by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2025

NY Mag Accused Of Cropping Out Black Trump Supporters From Cover Story On Inauguration Event

New York Magazine is under fire for cropping out Black Trump supporters from a cover photo.

New York Magazine is being accused of purposely cropping out the Black attendees at a Donald Trump inauguration event to seemingly paint a false narrative.

A Black Republican who hosted the inauguration event is calling out NY Magazine for cropping a photo from the event for the cover story and including a claim from an unnamed attendee who allegedly said that “the entire room is white,” Fox News reported. New York Magazine writer Brock Colyar has come under fire for his detailing of the inauguration event he attended with young Republicans he described as “casually cruel Trumpers” who are “conquering Washington.”

Titled “The Cruel Kids’ Table,” the photo used for the cover story shows excited partygoers who were all noticeably white, a point Colyar chose to highlight. However, those who attended the event, are calling the writer’s bluff.

“I hosted this event, and @NYMag intentionally left me out of their story because it would have undermined their narrative that MAGA is some racist cult,” CJ Pearson tweeted. “They also didn’t include the fact that @WakaFlocka and @Gervontaa were also there.”

“New York Magazine literally cropped all the black people out of this cover photo and then complained that “the entire room is white”,” one critic added with a highlight of Colyar’s claims.

New York Magazine literally cropped all the black people out of this cover photo and then complained that “the entire room is white” https://t.co/gCatY1lZzG pic.twitter.com/VhoaiJhqg1
— Christopher Barnard (@ChrisBarnardDL) January 27, 2025

A full photo from the event shows at least three Black males who were in attendance. One attendee noted the “Conservative media influencers who are Black, Latino, Asian, etc.” that were in attendance.

Pearson believes the New York Magazine cover speaks to a larger issue when it comes to why “the majority of the American people don’t believe a single thing the media says,” he told Fox News.

“Last week to celebrate the inauguration of President Trump, I hosted an incredible event to honor the social media influencers that made his victory possible,” Pearson said in a statement. “The NY Mag intentionally excluded me from their coverage-along with every other person of color in attendance- because including us would have directly contradicted their tried and tired narrative that MAGA is some racist cult.”

New York Magazine has since released a statement standing by its cropped cover and explaining how it still provides an “accurate impression” of the inauguration events.

“The magazine’s most recent cover story explores the new class of conservatives taking Washington by storm, through the lens of inauguration weekend,” the outlet stated. “The cover was cropped to the center of a picture that was published in full online, and we believe both the cover and story provide an accurate impression of the weekend.”

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2025

Georgia Teen Arrested For Twerking On Disabled Person’s Head And Posting To TikTok

A 19-year-old was arrested for "exploitation of a disabled person" other charges pending.

Police have arrested 19-year-old Lucrecia Kormassa Koiyan in Loganville, Georgia, for allegedly dancing provocatively on disabled patients and posting the videos on social media for views.

Walton County Police are charging Koiyan with exploitation of a disabled person. The charges stem from TikTok videos posted by Koiyan. In one video, the young woman stands above two disabled men while gyrating her hips. She also sits on one of the patient’s heads.

In another video, the “home health worker” dances with her legs open as she seemingly squats onto an unclothed person in a bathtub. The person appears despondent.

Both men are reported to be participants in an in-home adult daycare program. It is unclear if specific qualifications are required to become a caregiver or if Koiyan is qualified to care for disabled individuals.

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Loganville Police Chief Dick Lowry spoke to Channel 2 about his visceral reaction to the videos, saying, “When I watched it, disgusted is the only word I know.”

The Loganville Police Department did not specify how the suspect was identified but discussed the process of taking her into custody.

“She was brought to the police department, went through the booking process, and booked at the Walton County Jail,” Lowry said.

Police are considering additional charges against Koiyan, pending further investigation into the video involving the unclothed person.

While both police and social media users have expressed their disgust, Koiyan defended her actions, stating the men were not non-verbal and could speak. The implication was that the men could give consent, though she did not explicitly state this.

She also posted a video in which one of the men appears to ask for a hug.

Koiyan states that “angles play a big part” in the perception of the video and that the allegations of sexual assault by social media users are unfounded and inaccurate.

“He seems very aware and comfortable,” she said.

