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.

Karmelo Anthony, ,Ohio judge, Tammy Hayward, racial Discrimination, Jefferson County Judge Tracy Davis, Kentucky, georgia, mother, man

by Mitti Hicks

January 29, 2025

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s Funding Freeze

At least 22 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit seeking to block the federal funding freeze.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal funding.

The order comes after the Trump administration sent a memo on Jan. 27, ordering federal agencies to pause federal financial assistance, which would let the Trump administration review if the aid was consistent with his policies.

But chaos immediately broke out. States, schools, and health organizations confused. Experts warned the funding freeze could affect trillions of dollars Congress already approved. While the memo explicitly stated that Medicare and Social Security benefits would not be affected, many states reported these benefits were.

U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan temporarily blocked the funding freeze minutes before it was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. ET Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, the judge’s decision comes after a lawsuit was filed by nonprofit groups that receive the federal money. Alikahn issued a temporary administrative stay until Monday afternoon.

At least 22 Democratic attorneys generals from dozens of states filed a lawsuit seeking to block the federal funding freeze.

As organizations nationwide grapple with navigating the looming freeze, Democrats argue the president has no right to stop spending appropriated by Congress.

“There is no question this policy is reckless, dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.

“Trump’s actions would wreak havoc in red and blue communities everywhere,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are talking about our small towns, cities, and school districts.”

Meals on Wheels, an organization that receives federal money to deliver food to senior citizens, is worried about being cut off.

“The lack of clarity and uncertainty right now is creating chaos,” Jenny Young, spokesperson for the organization, told the AP. “Seniors may panic not knowing where their next meals will come from.”

The Trump administration wants agencies to complete a “comprehensive analysis of all their federal assistance programs.” Doing so ensures that “programs, projects, and activities” comply with the President’s executive orders.

“The use of federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, said in a memo.

Shanquella Robinson, mother, Sallamondra Robinson

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2025

‘Cabo 6’ Traveler Denies Wrongdoing In Shanquella Robinson’s Death After Viral Fight In Mexico

Nazeer Wiggins stated in federal court that none of his conduct led to Robinson's death.

A travelmate of Shanquella Robinson, the woman who died while in Mexico with friends, has denied any allegations of wrongdoing.

The deceased 25-year-old’s family sued all ‘Cabo Six” travelers and the FBI in October 2024 after no one faced lasting charges for her death. One of the defendants, Nazeer Wiggins, claimed in federal court that he played no direct role in Robinson’s death.

“The plaintiff’s complaint fails to provide factual allegations identifying any specific acts or omissions by the defendant that directly caused the plaintiff harm,” Wiggins wrote, according to WSOC-TV.

“The plaintiff relies on conclusory or speculative statements without factual support. For instance, the complaint lacks allegations that tie the defendant’s alleged presence or actions to the harm suffered by the plaintiff.”

Wiggins also stated that there was no direct correlation between his actions on the trip and Robinson’s “alleged injuries.”

Robinson’s story made headlines after the woman mysteriously died while on the trip in 2022. At first, her family heard that she died of alcohol poisoning. However, footage of a fight between Robinson and another woman in their hotel room was later released. Moreover, her Mexican death certificate exposed her cause of death as a broken neck and spine.

Despite investigations launched by both Mexico’s attorney general and the FBI, none of the travel companions faced jail time after U.S. officials could not confirm the fatal injuries. An independent autopsy by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner in Robinson’s home state of North Carolina could also not determine a cause of death.

Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella’s mother, then filed a civil suit to get justice for her late daughter. According to the filing, the grieving mother has experienced anxiety and depression, among other mental health issues, since the death. However, a U.S. attorney had recently filed a motion for the lawsuit’s dismissal in January.

According to her attorney, the lawsuit is not just for Robinson but for other U.S. citizens like her who deserve justice when traveling abroad.

“This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for Shanquella Robinson; it’s about holding accountable those who were entrusted with the duty to investigate, act, and protect the interests of U.S. citizens abroad,” explained attorney Sue-Ann Robinson, unrelated to Shanquella.

“The heartbreaking details of Shanquella’s death and the subsequent mishandling by federal authorities only add to the family’s grief, and they deserve both full transparency and justice.”

The Robinson family has sued for compensatory and punitive damages. While also naming the U.S. Department of State as a defendant, they claimed multiple counts of wrongful death, battery, negligence, conspiracy, and emotional distress.

by Mitti Hicks

January 29, 2025

Trump Administration Offers Federal Employees 8 Months Pay To Resign

Two million federal civilian employees have until Feb. 6 to make a decision.

The Trump administration is offering financial incentives for federal full-time workers to resign.

In a memo sent out on Tuesday, at least 2 million federal civilian employees have until Feb. 6 to decide whether or not to take part in the “deferred resignation program.” If so, federal employees can remain on payroll through Sept. 30.

Trump and his administration are offering the deal as part of plans to shrink and reform the U.S. government drastically. Employees excluded from the deal are civilian employees working in immigration, national security-related positions, and U.S. Postal Service employees, Reuters reports.

