by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 9, 2025

U.S. Virgin Islands Breaks Tourism Record For 2024 As Visitors Arrive In Unprecedented Numbers

The Virgin Islands saw a near 16% increase in passenger arrivals since 2023.

The U.S. Virgin Islands had a busy 2024, with the territory setting a new tourism record for the year.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism shared the groundbreaking news on Jan. 8. It noted that passenger arrival numbers for the past year totaled close to 1 million people.

According to a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, travelers who arrived at airports in St. Thomas and St. Croix amounted to just over 927,000. This figure marked a 15.9% increase from 2023. However, it is not the only record broken in passenger arrivals for the year.

The Virgin Islands also surpassed its weekly arrival record, allowing over 24,000 travelers into the area during late December. On Dec. 28, as travelers prepared to celebrate the Crucian Christmas Festival, a record was broken for single-day arrivals previously set in March. The new record boasted 4,606 people entering the territory.

Virgin Island Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said the numbers reflect its initiative to “elevate” the islands.

“As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which further supports the ongoing goal to build upon our commitment to be a premier Caribbean destination,” stated the commissioner in the presser.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are 40 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. Of its popularity, the territory has earned numerous awards for its pristine coast and optimal choice as a domestic summer getaway. Its three islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, have emerged as popular beach destinations for American travelers, as the territory does not require a passport for U.S. citizens to enter.

The arrival influx also stemmed from expanding flight routes by multiple airlines. Furthermore, more cruise passengers stopped in its ports. Through this channel, cruises brought in over 1.7 million visitors, a 10% increase from last year.

Boschulte also hopes these numbers indicate an even busier 2025 as the Virgin Islands becomes a go-to hotspot for Caribbean vacations.

The commissioner added, “As we look to 2025, we will continue to push the creativity of our marketing strategies, which includes advertising, social media, public relations, and partnerships to connect with and keep the U.S. Virgin Islands top of mind for new and returning travelers.”

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 9, 2025

St. Louis Police Officers Terminated For Refusing To Help Dying Man Because Their Shift Was Ending

Austin Fraser and Ty Warren didn't help because their shift was over in 30 minutes.

Two St. Louis men who were once police officers for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are no longer employed after body camera footage revealed that they refused to help a dying man because they were about to be off shift.

According to First Alert 4, the incident took place on Sept. 23, 2023, in Forest Park, when the two former police officers, Austin Fraser, and Ty Warren, were summoned to a 911 call from a man, Urayoan Rodriguez-Rivera, who stated he was going to harm himself. When arriving at the scene, the two former cops found Rodriguez-Rivera in the park, but instead of assisting him or calling for help, they walked away from the man who had a gunshot wound and was still breathing.

Their reason? The two men’s shift was about to end, and they did not want to deal with the issue.

Footage from Warren’s body camera shows the men’s lack of concern for the victim. Fraser stated that they were about to leave in 30 minutes. After finding Rodriguez-Rivera, Warren tells his partner they must take the call, but Fraser remarks that they will leave shortly.

“We need to take this sh** then,” Warren says.

Fraser responds by saying, “We aren’t taking this sh**. I get off in 30 minutes. Let’s cruise around and come back.”

The officers leave the wounded victim, and as they walk away, Fraser says, “They’re gonna find this sh**, and we’re gonna be like, ‘Oh sh**, you found him.’”

Then, both officers laugh as they continue to walk away.

The former police officers returned less than 10 minutes later, pretending to search for Rodriguez-Rivera as another officer arrived. When seeing the two, that third officer contacts dispatch to have them call emergency personnel to come to the scene after finding the victim with the gunshot wound, still breathing on the ground.

When other police officers got to the scene, they roped off the area and, while checking the victim’s pulse, determined that it was “super weak.” Several minutes later, the two former cops are seen leaving the area as the other officers search for a gun and render first aid to Rodriguez-Rivera. As that officer searches the area for a firearm, another officer tries to render first aid.

Other officers mention the two leaving.

“You know what’s fu**ed up? Warren and Fraser just left,” one of the officers is overheard saying in body camera audio. When asked why, he responded, “I don’t know.”

Another officer complained that they “can’t just leave.”

Rodriguez-Rivera later died at the hospital. The St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office determined the death a suicide by gunshot to the head.

After police administrators discovered the footage during a routine review, both men were terminated.

“The two individuals are no longer employed by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department,” spokesperson Mitch McCoy said in a written statement. “While we are unable to comment on specific personnel matters, SLMPD holds its officers to the highest of standards. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if an officer is found to have violated policies.”

by Jameelah Mullen

January 9, 2025

Airbnb Offers Free Temporary Housing To Residents Displaced By L.A. Wildfires

Approximately 130,000 Los Angeles area residents have been advised to evacuate their homes.

