCare Open Enrollment For Dreamers, Immigrants

The Trump administration also proposed limiting the open enrollment period and restricting who can sign up for plans. The CMS proposed ending ObamaCare coverage for immigrants who came into the U.S. illegally as children, known as “Dreamers.” CMS has also proposed ending the Biden-era rule that allowed nearly 147,000 immigrants to enroll in coverage. The Biden-era rule is still being litigated in court after a federal judge blocked it from being enforced in 19 states.

Another rule CMS has proposed is ensuring that “sex trait modification” is not covered as an essential health benefit for people enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans beginning in 2026.

Jam Master Jay, trial, murder, 2, defendants, guilty, murder, Jordan, Washington

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2025

Jam Master Jay’s Killer Stabbed 18 Times In Prison Altercation

Karl Jordan, Jr. was assaulted at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn during a gang fight

The man who was convicted of killing Run-DMC member Jam Master Jay was hospitalized after he was stabbed 18 times in a Brooklyn prison.

According to AllHipHop, Karl Jordan, Jr., who is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Sean “Diddy” Combs is being held until the start of his trial, was assaulted in what officials labeled a gang war incident. The victim, who was found guilty in February 2024 of killing Jay, was taken to the hospital, where he was originally listed in serious condition but has been downgraded to stable.

Amid tensions between the Bloods gang and a sect of Dominicans known as the Trinitarios, Jordan was caught up in the violent scuffle that resulted in him suffering two collapsed lungs. Four other prisoners were also injured in the altercation, although Jordan’s injuries were the most severe.

The Associated Press reported that 23 inmates have been arrested and charged with multiple crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to Jordan’s stabbing that took place Feb. 22. The charges were announced by federal prosecutors March 6. Six were charged in Jordan’s stabbing.

AllHipHop also reported that former popular podcaster Taxstone was one of the inmates arrested after he was alleged to have tossed a rope out of a window at the facility in an attempt to smuggle contraband into Metropolitan Detention Center from an incident that took place in June 2024.

In March 2023, Taxstone was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and weapons charges for his role in killing rapper Troy Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter. The fatal encounter took place during a backstage confrontation at a concert that Atlanta rapper T.I. performed at Irving Plaza in Manhattan.

The prison facility has been in the news lately for accusations of mismanagement, security breaches, and scrutiny over many violent incidents between inmates that have taken place at the federal prison over the past few years.

Spurlock and Son's, Terrell Spurlock, electcians, electric, electical, industry

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2025

Powering Futures: How This Firm Ignites Generations Of Black Tradesmen

Spurlock and Son has provided many Black men in South Chicago with this opportunity in the electrical trade.

Spurlock and Son’s Electrical Firm does more than supply power. As a Black, family-owned company in the electrical trade, it offers the opportunity for a stable career for generations to come.

Terrell Spurlock knew that his business would stand out in South Chicago. He provides these services to residential and commercial properties throughout the area as an electrical contracting firm.

More than that, he is changing the landscape for this sector by encouraging other Black men and women to pursue the trade. His passion stemmed from childhood curiosity, as he often wondered how the street lights that illuminated his neighborhood were turned on.

“I always liked the electrical trade,” explained Spurlock to The Tribe. “Even when growing up, it was something about seeing lights come on from nothing. How does that work?”

Now, his whole family plays a role in the operations, including his son Terrell Spurlock Jr. While he and his junior complete the on-site work, Spurlock’s wife, Kim, keeps the business’ financials intact. Although she never intended to stay in the position for long, she has been a mainstay at the company for almost two decades.

“I think we inspire a lot of our people in the community to do or want more or better,” said Kim Spurlock. “We try to set an example and show people that college isn’t for everyone, but you can still take care of your family [with a career in] a trade.”

While not everyone on the payroll is a Spurlock, that family-style feeling keeps its employees and certified electricians on. For fellow electrician John White, it is also about Black tradesmen sticking together.

“The key word is family,” said White. “Each one of us is hand-picked. We all got a relationship with him. Some already look at an electrician as a powerful trade, but for a Black man to teach and show another young Black man, that’s powerful.”

Another electrician with Spurlock, Wendell Williams, added, “It’s very necessary because young Black men don’t get the opportunities they need. So if you get a chance, you stick with it.”

Even Spurlock started through a longer-owned Black-owned electric company founded in Chicago. Carrying that legacy forward for the next generation remains pivotal to his work, especially as Black men only make up around 7% of the industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Spurluck realized his vision for his company came into fruition when the employees he brought on began to reap the benefits of a lucrative career. Now, he continues moving the needle for Black tradesmen in electrical work and hopes to always offer a new pathway to support oneself and a family.

“You don’t often see Black faces doing that kind of work,” said Spurlock Sr. “There’s kind of a disconnect. All of our employees started out from the South Side [and are] people that we met along the way. It’s been very interesting to see where our employees started and where they are now.“

He added, “I often tell my employees that you helped me send my kids to college. When they started buying houses, I’m like, ‘okay, this is a real company.’”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2025

Former En-Vogue Singer Dawn Robinson Reveals She’s Homeless And Living In Her Car

Former En Vogue singer Dawn Robinson opens up about her struggles and reveals she has been living in her car.