DoorDash, doordash, tips, delivery, driver, shooting, bullets

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2025

DoorDash Launches Pilot Program In Georgia With Potential Benefits For Drivers

Georgia DoorDash driver must make at least $1,000 from the food delivery app to take part in the program.

DoorDash has launched a new pilot program in Georgia that could come with new benefits for drivers.

DoorDash confirmed that the program will officially begin in April, with benefits-saving opportunities fulfilled through Stride Save. However, only eligible drivers will reap said benefits, ranging from health insurance to paid time off and even retirement funds.

Drivers who make at least $1,000 in the first three months of this year can take advantage of this opportunity. To do so, they must create a Stride Save account and place their deposits from DoorDash in it.

From there, the drivers will have 4% of their pre-trip earnings placed into their portable benefits savings until July. Drivers can also save even more by placing outside funds into the account. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his own excitement on the “positive” update for Georgia workers.

“This is positive news for hardworking Georgians,” said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in the press release. “In the No. 1 state for business, we celebrate our private sector partners who not only create good paying jobs for our people, but also take innovative approaches to expanding benefits to our growing workforce. We are excited for DoorDash and Georgia Dashers as this new program is rolled out and wish them success in this pursuit.”

The program’s establishment in Georgia follows its initial launch in Pennsylvania. According to the food delivery service, 4,400 drivers took part in the endeavor, with over 90% stating that it was beneficial.

Of the program’s expansion, DoorDash CEO Tony Xu shared how the growing initiative will offer “meaningful support” for its workforce in the Peach State.

“We’ve long believed that people who earn with DoorDash shouldn’t have to choose between the flexibility that draws them to this kind of work and having access to benefits that can support themselves and their family,” said Tony Xu, DoorDash CEO and co-founder. “This pilot program provides just that, offering Dashers in Georgia meaningful support on what matters most to them, without coming at the expense of their independence. With this program, there is incredible potential to deliver real impact for thousands of Dashers in Georgia, and we’re grateful to Governor Kemp for helping us get there.”

The program aims to provide Georgians with more financial independence and opportunity as they hope to further this launch nationwide.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2025

Tiffany & Co. Releases 3rd Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Collection

The latest set focuses on freshwater and Tahitian pearls.

In May 2024, Tiffany & Co. introduced the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection. Another set dropped in September. And now the third collection, featuring freshwater and Tahitian pearls, has arrived, according to Robb Report.

The first collection, fashioned after Poseidon’s trident from Greek mythology, featured jewelry adorned with a mixture of gold, titanium, and diamonds in chains. The following collection, featuring white pearls as the central theme, followed suit.

“I was interested in the duality between freshwater pearls and Tahitian pearls. They work hand in hand, like day and night, yin and yang,” the hip-hop titan and cultural icon told Robb Report. “There’s this levity and ethereal quality to the freshwater pearl styles that balances perfectly with the depth of color in the Tahitian pearl styles.”

The pearls used in this latest version are sourced from French Polynesia, picked by hand for optimal nacre thickness and luster, and cultivated over 18 months. The pearls are gray with a range of green to purple overtones. Each item in the collection—the necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets—is set in 18-karat rose gold.

The “Happy” singer, innovative music producer, and former N.E.R.D. member has been very busy with his ventures outside of music. According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, as men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, he recently unveiled the ButterSoft sneaker, which reminds people of the popular 1980s shoe, the Nike Cortez. His skateboard account showed off the stylish collection on Instagram.

His fashion taste rivals his stellar reputation in music. In November 2024, GQ announced named the Virginia native its designer of the year. Pharrell has been working for the Louis Vuitton brand after the beloved and ultra-talented Virgil Abloh died in November 2021.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2025

Georgia Rep. McCormick Has A Problem With Kids Who ‘Sponge Off The Government’ For School Lunch

The Georgia Republican believes young teens should find "value" and money for lunch by getting a job.

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick suggests students should work to pay for their school lunches.

Just nine days after the presidential inauguration, Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, one of which institutes a freeze on all federal grant funding and distribution. Many school lunch programs rely on these federal grants.

On Jan. 28, McCormick spoke with CNN and shared his thoughts on the matter. The Georgia representative seemed unconcerned about whether young children and their parents could consistently afford school lunches. Instead, he focused on his own experience working as a minor. McCormick reflected on a time before child labor laws were enacted to protect youth and vulnerable populations.

