Georgia Mayor Exits Council Meeting After Being Confronted On Alleged Misuse Of Funds
South Fulton's Mayor Kobi appears to be dodging questions about his use of city funds.
South Fulton Mayor Kobi, formerly known as Khalid Kamau,walked out of a city council meeting after questions were raised about his spending on city credit cards.
Kobi expressed his disappointment over the criticism. The mayor also cited the state’s and county’s historically Black population as a reason for his disappointment .
“I am so distressed and disappointed that the Blackest city in one of the Blackest states in the United States, heading into Black History Month, we are tearing each other down,” Kobi said.
Councilwoman Helen Willis took issue with Kobi’s statement. In a sharp response, Willis pointed out the source of the council’s frustration, specifically referencing Kobi’s December trip to Africa, which was paid for using county credit cards.
“We’re not tearing you down; you took your Black behind over to Africa for 20 days and didn’t tell anybody,” Councilwoman Willis responded.
County records do not show the proper disclosures from Kobi. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the investigation into Kobi and his alleged misappropriation of county funds. The mayor is accused of using county funds to purchase over $5,000 in plane tickets, a $1,300 drone, and several Amazon items.
The inquiry began after Reshard Snellings, a concerned citizen, noticed Kobi’s extravagant trip to Ghana during the holiday season. Kobi embarked on a 20-day trip to the African country and documented the excursion on his Instagram.
Snellings grew suspicious and contacted Atlanta’s Channel 2 News. The outlet’s investigative team uncovered $26,000 in unexplained expenses on the county’s credit cards.
The mayor addressed constituents via Instagram Live and described the travel guidelines as hindering progress, claiming the language was intentionally tricky.
“We all realize we have not been using the (purchase) card or travel policy the way they’re outlined in the policy because the policy is just unworkable,” he said. “It was written to trip people up and prevent things from getting done.”
Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans
The crime has shaken the once-quiet community, and residents are calling for an increased police presence and more significant efforts to ensure public safety.
In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Saturday morning, Jan. 25, the body of 72-year-old Luris Murray was discovered in her home. Murray, a retired nurse who had spent decades working in the United States, had returned to Jamaica hoping to enjoy a peaceful retirement.
Instead, she became the victim of a heinous crime that has shaken her family, neighbors, and others who sought to repatriate to the Caribbean nation after living abroad.
A Brutal Discovery
Murray’s hired help discovered her body in the living room. An electric cord was wrapped around her neck. Police reports suggested that criminals broke into her home on Friday night, sexually assaulted her, and robbed her. Two vehicles belonging to Murray were stolen during the attack but were later recovered in separate locations around Ocho Rios.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dwight Powell, head of the St. Ann Police Division, described the incident as deeply disturbing and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Her death is a tragic reminder of the challenges we face in tackling violent crimes,” he said.
Dreams of a Peaceful Retirement Shattered
Murray had returned to Jamaica hoping to reconnect with her roots and enjoy a tranquil retirement. She had purchased a home and additional lots in Pyramid Heights, where she planned to invest in farming and raise chickens.
Her daughter, speaking to CVM TV, shared her devastation and disbelief. “She had a genuine love for Jamaica and its people,” she said, her voice trembling.
“It’s just unbelievable that after working, leaving your country to search for the American dream, and finally achieving it, this is what happens when you come back to your own birthright country.”
The tragedy has left Murray’s family not only grieving but also questioning the safety of returning to Jamaica. Her daughter warned members of the diaspora to think carefully about the risks involved.
“It makes somebody like me not want to return,” she said.
@kanielcole A 72-year-old woman was reportedly killed after criminals broke into her house, sexually assaulted, and robbed her. The retired nurse left the United States to settle in Jamaica when she became a target. Her daughter says her mother, Luris Murray, genuinely loved Jamaica and its people and wanted to retire on the island doing everything she loved, including farming and raising chickens. CVM TV spoke exclusively to Ms Murray. Watch the video and stay tuned for more details. #CVMNews♬ original sound – Kaniel Cole
Growing Concerns in the Diaspora
Murray’s murder has reignited fears among Jamaicans living abroad about the dangers of retiring on the island. Returning residents are often perceived as wealthy after years of working overseas, making them prime targets for violent crime.