Singer Dawn Robinson, formerly of the R&B group En Vogue, has revealed that she has been homeless for the past three years.

The Grammy-nominated singer shared a March 12 video from inside her car, where she’s been residing in recent years. Robinson starts the video by revealing where she’s been living, then lets out a deep sigh of relief after finally making the admission.

“You guys, for the past three… almost three years, I have been living in my car. I said it. Oh my God. It’s out,” she shares in the video captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The former Lucy Pearl member explained how she had been living with her parents in Las Vegas for five years before things went sour with her mother.

“I love my mom, but she became very angry, and a lot of her anger she was taking out on me,” Robinson explained. “And I was her target all the time, and I was like, ‘I can’t deal with this. Like I respect her too much. Let me get out of here.'”

After moving out of her parents’ house, Robinson initially lived in her car. Her co-manager at the time persuaded her to move to Los Angeles, promising to cover her apartment rent. However, she claims he never followed through, instead paying for her to stay in a hotel while also covering his own rent for months.

Eventually, that arrangement came to an end, and Robinson, who had once toured the world as the lead singer for En Vogue in the early ’90s and later with Lucy Pearl, found herself facing difficult times. After sharing her story, many fans reached out with messages of support and well wishes.

“To everybody, please understand that the music business is meant to make the labels rich, not the artist,” one person wrote.

“Omg. Lord, I pray this video reaches someone to bless her situation,” added someone else.

Robinson is a founding member of En Vogue, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. After initially leaving En Vogue, she joined Lucy Pearl and released their self-titled debut album in 2000, which went platinum worldwide and produced hit singles like “Dance Tonight” and “Don’t Mess with My Man.”

Robinson rejoined and left En Vogue several times in the early 2000s following her Lucy Pearl stint, ultimately departing for good in 2010 due to poor management and lack of compensation. Throughout her career, Robinson has sold over 11 million records as a member of En Vogue, Lucy Pearl, and as a solo artist.

Her work with En Vogue earned her numerous accolades, including two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, seven MTV Video Music Awards, four Soul Train Music Awards, and eight Grammy nominations. The group was last seen performing without Robinson during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.

En Vogue at the NBA All Star Game! They were one of my favorite groups growing up. pic.twitter.com/k6uWr9w5UR
— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) February 17, 2025

Haiti, Toussaint Louverture Airport in Port-au-Prince, International, Global, Horsford

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2025

Haitian Immigrants With Temporary Protected Status Stressed Over Programs’ Uncertainty Under Trump

Haitian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are expressing concerns about potential deportation under the Trump administration.

Haitian immigrants living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are facing the looming possibility that the program may end under Donald Trump’s administration.

For over 15 years, TPS has allowed thousands of Haitian immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S. with protection from deportation. As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by August 2025, around 500,000 Haitian immigrants are faced with a life-altering choice: stay in the U.S. and fight for legal status or prepare to return to a home country grappling with political instability, gang violence, and severe economic struggles.

“The end of TPS gives me a headache,” Geslain Luma, a 29-year-old Haitian immigrant, told NBC News.

Luma learned that he was granted temporary protected status the same day Trump announced plans to cut the program short. Haitian communities around the country are sharing their fears of deportation.

“The community is worried,” said Rev. Samuel Nicolas, senior pastor of the Evangelical Crusade Christian Church in Flatbush, Brooklyn. “For over 15 years, these individuals have built their lives here, believing TPS would eventually lead to permanent residency. Now, they are watching that hope slip away.”

The Brooklyn-based church has been a refuge for Haitian immigrants for over five decades, offering various services such as food pantries, wellness programs, and legal support. The Flatbush community has become a refuge for many Haitian immigrants who came to the U.S. under TPS following the devastating 2005 earthquake in Haiti.

Abigail Desravines, 35, was among those who sought safety and stability after the tragedy. While she was able to secure a green card, she shared that living under TPS brought its own unique set of challenges.

“People think TPS is a free pass, but it’s not,” Desravines said. “You have to keep renewing, pay fees and live with the fear that it could end at any time. It’s not an easy path.”

In addition to paying fees, some colleges require TPS holders to pay tuition “out of pocket like international students,” she added. “Even though we lived in the U.S. for years, some colleges did not allow us in-state tuition.”

The potential end of the program will cause significant disruption, as many TPS holders are employed, attending school, and integrated into their communities. For those now facing the threat of deportation, returning to Haiti feels overwhelming, with some even describing the prospect as inhumane given the country’s ongoing instability.

“Haiti is not in a place where people with TPS or those under humanitarian programs can return,” Nicolas said. “Haiti is being overrun by armed groups and the infrastructure is barely functioning.”

Immigrant advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to take action to protect TPS holders by advocating for a path to residency for those who have lived in the U.S. for years. A coalition of organizations filed a March 10 lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to end TPS for Haitians prematurely.