“When you talk about school lunches, hey, I worked my way through high school,” McCormick said. “I don’t know about you, but I worked before I was even 13 years old. I was picking berries in the field before child labor laws precluded that.”

" Would you support getting rid of school lunch for vulnerable kids and breakfast and Head Start, for example, and getting rid of childhood cancer research. Do you support that?"

GOP Rep: " When you talk about school lunches, hey, I worked my way through high school." pic.twitter.com/84ooPsl24W
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) January 28, 2025

Speaking with CNN’s Pamela Brown, McCormick argued that young teenagers should pull themselves up by their bootstraps and enter the job market. By suggesting that work would allow children to “have value,” he seemingly dismissed the importance of allowing young teens to focus on obtaining an education without distraction.

“How many people got their start in fast-food restaurants when they were kids?” McCormick told Brown. “Versus just giving a blanket rule that gives all kids lunches in high school, who are capable of going out and actually getting a job and doing something that actually makes them have value.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program provided 4.6 billion lunches to more than 100,000 schools nationwide through funding.

School lunch programs are not the only public services affected. Meals on Wheels, a program that provides meals to elderly citizens with limited mobility, was also impacted. Additionally, Medicaid and Medicare portals across the U.S. were reportedly offline, preventing many from accessing services.

The Trump administration’s order, Memorandum M-25-13, was not available on the White House website at the time of publication. However, the site did host a fact sheet that provided insight into the administration’s broader goals.

The government stated its intent is to “act as faithful stewards of taxpayer money” by ensuring all spending aligns with the current administration’s agenda.

Since Congress is responsible for allocating funding and creating laws, the legality of Trump’s actions remains in question.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, At-Word Program, graduates

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2025

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Urges Trump Administration To ‘Immediately Restore’ Federal Funding

The mayor noted how many who rely on housing assistance would be impacted by the freeze.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has officially called upon the Trump Administration to halt its plan for a federal funding freeze.

“These actions adversely affect not only the City’s funding for affordable housing, assistance for our unsheltered residents, economic development projects, salaries and investments in our infrastructure and public safety—they also affect partner agencies like Atlanta Housing, Partners for HOME and other organizations who currently cannot access the portals they use to pay people’s rents, operational costs or fund economic programs; in turn placing an even heavier burden on the communities we collectively serve,” wrote Dickens, as reported by WSB-TV.

Dickens released the statement before a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, which was supposed to start at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28. However, with the federal judge’s rulings, it remains at a standstill until Monday.

The news of the federal freeze sent agencies and administrations nationwide into a frenzy. Many have expressed concern on how the pause would directly impact their operations. Trump officials had to confirm programs like food stamps, Medicare, and student loans were not affected.

The Trump administration launched the freeze to review the “progressive initiatives” that currently receive funding, with plans for removal.

Dickens noted how their governments did not know of the freeze ahead of time. A lack of knowledge continues to fuels uncertainty for many families in Georgia and beyond.

“More than 18,000 residents who rely on housing vouchers currently do not know how their rent will be paid next month, and workers across various federally funded programs risk losing their pay,” Dickens said. “The Dickens administration calls on all White House decision makers to immediately restore this funding for Atlanta and the entire region—and the families from all stations of life who will suffer the consequences.”

After the federal stay lifts on Feb. 3, the Trump administration has remained adamant on proceeding with the freeze while still not clarifying what will stop payouts.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 29, 2025

Market Changes Result In Americans Struggling To Find Employment While Forced To Take On Side Hustles

Newsweek reports that the number of Americans forced to find a side hustle to make ends meet has increased as the market has presented a struggle to find jobs.

A report from LinkedIn says a third of Americans in the job market are applying for more jobs but hearing back less. One in five potential employees searching in 2024 are still looking in 2025, while 26% have put the job hunt completely on hold in lieu of the limited opportunities.

Human resources consultant Bryan Driscol blames the lack of hiring on heavy automation and artificial intelligence (AI) avenues. “Job seekers not hearing back is a failure of the system and modern hiring processes. Companies have leaned heavily into automation and AI to screen resumes, often filtering out qualified candidates before a human ever sees their application,” he said.