Despite reassurances from local authorities, these fears persist. In 2022, Senior Superintendent Wayne Joseph of the Westmoreland Police sought to reassure returning residents; victims of crime, he said, are often targeted by people they know. However, these statements have done little to ease the diaspora’s anxiety, especially in the wake of high-profile cases like Murray’s.
The Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents has long warned of the dangers retirees face. Its president, Percival LaTouche, has repeatedly discouraged Jamaicans abroad from returning, describing the country as “a fertile place to commit murder.”
A Community in Mourning
Murray’s neighbors in Pyramid Heights are struggling to process the tragedy. They described her as a kind, hardworking woman who loved Jamaica deeply and was firmly committed to her community.
“It’s devastating,” one neighbor said. “She came back here to live in peace, and this is what happened to her. It’s just heartbreaking.”
The crime has shaken the once-quiet community, and residents are calling for an increased police presence and more significant efforts to ensure public safety.
Calls for Justice
The St. Ann Police has launched an intensive investigation into Murray’s murder and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Senior Superintendent Powell emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case.
“We are following all leads and working tirelessly to ensure the individuals responsible are held accountable,” he said.
For Murray’s family, justice is paramount, but the circumstances of her death compound the pain of their loss. Her daughter called on authorities to take more decisive action against violent crime, saying, “She loved this country, and it breaks our hearts that this is how her story ends.”
Diaspora Hesitancy Grows
The murder has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with members of the Jamaican diaspora voicing their reluctance to visit or resettle in their homeland. Many have expressed fears that returning to Jamaica could make them targets of violence, regardless of their contributions to the community.
“This isn’t just one incident—it’s part of a pattern,” one U.S.-based Jamaican wrote in a Facebook group for returning residents. “How can we feel safe coming back when these crimes keep happening?”
The hesitancy among the diaspora poses a challenge for Jamaica, as returning residents are vital to the country’s economy and social fabric. Their investments and contributions significantly impact local communities, and their absence could have long-term consequences.
Moving Forward
As the investigation into Murray’s murder continues, her family hopes her story will serve as a wake-up call. They want more substantial measures to protect returning residents and locals, ensuring that no one else must endure such a tragedy.
Murray’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges Jamaica faces in addressing violent crime. Returning residents’ dream of retiring in their homeland is increasingly overshadowed by fears for their safety.
While her family grieves, they remain determined to honor her legacy by advocating for change. “We want justice—not just for her, but for every family affected by these senseless acts of violence,” her daughter said.
Murray’s story is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a call to action for a nation grappling with the balance between its potential and its challenges. Her life and dreams will not be forgotten, and her family will ensure her story is told, hoping to inspire a safer future for all Jamaicans.
Pros and Cons Of Selling Your Home Versus Using A Real Estate Agent
Choosing to sell your home yourself or with a real estate agent may rely on profit or how much time you have.
The potential to save money is among the top reasons why some people look to sell their own homes instead of using a real estate agent.
A recent survey from Clever, a real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors, showed that people using for sale by owner (FSBO) sometimes embrace the option not to pay a listing agent commission.
But the process is not easy and may come with snags.
Forty-nine percent of FSBO sellers wish they had priced their home differently, compared to 73% of represented sellers who felt their agent had priced their home right. Eighty percent of sellers without an agent were dissatisfied with parts of their home sale, with a lack of offers (24%) being the most common regret.
Moreover, 50% of FSBO sellers felt overwhelmed when selling their home, and 53% added buyers didn’t trust them.
The bottom line: People aiming to save money in 2025 may be enticed to be FSBO sellers. However, research showed that those sellers can end up disappointed because they might bag more money with a real estate agent.