There are an estimated 2.3 million U.S. civilian employees, excluding the Postal Service, working in veterans’ health care and inspecting agriculture, to name a few.

The administration warned in the memo that most agencies would likely be downsized and restructured, a signal of layoffs.

“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency, but should your position be eliminated, you will be treated with dignity,” the email said. “The reform of the federal workforce will be significant.”

There could be a potential fight brewing, as many of these federal employees are represented by unions.

The National Treasury Employees Union, representing about 150,000 federal workers, warned members that “the email is designed to entice or scare you into resigning” and urged members not to resign.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) criticized the buyout, calling the proposal a “fake offer.” Kaine said Trump has no authority to offer it and warned employees that they may not get the promised payout.

“He’s tricked hundreds of people with that offer,” Kaine said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors. He doesn’t have any authority to do this. Do not be fooled by this guy.”

However, according to the Trump administration’s memo, the federal government plans to use furloughs and to reclassify a number of federal employees to “at will status.” If this happens, it will allow the employer, in this case, the federal government, to cut staff without prior notice or justification.

According to the BBC, the Trump administration expects at least 10% of employees to accept the offer.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 29, 2025

19 GOP Attorneys General Pressure Costco To Drop DEI Initiatives

Costco's board of directors said its 'commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.'

Nineteen state Republican attorneys general are heightening the pressure against Costco Wholesale to abolish its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, claiming concerns of legal risk and discrimination, USA Today reports.

In a letter to Costco president and CEO Ron Vachris, the officials, co-led by Texas AG Ken Paxton and Iowa’s Brenna Bird, accused the company of violating merit-based principles and federal law by standing firm with its policies.

Costco has 30 days to notify the states of its decision to repeal its DEI policies or provide the reasoning behind keeping them.

Costco is one of the few businesses that has refused to dial back on DEI policies at the hands of Republican tactics and pressure. Corporations such as Amazon, Meta, Target, and Boeing are just a few that either altogether scrapped their DEI goals or modified initiatives. Some even ended participation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s corporate equity index.

Hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President, he signed an executive order to dismantle programs at the federal level.

According to Fox News, the order pressures private-sector companies to jump on board with federal civil rights laws and stop “discriminatory” practices. Publicly traded companies, large nonprofits, foundations with significant assets, bar and medical associations, and higher education institutions with substantial endowments risk becoming targets of DEI investigations.

“It’s time to ditch DEI. While other companies right the ship and abandon their illegal, woke policies, Costco has doubled down,” Bird said in a statement. “I’m putting Costco on notice to do the right thing and eliminate discriminatory DEI. No American should be denied an opportunity because they don’t fit the woke mold.”

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said he intends to “enforce the law vigorously” against Costco, claiming “racial discrimination is both immoral and illegal.”

However, Costco has the support of several civil rights leaders who celebrate the company’s willingness to continue its DEI policies. On Jan 25, Rev. Al Sharpton and members of the National Action Network formed a “buy-in” at a Costco in Harlem, NY, to highlight the company’s commitment to DEI.

Leading a buy-in with 100+ @NationalAction members at the @Costco location in Harlem, NYC to show support for the company’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

This comes as DEI policies face growing attacks from both President Trump and the private… pic.twitter.com/D2eYTeAZlV
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 25, 2025

Costco’s board said in a statement of its “commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary,” the Associated Press reported. “The report requested by this proposal would not provide meaningful additional information.”

Additional Republican attorney generals in support of Costco abandoning its DEI policies are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2025

WNBA’s Brittney Griner Signs Deal With Atlanta Dream

WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner will play for the Atlanta Dream in the upcoming season.

In a video clip posted on her Instagram account, she announced to the world that she had signed with the WNBA team after playing with the Phoenix Mercury. She played with Mercury for over a decade since she was drafted by the team in 2013. It was her first time in free agency, and she stated that the decision was a hard one, but she is looking forward to rebranding herself with her new team.

In the video, she is seen with several WNBA players on a boat during a fishing expedition. She backtracks as she introduces them to let the world know she has moved on from Phoenix and is hanging out with her new Dream teammates.

“It was a hard decision since you’re leaving what you know, what I’ve known for my whole career. But there’s also the exciting factor of like, OK, this is a rebrand now. I get to show them something different,” Griner said in the clip. “I was able to find where I wanted to go. And honestly, what led me to that decision ultimately was the team, the players, as individuals, and then also my family.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

Basketball insider Shams Charania initially reported the news on his social media account on Jan. 28.

After 11 seasons in Phoenix, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Dream, sources tell me and @alexaphilippou. Griner spent her entire career with Mercury and now heads to Atlanta in one of most stunning free agency moves in league history. pic.twitter.com/NfdAuYOAVs

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2025

Arizona Sports reported that the 34-year-old is the leader in rebounds (2,322), blocks (812), and shooting percentage (56.2%) for her former team. Griner played for Baylor and was the No. 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2025

ShopTheHood Founder Blasts Critics More Concerned With Company’s Name Than Mission

'It's OK, don't like the name, but please support a Black-owned business in your community. They need you.'