“This is inefficient and demoralizing. We’re telling job seekers they need to put in more effort while simultaneously creating systems that disregard that effort entirely.”

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, is not surprised that employees are looking elsewhere for jobs since increased responsibilities do not correlate to more pay. However, the reasoning behind those giving up may relate to repeatedly having to send the same documents.

“It’s no surprise with a higher cost of living and many employee roles facing increased responsibilities that so many are eagerly applying for new positions in the hopes it will lead to better pay and less stress,” Beene said.

Higher living costs have increased the number of people forced to take on a second job or a side hustle. According to The Washington Post, the share of U.S. workers with more than one job in 2024 went up to 5.3% of the workforce, the highest number since 2019. In states like Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Hawaii, the percentage of workers with multiple jobs was approximately double the national average of 10% in 2024.

Naomi Kowald, who lives in Cambria, Wisconsin, has a master’s degree in social work and works for a pharmaceutical drug trials company. She also secured part-time employment as a distributor for water ionization systems. However, even with two incomes, Kowald still needs more to keep up, so in spring 2024, she started selling fresh eggs to friends and family to earn more money and utilize the 16 acres of land she lives on.

The reasons behind Americans picking up side gigs vary from desperation to opportunity, in addition to increased opportunities with remote jobs and jobs on platforms like DoorDash and Uber. Another reason is keeping sanity amid chaos. Grace Wilbanks, a public relations specialist at a credit union in Atlanta, says making collage art isn’t about money but giving her more of a work-life balance. “Once I got a cushy corporate gig, I had more flexibility and freedom on afternoons and weekends to make art,” Wilbanks said.

“The money is nice, but I think the best way to put it is it keeps me sane. If I don’t go to the studio, I will go crazy at work.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 29, 2025

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, Boyfriend Involved In Violent Brawl At Board of Trustees Meeting

It should never result to this....

A video went viral on social media of an explosive fight involving Dolton, Illinois, residents and Mayor Tiffany Henyard, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

During a Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 28, things took a turn for the worse after activist Jedidiah Brown allegedly referred to Heynard as an expletive. When it appeared Brown was walking toward the official, her boyfriend, Kamal Woods, shouted words at him, causing him to walk back toward the podium. The two started to exchange punches when supporters — including Henyard herself — jumped in, starting a massive fight.

Absolute Chaos erupts tonight at the Thornton Township Board meeting during public comment. Jedidiah Brown calls the Super Mayor Tiffany Henyard a b*tch and Kamal Woods steps up to check him.
Lavelle Redmond gets in between them and all hell breaks loose. Mayor Henyard is seen… pic.twitter.com/16PnDlPTUH
— RebelwithoutaReason (@RebelwoaReason) January 29, 2025

Residents who witnessed the ordeal described the scene as “disgraceful,” as Gerald Williams said he couldn’t believe “it came to that.” But other residents were more shocked that Henyard involved herself in such chaos. “It was one thing when the guys were fighting, but when she jumped in it, I was taken aback. I was floored,” Alicia Nichole said.

Williams thinks the mayor may be injured, claiming she hit her head on a table. Police officers were called to the scene while Brown was carried out by security. Witnesses claim it took several minutes for temperaments to cool down from what was already a heated meeting.

Prior to the violent outbreak, plenty of verbal sparring occurred at the first meeting since Trustee Stephanie Wiedeman had been selected to fill a vacant spot on the board. Wiedeman’s selection ended a political standoff that resulted in a government shutdown.

Brown stepped to the podium to speak his mind on findings regarding Heynard, which were revealed in a report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s investigation into Henyard. According to Fox News, the report sent to the board presented accusations of deception and mismanagement of funds by the Dolton mayor. The activist called her out for failing to respond to Lightfoot’s report. “You’ve been a half-a– mayor. But if you wanted to get up here and earn some respect, then you should have been able to respond to Lori Lightfoot’s report about credit cards,” Brown said.

“You want to talk about them not coming to work, but we’ve been hearing what you’ve been doing while you’ve been at work.

This isn’t the first time Henyard has been involved in controversy. Henyard, who also supervises Thornton Township in south Chicago, cited “voter suppression,” which resulted in a loss to Illinois State Sen. Napoleon Harris.