Based on an average listing agent commission of 2.74%, FSBO sellers could save about $14,000 on a $500,000 home. Yet sellers who team with an agent and pay commissions reported an average profit of $207,500, a robust $79,000 more than FSBO sellers’ profit of $128,500.
In July and August of 2024, Clever surveyed 654 American adults who sold a home in 2023 or 2024 to gauge their home-selling experiences, including if they used an agent.
In general, sellers should be aware of the pros and cons of using the FSBO approach or hiring a real estate agent to peddle your home.
Jaime Dunaway-Seale, author of this report, says the upside is they have more control over their sales. For instance, they can negotiate without an intermediary. They can organize their showings and set their list price.
The downside: They forsake a lot of expertise by not using an agent and risk getting fewer buyers coming to see their home because an agent is not being used.
“That lack of expertise usually leads to lower profits overall for those sellers,” Dunaway-Seale tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
The good news for sellers hiring an agent is that they will receive much help from a real estate agent who knows the market and understands the home-buying process. This usually results in more significant profit, faster sales, and a less stressful experience for the homeowner.
Conversely, using an agent is usually a significantly sizable upfront investment, which can reduce your overall profit.
“The right choice for the homeowner on which option to use may depend on their situation and what they value the most, including variables such as profit, finding the right buyer, and how fast they want to sell,” Dunaway-Seale says.
New Orleans Artist Is The First Non-NFL Employee To Create Super Bowl Logo
Tahj’s willingness to halt the production of her Mardi Gras Indian costume underscores her commitment to "put on" for her city.
Queen Tahj, A Black woman and New Orleans native, created the new logo for this year’s 2025 Super Bowl LIX. It marks the first time the National Football League has collaborated with an artist outside its organization to bring the event to life.
A member of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian Tribe, the artist took to Instagram to express her “extreme gratitude for [her] city” and explain the personal sacrifice she made to complete the project:
“There aren’t too many things in this world that can make me decide not to continue sewing on my new suit for 2024. With that being said, I present to you Super Bowl Logo LIX. This is the first time in history the NFL has collaborated with an artist outside of its organization for the Super Bowl logo design.”
Tahj’s willingness to halt the production of her Mardi Gras Indian costume underscores her commitment to “put on” for her city.
New Orleans has a rich history of Black Masking Indian culture, a practice that honors the Native American tribes that helped shelter and assist enslaved Black people in their escape to freedom. There are over 40 documented tribes in New Orleans, according to NewOrleans.com. Tribe members hold positions of honor within their communities.
“Each tribe has positions among its members, such as Big Chief, Big Queen, Spy Boy, and Flag Boy. Each position carries individual responsibilities,” the outlet states.
The costumes are handmade and uniquely beaded, with many taking years to create. When the time spent on conceptualization and design is factored in, some costumes take more than a year to bring to life.
While the traditions, history, and rules governing each tribe of Black Masking Indians may differ, their intent is the same as Tahj’s: to honor and respect the city that nurtures their spirit and the people who made it possible.
Super Bowl LIX is taking place in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on Feb. 9. Tourists can also check out the Mardi Gras Indians at various parades held during the Carnival season, which ends Mar. 4.
Black Ministers Call For Resistance Against ‘White Christian Nationalism’ Efforts Of Project 2025
Black church leaders are calling for unified resistance against Project 2025, which is "informed by white Christian Nationalism."
Black church leaders are banding together amid the return of Donald Trump to the White House and calling for Black resistance against “white Christian Nationalism,” aka Project 2025.
In a statement dated Jan. 1 and later published by Reel Urban News, over two dozen Black ministers issued “A Credo to Legatees of the Black Church Tradition.” The statement calls for Black church leaders and its members to resist white Christian nationalism through bold acts of defiance.