As multiple wildfires continue to spread throughout the Los Angeles area, Airbnb will offer free temporary housing for residents.

The company said its primary focus is on residents of Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylan who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate.

“To support residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires, Airbnb.org is working with 211 LA, which serves Los Angeles County, to offer free, temporary housing,” Airbnb said in its announcement.

To support this effort, the company is accepting donations, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to fund emergency housing. Impacted residents are encouraged to apply for assistance on the 211 LA website.

Those who wish to provide free or discounted housing for displaced residents can visit Airbnb.org to find information on signing up.

Additionally, Los Angeles Tourism has compiled a list of hotels offering discounts to displaced residents.

World Central Kitchen has assembled a team to bring meals to evacuees and first responders.

“Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need. Several WCK Chef Corps members are on standby, ready to offer comforting meals,“ the organization’s website reads.

People outside of California can donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. ABC 7 Los Angeles reports that the Salvation Army is accepting work gloves, protective clothing, bottled water, nonperishable foods, cleaning items, First Aid kits, flashlights, batteries, infant care items, and monetary donations.

The fires’ preliminary damage and economic loss is estimated to be at least $52 billion, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Palisades wildfire has destroyed at least 17,000 acres since Tuesday, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County’s history.

by Mitti Hicks

January 9, 2025

Louisiana Mayor Tyrin Truong Responds After Arrest On Drug Charges, Soliciting Prostitute

Warrants have been issued for seven people in connection with the investigation, including Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong.

Bogalusa, Louisiana, Mayor Tyrin Truong returned to work on Jan. 8, just hours after posting a $150,000 bond following his arrest on multiple charges, including drug-related charges. Truong, 25, is being accused of soliciting prostitutes and involvement in a drug trafficking network.

According to multiple media outlets, Truong has declined to speak to local reporters but took to social media to defend himself.

“When you’re cutting contracts, shutting down favors and exerting influence—shaking up things and exposing truths—you become a target,” Truong wrote in a Facebook post.

“I pray that God reveals every person that had a hand in this, and there are many. If you think I ran a drug operation (and all those other accusations), you’re sadly mistaken. Those who know me, KNOW me, and I’ll let God and my attorney handle the rest!”

Mayor Arrested on Drug Charges, Soliciting Prostitute

Louisiana State Police allege that Mayor Truong solicited a prostitute while attending a conference in Atlanta. Authorities also claim he is tied to a drug trafficking scheme. State Police told WDSU the profits from the drugs were used to purchase firearms. Some of the weapons police allege were purchased have been linked to some of the area’s most recent violent crimes.

According to Nola.com, the allegations are part of a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation conducted by the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, and the Department of Environmental Quality.

Bogalusa is located in Washington Parish, about 75 miles north of New Orleans. Known as “Magic City” for its explosive growth in the 1920s, where the population hovered over 20,000, the latest U.S. Census Bureau data shows a little more than 10,000 residents.

Elected in 2022 at 23, Truong is the youngest mayor in the city’s history and one of the youngest mayors in Louisiana ever. He unseated the previous mayor with at least 56% of the vote after he promised to reduce crime in the area, which has been plagued with gun violence.

Warrants have been issued for six other people in connection with the investigation.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 9, 2025

James Barton Accuses Correction Officers Of Beating Him During A ‘George Floyd Challenge’ While Incarcerated In NY Prison

James Barton, an incarcerated man at the Mid-State Correctional Facility, filed the lawsuit.

Two New York state corrections officers are accused of participating in a “George Floyd Challenge” that left an inmate severely injured, Democrat and Chronicle reports.

In a lawsuit filed by James Barton, an incarcerated man at the Mid-State Correctional Facility, Barton alleges he was choked in April 2023 by correction officers Michael Williams and Rohail Khan, who pleaded guilty to assault charges in federal court.

The civil litigation alleges Barton was beaten shortly after midnight after hearing an officer say, “Let’s give him the George Floyd challenge.”

He was then placed in a chokehold while others beat and kicked him.

Floyd was murdered in May 2020 by a white police officer after being pinned down on the neck by the officer’s knee for nine minutes. His killing sparked national attention and sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, resulting in floods of protests amid allegations of police brutality against Black people.

Barton’s lawyer, Andrew Plasse, said the incident was unprovoked. His client was woken up and taken to a hallway outside his unit.

“Hold your ID with your right pinky against the wall and if the ID falls, you’re dead,” one officer allegedly said.