ShopTheHood prides itself on helping shoppers find the best Black-owned deals and steals, but Shauna, the site’s founder, believes people aren’t focusing on that.

“I talk about supporting Black-owned businesses, and you don’t like my name,” she said in a Jan. 18 Instagram video. “I built out an entire Black-owned buying guide that’s free, but you don’t like my name.”

Highlights of her website and social media posts flash behind her.

“Our buying guide also includes every Black-owned bookstore in the United States, but you don’t like my name,” she said.

“We even built out an eight-and-a-way section in our buying guide so that people know who not to shop with because many of those businesses stole content from Four Essentials and ran them as ads on Instagram, but you don’t like my name,” the shop owner added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ShopTheHood (@shopthehoodtvshow)

“Our jewelry section boasts over 50 different jewelry brands listing items from $30 to over $30,000. Just tap on the name, it’ll take you right to their website, but you don’t like my name.

“While funding now is at an all-time low for many Black-owned businesses, and people are trying to find creative ways to fund their businesses, you don’t like my name,” she said.

“It’s OK, don’t like the name, but please support a Black-owned business in your community. They need you.”

She left viewers with a call to action in the caption.

“Make sure you don’t get distracted with nonessential things. Just support a Black Owned Business in your community,” Shauna wrote.

by Black Enterprise

January 29, 2025

Freezing Federal Grants And Loans Creates Economic And Social Risks For Black Americans

The economic and social costs of this federal shutdown will disproportionately affect Black Americans

Written by William Michael Cunningham

The freezing of federal grants and loans by the Trump administration creates immediate and significant economic and social risks for Black Americans. Black communities, which are already disproportionately reliant on Medicaid, federal housing assistance, education programs, and other social services, are poised to bear the brunt of this sweeping shutdown. Here’s an analysis of the potential economic impact:

Economic Impact of the Federal Shutdown on Black Americans

Medicaid Blockage
Medicaid is critical to Black Americans, as it provides health insurance for nearly 1 in 3 Black adults and over half of Black children. The shutdown of state Medicaid portals and delays in federal payments will directly impact:
- Access to Healthcare: Delayed Medicaid reimbursements to providers may lead to service interruptions. For Black communities, which already face healthcare disparities, this could exacerbate chronic conditions, reduce access to necessary treatments, and increase long-term health costs. Job Loss in Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics reliant on Medicaid reimbursements—often located in underserved communities—may face layoffs, furloughs, or closure. This could worsen already high unemployment rates among Black workers. Estimated Impact: A delay in Medicaid reimbursements could affect over 20 million Black Americans who rely on the program and could lead to billions of dollars in lost healthcare funding.
Pause on Federal Grants and Loans
- Small Businesses: Black-owned businesses often rely on federal programs such as SBA loans and grants. A halt in funding could create cash flow crises, lead to business closures, and disrupt employment in communities where these businesses serve as anchors. Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Federal housing assistance programs, including Section 8, are essential for millions of Black families. A funding freeze could result in evictions and increased homelessness, further destabilizing already vulnerable households.
Estimated Impact: The interruption of federal loans and grants could impact tens of thousands of Black-owned businesses and millions of families, resulting in economic losses exceeding $10 billion over the duration of the shutdown.
Early Childhood Education and Nutrition
- Programs like Head Start and reduced-price school meal programs, which disproportionately serve Black children, may face funding shortages. Interruptions in these services will reduce access to early education and adequate nutrition, worsening long-term socioeconomic inequities.
Estimated Impact: Approximately 30% of Head Start participants are Black children. A disruption could cost tens of thousands of children crucial developmental resources.
Labor Market Impacts
- The firing of key personnel at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the disruption of workers’ rights enforcement will likely harm low-wage workers in industries with high Black representation, such as healthcare, retail, and food services. Workers may lose protections against unfair practices or the ability to unionize, further compounding wage inequities.
Estimated Impact: Reduced NLRB protections could weaken job security and wage growth for millions of Black workers, adding to the economic toll of the shutdown.

Call to Action for Black Communities

This situation demands a swift and unified response from Black community leaders, policymakers, and organizations:

Legal Challenges: Support lawsuits filed by states and advocacy groups challenging the federal spending freeze.
Advocacy: Mobilize grassroots campaigns to pressure Congress and state governments to protect vital services.
Emergency Aid: Advocate for the establishment of state or local emergency funds to provide temporary support to affected households and businesses.
Awareness: Educate community members about available resources during the funding freeze, such as food banks, local health programs, and emergency rental assistance.

Conclusion

The economic and social costs of this federal shutdown will disproportionately affect Black Americans, deepening disparities in healthcare, housing, education, and employment. While the full impact will depend on the duration of the freeze, even a short-term halt could lead to devastating outcomes for millions. Immediate collective action and advocacy are necessary to mitigate the harm and ensure that Black communities can weather this crisis.