Among the suggested acts of resistance include investing in Black-owned banks, supporting Black businesses, and providing scholarships to help students attend vocational schools and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Taking these actions would be in direct response to Trump’s recent executive orders, which fall in line with Project 2025, an agenda Black church leaders say “is informed by white Christian Nationalism.”
“We believe Black people should return to the ecumenical Black Church tradition and renew fellowship with their brothers and sisters,” the statement read, “to help fight and resist hegemonic practices which continue to endorse under-resourced public and private funding to abolish human poverty.”
“We believe our Credo is inspired by the Spirit of the Lord: Therefore, our Credo is not a reaction to Project 2025,” it stated in conclusion. “Instead, it is an ethical response to white Christian Nationalism.”
Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner, a coordinator of Faiths United to Save Democracy and the onetime executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, stressed the importance of the Credo in light of ongoing attacks on DEI initiatives and the rollback of civil rights protections.
“I added my name to the Credo because it prophetically calls Black clergy back to the theology of moral resistance in the spirit of Frederick Douglass and many other righteous resisters to injustice and oppression like those inherent in Project 2025,” she said. “Project 2025 is an all-out attack on over 60 years of civil rights protection of African American people in the U.S.”
Pennsylvania High School Math Teacher Compared Monkey To Black Student, Lawsuit Says
A Pennsylvania school district is facing its second racial discrimination lawsuit in three months.
A new lawsuit is calling out a high school math teacher in a Pennsylvania school district with a history of alleged racial discrimination.
In a federal lawsuit filed on Jan. 24, two brothers who are students at Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, outline several incidents that they claim demonstrate the district’s racial discrimination, the Miami Herald reported. Among these incidents is an allegation that a math teacher held up a photo of a monkey in class and compared it to two Black students, including one of the brothers involved in the lawsuit.
“It was such an emotional reaction that he had to be compared to a picture of a monkey that that kind of … really started his reaction toward the school district,” the student’s attorney, Nicholas Miller, said.
Other incidents outlined in the lawsuit include the older brother allegedly being moved to the front of the bus on his first day of school so he, along with other Black students, could be monitored. Later in the school year, a bus driver allegedly told the student’s white girlfriend that she was “too good to be with someone like him” because of his race.
The student, who has a learning disability, was repeatedly singled out because of his race, causing his frustration with teachers, administrators, and fellow students to intensify. According to the lawsuit, the discrimination worsened to the point where his younger brother was also targeted.
The student’s frustrations escalated after he was unable to receive the necessary support for his learning disability in the classroom, according to the lawsuit. Instead of getting help, he was labeled an “angry Black youth,” while white students were provided the learning support they needed, the complaint states.
The lack of support forced the students to repeat classes while white students were able to advance.
“The fact that somebody can be labeled as that without looking at the environment, it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Miller said.
Other alleged incidents include the student being suspended after confronting a white student who threatened the boy in a text message that showed the white student holding a gun. The following year, the teen got into another dispute with a white student and was placed in an “illegal and criminal restraint hold,” the lawsuit said.
The student’s brother was also targeted and experienced his own instances of discrimination, according to the lawsuit. As a result of their treatment at the school, the two boys feel deprived of their right to free speech and fear retaliation, along with other emotional distress, the lawsuit claims.
This is the second racial discrimination lawsuit filed against the school district in under three months. In November, a lawsuit accused the district of fostering racial discrimination against a Black cheerleader, whose parents were allegedly chased and threatened by a school board member and a family member of the head cheerleading coach after raising the issue with the school board.
Woman At Lisha Kill Middle School In New York Sells Black History Tees To Support Students In Guyana
All proceeds from Almont’s “Black History Is American History” t-shirts support education for students in Guyana’s Hopetown village.
Jaqueline McAlmont’s Black History T-shirts send out one message: “Black History Is American History.”