According to Law & Crime, Barton, who has been behind bars since 2008 for the sexual assault of a child, is seeking $10 million in damages and said one of the officers accused him of rape of a woman.

“Do you think you was going to get away with raping a white woman?” one of the officers allegedly told him, according to the documents. “Since you want to play games I got one for you.”

The officers then allegedly assaulted him by punching him in his head, face, eyes, chest, stomach, legs, rear end, and groin for 10 minutes. At the time, officers agreed to lie if they were questioned by internal affairs investigators.

After an investigation by the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the findings were sent to the labor relations division and for criminal prosecution. The department also assisted in helping federal prosecutors build the case.

“Discipline has been initiated with some staff terminated already and two people have been convicted of federal crimes so far,” DOCCS officials said in a statement.

New York’s prison system has been riddled with similar allegations for months. Notably, in December 2023, Robert Brooks was beaten and killed by corrections officers while incarcerated at Marcy Correctional Facility, which is about a mile away from Mid-State in Oneida County. The incident was captured by the body cameras worn by the accused officers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2025

Stephen “tWitch” Boss Supporters Call Out ‘Money Hungry’ Widow Amid Interview And Tell-All Book

'This is by far the most tacky, classless, opportunistic act I have ever seen in my entire life.'

Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s widow is facing backlash from his family and supporters over her tell-all book and interview, in which she accused him of being a drug addict.

Allison Holker came under fire on Tuesday shortly after her candid interview with People went live. In addition to Boss’ cousin, Elle, who took to X to defend her late family member, his close friend Courtney Ann Platt echoed Elle’s statements in a scathing and lengthy Instagram post.

“This is by far the most tacky, classless, opportunistic act I have ever seen in my entire life,” Platt wrote.

She went on to second Elle’s claims of Holker requiring Boss’s family to sign NDAs to attend the former dancer and DJ’s funeral. Platt also accused Hoker of mistreating Boss’s mother before bringing her attention to the widow’s new book where she accuses Boss of using drugs prior to his death by suicide in December 2022.

“Here you go and write a book with all the dirty laundry smearing his name and attempting to dim the bright loyal, loving, light that was your husband, my friend,” Platt wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Courtney Ann Platt (@courtneyannplatt)

Platt also blasted Holker for dropping Boss’ last name from her “social media platforms 48 hours after he passed” and for “shamelessly sharing the pages” of Boss’ journal in her tell-all book.

“This smear campaign for a buck is absolutely not what he would have ever wanted. No matter how bad he was hurting. Not for second. You’re a living, breathing bulldozer,” Platt, a former New York Knicks City Dancer, added.

“Stick to your own demons. Shame on you Allison, shame on your money hungry team. Let my friend Rest in Peace not your PR.”

Many of Boss’s family members and some friends expressed support for Platt’s post, including Boss’s brothers, who shared it on their Instagram Stories and Boss’s cousin, Zachary Boss Silas, who also revealed that he had to sign an NDA to attend the late star’s funeral as Holker claimed it was necessary to “protect his legacy.”

Ryan Guzman, who co-starred in Step Up Revolution with Boss, also blasted Holker’s interview on his Instagram Stories, saying her tell-all book made him “sick to his stomach” and that he felt “the same way” as Platt described in her lengthy Instagram caption.

Boss died Dec. 13, 2022, leaving behind three children he shared with Holker. He was 40 years old.

Trump Campaign, Hacked, Election, trump, Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters

by Mitti Hicks

January 9, 2025

Let It Be Known That Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts Hurt Black Americans

Trump touted that the tax cuts would benefit the middle class.

President Donald Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expired on Dec. 31, 2024, and the research paints a grim picture: the cuts hurt Black Americans and worsened income inequality.

Trump touted that the tax cuts would benefit the middle class in what has been characterized as the most extensive revision to the Internal Revenue Code since Ronald Reagan’s administration.

Research from Vanderbilt Professor Beverly Moran, a scholar of race and U.S. income taxation, reveals more than 80% of the tax cuts benefited corporations, tax partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals.

There was little advantage to America’s middle class, and when breaking down the data, the benefits for Black Americans were even smaller. Part of the reason why many Black Americans did not reap the benefits has to do with home ownership.

How Tax Cuts Exasperated Disparities

According to Moran, the federal income tax can give homeowners an upper hand. However, many Black taxpayers cannot reap the benefits that include the ability to deduct home mortgage interest, local property taxes, and the right to avoid taxes on up to $500,000 of profit on the sale of a home.

According to figures from the National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing, as of the fourth quarter of 2023, 45.9% of Black Americans owned a home in the United States, significantly lower than the homeownership for White Americans, 73.8% in the same period.