In early 2024, the FBI served a subpoena for her files after she was accused of abusing power. Known for her “Nino Brown ” style of governing from New Jack City, Heynard faced allegations of extorting local business owners in exchange for campaign contributions and stealing millions in city funds for luxury purchases.

Mike braun, governor, Indiana, Black, HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2025

Indiana Governor Leaves State’s Predominately Black University Out Of Budget Proposal

The proposed plan would strip the school of the financial support it has received over the past few years.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has left the state’s predominately Black institution out of his 2025-27 budget proposal.

Martin University has only received state funding for the past two years despite being a private university. While having benefitted from the $5 million, especially amid enrollment woes, that could now be in jeopardy under Indiana’s GOP leadership.

According to Inside Higher Ed, Martin’s omission is a continuation of Braun’s anti-DEI priorities. Braun, a Republican, previously signed an executive order banning funding toward DEI initiatives, including affirmative action in college admissions.

Martin University is the only Predominately Black Institution serving adult learners in Indiana. The decision to withdraw funding from Martin University and eliminate state DEI programs rejects what’s best for Hoosiers in favor of dangerous, inaccurate, & partisan talking points.
— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) January 25, 2025

“Martin University is the only Predominately Black Institution serving adult learners in Indiana,” Congressman André Carson said on X. “The decision to withdraw funding from Martin University and eliminate state DEI programs rejects what’s best for Hoosiers in favor of dangerous, inaccurate, & partisan talking points.”

In a statement, state representative Gregory Porter, a Democrat, called the omission “racist” and that “the active intervention to end or attack anything in the budget that gives state dollars to people of color is sickening.

He added, “Black Hoosiers and other minorities pay taxes, so we deserve to benefit from the state budget as much as our white counterparts.”

Braun said the proposed budget will help Indiana “do more with less.” With this, it also did not list the College Success Program, an academic support service that directly aids low-income and minority students, supplying them with success coaches across Indiana colleges.

“We stand behind [the] Martin University Board of Trustees and President Huddleston during this challenging time,” said Demetrius Johnson Jr., founder, president and CEO of the HBCU Campaign Fund. “We will remain steadfastly supportive of Martin University and engage in communication with elected officials to safeguard its mission and vision.”

Debates on the state fiscal matter will continue into April.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2025

Ryan Coogler Says ‘Sinners’ Is ‘The Most Personal Film’ To Him As It Pays Homage To His Ancestry

Ryan Coogler's debut horror film has underlying ties to his personal family history.

Ryan Coogler is preparing for the theatrical release of his debut horror film, Sinners, a mind-bending thriller inspired by his own family history.

The multilayered fright film sees the Creed director reunite with his longtime collaborator and friend, Michael B. Jordan, for a new vision of fear. Jordan plays identical twin brothers who try to leave their troubled lives behind and return to their hometown to start over, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Although Sinners is rooted in horror, Coogler revealed that his personal ancestry inspired him to write the Reconstruction Era-timed film.

The Black Panther director spoke with the media in a virtual press conference on Monday ahead of releasing the new trailer for Sinners and cited the thriller as “the most personal film” he’s done to date, serving as an outlet to process the loss of his late Uncle James. Coogler cites his late grandfather and late Uncle James, both from rural towns in Mississippi, which inspired the backdrop to his debut horror film.

“Each time I’ve made a film that has applied but never like this,” Coogler says, noting that while his previous films have deeply resonated with him and his Black history and culture, Sinners was “deeply personal” to him.

“I never really got a chance to process the loss. But I really got to dig into the world that produced my uncle,” Coogler shared. “And that world is the heart of American culture.”

“It’s a world that my grandparents were a part of,” he added, “A time that is overlooked in American history.”

It’s Coogler’s first go at tackling the horror genre, but he notes that Sinners is more than just a thriller. It’s “genre-fluid” and serves as “a love letter” to his love for cinema.

“The film is very genre-fluid,” Coogler said. “It switches in and out of a lot of different genres. Yes, vampires are an element, but it’s not the only supernatural element in the movie. The film is about more than just that.”

The Academy Award-nominated filmmaker hopes to bring movie lovers back to the theaters and opted for Ultra Panavision cameras to add to the film’s cinematic feel and nail-biter moments. Sinners is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 18.