Designed using Pan-African colors, McAlmont sells her T-shirts as an effort to do her part around Lisha Kill Middle School in Albany, New York, where she has been a support staff member for about five years. She told News 10 ABC about the statement on her graphic tees, a topic she noticed no one highlighted around the public school in Colonie. “Black History is American History,” said McAlmont. “Nobody understands…it’s intertwined, it’s there.” Literature published in 2021 in the National Institutes of Health from the University of Chicago’s Monica Peek, MD, supports Almont’s message that Black History is an integral part of America’s history. “It is the story of triumph over adversity, determination in the face of uncertainty, and courage and conviction standing down hate and violence,” Peek wrote.
For McAlmont, her T-shirt sales are not about personal profit. Instead, all proceeds are collected to support school children in Hopetown, a village in Berbice, Guyana, where her grandmother was born; and the project has introduced a creative learning experience for both students and teachers at Lisha Kill.
McAlmont said students in the village “have a desire to learn” and she has directly witnessed their hard work even without basic supplies like backpacks, lunches, or uniforms. Lisha Kill 7th grader Vreej Patel, said the mission of McAlmont’s project resonates with her. “This means a lot to me because I was from India, and there aren’t that many good schools that you can go to, and this is going to help kids in Guyana to go to good schools, so this is going to be very nice for them,” said Patel.
The middle school staffer noted that the late New York native Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for Congress, was of Caribbean descent. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the civil rights activist was the daughter of immigrants from Barbados and Guyana.
Lisha Kill will be decorated for Black History Month, starting Jan. 31. Supporters of McAlmont’s mission and efforts to help students in Guyana can visit her Facebook page to inquire about purchasing the “Black History Is American History” t-shirts, which according to a post are priced at $20.
NYPD’s Top-Ranking Officers Criticized for ‘Irresponsible And Unprofessional’ Social Media Posts
Top-ranking NYPD officials are accused of being unprofessional on social media.
The New York City Department of Investigation is calling out top NYPD officials whose social media posts reflect “irresponsible and unprofessional” behavior.
A 44-page report released on Jan. 28 revealed that NYPD executives’ social media accounts violated city policies concerning “courtesy and civility.” Notable offenders included NYPD Chief of Department John Chell and Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry, Gothamist reports.
Based on the findings, the DOI said some of the online behavior remains inconclusive but did “raise questions” about whether the social media posts “may be deemed prohibited engagement in political activity by city employees.”
“New York City deserves public officials who use social media responsibly, to communicate accurate information and to prompt respectful dialogue on issues of importance to the community, and not as a means to ridicule those with whom they disagree,” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said in a statement.
“No aspect of the social media exchanges that DOI reviewed in this investigation served the public.”
The NYPD, the nation’s largest police department, employs nearly 50,000 personnel and aced scrutiny last year for representing a combative culture. Among the combative behaviors include tweets from the NYPD’s executive staff where posts on X targeted various individuals, including a Supreme Court judge, journalists, public members, and elected officials.
In 2024, Chell tweeted that sitting Councilmember Tiffany Cabán “hates our city.” He shared the tweet after Cabán critiqued the NYPD’s response to anti-Israel protests on college campuses. In a follow-up tweet, he told his followers to “vote the change you seek,” a statement that, according to the report, could potentially breach the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts political activities of government employees involved in federal programs.
There were multiple instances where Chell and Daughtry were accused of assigning mocking nicknames to journalists whom they accused of spreading false information about the administration’s accomplishments. Investigators have determined that the online attacks violated fundamental internal guidelines.
“They violated department policies related to being courteous and civil, and raise questions with respect to whether they may be deemed prohibited engagement in political activity by City employees,” the report reads.
The NYPD responded to the report through a spokesperson, stating that the department has implemented “significant changes to its social media practices” since the investigation began last year. However, no word has been given on whether any officials would face consequences for breaching department policy.
You Can Now Purchase Dwight Howard’s Home For $11.3M
The home was purchased by the former NBA player in 2016 for $8.8 million.
If you have a little more than $12 million to spare and are looking for a new house, you can purchase a home owned by former NBA player Dwight Howard, located near Atlanta.