In 2023, a CNN report revealed a key fact that Black Americans have known for some time: it’s harder for middle-class Black people to secure a mortgage than low-income white people, even when Black Americans come to the table with higher credit scores and income. As Moran observed, Black people are charged higher rates than their white counterparts.

Trump’s 2017 tax cuts made closing the income and race disparities worse. Black taxpayers ultimately paid higher taxes than white taxpayers with the same income and employment factors.

According to Moran, the disadvantages expand to wealthy shareholders, who she said benefit from corporate tax savings.

Shareholders in the U.S. are corporations, pension funds, and wealthy individuals who are majority white. Sixty-six percent of white families own stocks compared to less than 40% of Black families.

As Trump’s tax cuts expire, it remains unclear what the GOP-led Congress will prioritize in 2025.

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 9, 2025

New Year, New You?: Here’s The Secret To Sticking With Your Intentions All Year Long

New Year’s resolutions often seem like a setup for failure

Dear Fairygodmentor,

I start the new year off with a ‘New Attitude’ like the Patti LaBelle song, but without fail, I fall off the New Year’s Resolution wagon. How can I make a new start and stick with it?

Signed,
I’m on the Struggle Bus

Dear Struggle Bus,

I hear you! New Year’s resolutions often seem like a setup for failure. Did you know research shows 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January? On the bright side, 46% stick to them for six months, but only 8% make it all year.

Here’s the good news: with a few mindset shifts, you can defy the odds and stay on track. Let’s dive in!

1. Words Matter

Resolutions can carry a heavy, negative connotation. Let’s reframe them as intentions. According to Oxford, an intention is “a thing intended; an aim or plan.” Simply put, it’s a goal or target—a more positive and purposeful perspective.

2. Reflect on the Why

Reflection is the most overlooked yet critical step in planning. Pause to consider where you are, where you want to go, and why.

Ask yourself:
– What does success look like?
– What accomplishments am I proud of so far?
– What are my opportunities to grow?
– What fears are holding me back?
– What gets me out of bed in the morning?

These questions aren’t just for reflection—they guide you in setting meaningful intentions. They shift you off the hamster wheel of daily life and onto a path of progress.

3. Make It SMART

To turn intentions into achievements, they need structure. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

For instance, instead of saying, “I will lose 40 pounds,” break it down:
– “I will lose 3 to 8 pounds this month by working out 3 to 5 days a week, drinking 64 ounces of water daily, and making healthier food choices.”

Still too big? Start smaller:
– “I will move for 30 minutes a day and drink 64 ounces of water this week.”

Still too big? Try:

– “I will move for at least 10 minutes a day and drink at least eight ounces of water with each meal.”

Small steps prevent goal paralysis and build momentum.

4. Remember to Daydream

Visualization is a powerful tool. Imagine what success feels, looks, sounds, and even tastes like. Write down these details or record a video journal to refer back to when you need a boost.

5. Use the Buddy System

Accountability is key. Find a buddy who will keep you honest and motivated. For example, if your intention is to be kinder to yourself, have your buddy ask daily, “Were you kind to yourself today?”

You can even rate your self-kindness as a percentage to keep it measurable. Schedule regular check-ins, set calendar reminders, and help each other stay on track.

Struggle Bus, sticking to your intentions doesn’t have to feel impossible. By shifting your mindset, reflecting on your why, structuring your goals, visualizing success, and leaning on accountability, you can become one of the 8% who see their intentions through to the end.

Happy New Year! You’ve got this!

Yours truly,
Your Fairygodmentor®

About the Author:

Joyel Crawford, Fairygodmentor, Ask Your Fairygodmentor, Column — (Image courtesy of Kirsten White Photography)

Joyel Crawford is an award-w I’minning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies. She is the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question about handling a micromanager, navigating work with natural hair, or negotiating a job offer? Submit your questions to Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

Connecticut’s First Black Woman U.S. Attorney Announces Resignation

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 9, 2025

Connecticut’s First Black Woman U.S. Attorney Announces Resignation

Best wishes to U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery

Vanessa Roberts Avery, Connecticut’s first Black woman to serve as U.S. attorney, announced her resignation effective Jan. 17, CT News Junkie reports.

Avery was appointed by President Joe Biden in May 2022 as the 54th U.S. Attorney and first Black woman in the state to hold the prestigious post. In her resignation statement, Avery called her tenure the “honor of a lifetime” and celebrated the “talented” public servants that worked alongside her. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as United States Attorney, and I am profoundly appreciative of President Biden for trusting me to serve our nation and the people of Connecticut in this position,” Avery wrote.