According to Robb Report, a real estate listing for a house in Suwanee for $11.25 million belongs to the former Orlando Magic player. It’s described as a European-style residence about 35 miles northeast of Atlanta. Howard has owned the property for over seven years.
The home was built in 2010 for about $40 million and was purchased by the center in 2016 for $8.8 million while Howard was playing for the Atlanta Hawks, according to Footboom.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that the property is more than 32,000 square feet and spread across 14 acres. It has 10 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, nine half bathrooms, six full kitchens, a game room, a movie theater, and a private gym.
The main kitchen has a large adjacent scullery and a walk-in pantry with remote-controlled shelving. An oversized bedroom suite is located on the main floor of the house and has a private, covered balcony and dual custom closets. The property has six interior and exterior fireplaces, with a set of spiral stone staircases that lead to the backyard.
The property also includes a private lake, a half-court basketball court, and a heated saltwater swimming pool. A pool house and garage can accommodate more than 10 cars.
The house is listed by Kelly Anderson of Engel & Volkers Atlanta.
Howard is still looking to play in the NBA, hoping to land with a team heading for the playoffs and earning another ring. He has campaigned to rejoin LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Orlando Magic drafted him as the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and led the team to the 2009 NBA finals. He finally won an NBA championship when he played for the Lakers in 2020.
During his NBA career, he also played for the Houston Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Washington Wizards, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trump’s Press Secretary: Administration ‘Intends’ To Celebrate Black History Month Amid Anti-Woke Efforts
Black History Month is right around the corner.....
Karoline Leavitt made her White House debut as the new press secretary and took on questions, including ways the new Trump Administration plans to celebrate Black History Month in February.
As the youngest press secretary to serve in the position at just 27, Leavitt took questions from members of the press on Jan. 28 on topics surrounding immigration and the team’s controversial decision to freeze federal funding on programs such as Medicaid. But author and White House correspondent April Ryan wanted answers on just how Trump and his team are planning to celebrate Black History Month amongst efforts to eliminate DEI and “woke” ideologies. “This administration is thinking about celebrating Black History Month. Have you got any word on that, anything you can offer to us?” Ryan asked.
Leavitt responded by saying the team “certainly still intends” to celebrate, failing to mention Black history specifically. Instead, she claims “American history” will be celebrated. “And we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country,” she said.
“And America is back.”
As no official celebration plans have been announced, an email from the State Department seemingly downplayed Black History Month. The Independent reported that an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal gave minimal guidance on the celebration but asked officials to highlight “valuable contributions of individual Americans throughout U.S. history while ensuring our public communications maintain the spirit of the directive eliminating DEAI programs.” One official felt the notification meant no public events or messages about Black History Month, which has been celebrated since the 1970s.
During Trump’s first four-year term, the President recognized February as “National African-American Month.” “The diplomats I spoke to today, with decades of experience, couldn’t remember a time we failed” to mark Black History Month,” one official said.
Leavitt’s first appearance since transitioning from national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign did not go over so well with some critics on social media and television. The hosts of ABC’s The View ripped into the press secretary’s overuse of the word “wokeness” as Whoopi Goldberg reminded her that it was that term that got her where she is. “Because women were not invited to that table. Women were not invited to many tables in this nation. The reason we fought and busted our behinds to make sure that you didn’t have to worry about this, and now to hear you talk about it and to hear anybody talk about the wokeness, the wokeness was put in place for a reason because Black people couldn’t get into colleges, because women could not get into the colleges they wanted to go to,” Goldberg said, according to Fox News.
“This is all women. See, this is not Black, Asian women. This is all women. Women were not invited to this party. It was a man’s world, and we busted our a–es to make sure that this was a person’s world.”
After praising Trump for allegedly “doing more in less than 24 hours than his predecessor did in four years,” Leavitt was compared to foreign state media like North Korea. “Propaganda so blatant it would make the dictator of North Korea blush,” one commenter wrote on social media.