“I have been especially honored to lead an office of extremely talented public servants who are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism and committed to the cause of justice.”

As the new administration is scheduled to take office on Jan. 20, it is a common practice for political appointees to resign in advance, according to Fox 61.

During her time in office, Avery and her team focused on building positive relationships with the community as well as local, state and federal law enforcement. The focus resulted in a decline of violent crime and opioid overdose deaths by leading programs such as HEAT (Heroin, Opioid, and Addiction Taskforce) and Fed-Up.

“Together, we have employed collaborative, data and intelligence-driven strategies to make our communities safer for all who live in our state.”

Connecticut’s Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal praised Avery for her work and called her leadership “insightful”:

“I regret, but fully understand, Vanessa Avery’s departure, and I am grateful for her dedicated, highly successful service as U.S. Attorney,” Blumenthal said.

“Her leadership has been insightful and incisive –- inspiring to her excellent team working to protect public safety and the rule of law.”

Attorney General William Tong said that while he is not sure where Avery is going after leaving this post, he is sure that she’s just getting started by looking back on all the success she had in the state. With her United Against Hate initiative, Avery heightened awareness of hate crimes and pushed to build stronger community ties across the state with a specific target toward communities that are resistant in reporting crimes due to fear of retaliation.

“Together, we have employed collaborative, data- and intelligence-driven strategies to make our communities safer and ensure justice for all who live in our state,” she said.

“I am confident that this office will continue to make Connecticut a safe place to live and have a positive impact in our communities.”

Gabrielle Union, actress, Hollywood, Black actresses, award

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2025

Gabrielle Union Curates An IPSY Icon Box Of Beauty Products For Black History Month

The actress's IPSY Icon Box will be available Feb. 1.

Gabrielle Union has teamed up with IPSY Icon Box for a Black History Month campaign aimed at promoting health, confidence, and self-love.

The actress and Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder is curating the February Icon Box for the world’s largest beauty subscription service. Union’s Icon Box includes makeup, skincare, and hair products that embody her belief that beauty is a journey of self-expression and should be used to peel back their unique layers with unapologetic confidence.

“Collaborating with IPSY on the Icon Box and being part of its Black History Month social content has been such a meaningful experience for me,” Union said in a press release.

“As a Black female founder, it’s important to me to find ways to highlight the joy found in self-expression and vibrancy found in the Black experience.”

Icon Box by Gabrielle Union will launch on February 1, showcasing a diverse selection of brands, including LYS Beauty, Kosas, Elemis, and Benefit Cosmetics, along with her own brand, Flawless by Gabrielle Union. The box will also feature tips from the Bring It On star on how she uses beauty to continually redefine her happiest, most confident, and authentic self.

“Through this collaboration, I hope I can empower everyone to hold space for the many versions of themselves and help them find the looks that celebrate each one,” she said.

Along with curating the February Icon Box, Union will narrate IPSY’s upcoming Black History Month social campaign, Black Joy Is Beautiful. The short film, celebrating the art of embracing, loving, and expressing your authentic self, will debut at the beginning of February.

To further amplify the “Black Joy Is Beautiful” social campaign, IPSY will showcase inspiring stories, content, and products across its platforms, celebrating the beauty and resilience of the Black community throughout Black History Month. Additionally, IPSY’s February Limited Edition Mystery Bags will feature two designs inspired by an ode to hair, which were created by students from Project Level, a Bay Area nonprofit supporting the creative needs of at-risk and underserved youth.

“During the month of February, IPSY will also provide our members with exclusive access to Black-owned brands, including Fenty Beauty, Briogeo, Danessa Myricks, Pat McGrath Labs, and Buttah Skin, via our online IPSY Shop,” said Kristy Westrup, chief merchandising officer at IPSY.

Interested beauty enthusiasts can visit www.ipsy.com and check out the brand’s socials @IPSY during the month of February.

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New Year, New You?: Here’s The Secret To Sticking With Your Intentions All Year Long

Dear Fairygodmentor,I start the new year off with a ‘New Attitude’ like the Patti LaBelle song, but without fail, I fall off the New Year’s Resolution wagon. How can I make a new start and stick with it?Signed,I’m on the Struggle Bus

Dear Struggle Bus,

Connecticut’s First Black Woman U.S. Attorney Announces Resignation

Gabrielle Union Curates An IPSY Icon Box Of Beauty Products For Black History Month

Dear Fairygodmentor,

I start the new year off with a ‘New Attitude’ like the Patti LaBelle song, but without fail, I fall off the New Year’s Resolution wagon. How can I make a new start and stick with it?

Signed,
I’m on the Struggle Bus