by Sharelle B. McNair
February 12, 2025
Nigerian Fintech Raenest Lands $11M Investment From QED To Advance Payment To Africa’s Remote Workers
That's called giving back....
Nigeria-based fintech company Raenest recently secured an $11 million investment from QED Investors to help freelancers and remote workers receive payment across Africa, TechCrunch reports.
As workers throughout Africa are gaining employment with Big Tech firms and global startups, Raenest’s retail product, Geegpay, is tackling the challenge of making sure freelancers and remote workers get paid through multi-currency wallets, working with USD, GBP, and EUR accounts. Launched in 2022, founders Victor Alade, Sodruldeen Mustapha, and Richard Oyome initially wanted to help foreign companies pay African employees to stay compliant with local norms. Oddly enough, freelancers weren’t on their radar.
However, months in, they realized the problem was workers struggling to receive payments — not the other way around. The experienced engineers took the opportunity to address the growing pain point. “A U.S. company might not care if a payment is delayed by five days, but for someone in Nigeria or Kenya, that’s a big deal — especially when converting to local currency becomes another hurdle,” Alade said.
“Businesses started asking if they could get fixed bank accounts to simplify payments. That’s when we started thinking: How big is this opportunity? Who else is building for Africa?”
It wasn’t long before Geegpay started to become popular with freelancers and remote workers in addition to business sign-ups. The helpful tool came right on time as one U.S.-based fintech, Mercury, started to restrict business accounts from a number of countries, including African nations.
With the support of QED Investors, one of the world’s top fintech venture capital firms that has been heightening its African footprint, partner and head of Africa and the Middle East, Gbenga Ajayi, said the firm believes Raenest is the key to unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs. “We firmly believe that by bridging the gap between local and global markets, Raenest will unlock new opportunities for African entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses, ultimately driving greater economic empowerment across the continent,” Ajayi said.
Since the fintech’s initial launch, the company has processed over $1 billion in payments, according to Fixextra, which is a massive 160% increase since 2023. With 700,000 individual customers and over 300 businesses in Raenest’s portfolio, the company has plans to use the funding to grow its presence in Nigeria and Kenya, and soon launch in the United States and Egypt.
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by Jeroslyn JoVonn
February 12, 2025
Black Woman-Owned App Reveals Black History That Was Paved Over For Parking Lots
An app uncovers York, NY’s buried Black history, but its creator questions why so many former Black community hubs have been replaced by parking lots.
The Black woman behind an app dedicated to uncovering York, New York’s forgotten Black history is questioning whether the former Green Book stops were intentionally paved over to erase the town’s Black trailblazers.
Samantha Dorm launched the Paved Over Prominence project after discovering that many of York’s former Black businesses and community hubs had been replaced by parking lots. She later partnered with Andy Lynch and his company, Vision Solutions AR, to develop an app that allows users to explore York’s neighborhoods through their phone or tablet, overlaying real-time camera views with text and art that bring the area’s hidden history to life.
“I personally didn’t know this history,” Dorm told the York Daily Record.
“I started doing some research with the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery in 2019 and to learn about the accomplishments of York’s African-American community and what they were able to achieve even during the worst of times is just amazing.”
The app highlights historical Black communities in York, including two key neighborhoods: the area around North Duke and East Philadelphia streets, and the neighborhood surrounding West Princess and Beaver Streets and Pershing Avenue. The latter was once home to the former Moravian Church, which dissolved in 1905 and became the city’s only playground for Black children.
During its prime, the park hosted boxing matches, drawing crowds of 400 to 600, as reported by old articles in The Baltimore Afro-American newspaper. The Vision Solutions app features an overlay of the boxing ring that once stood in the park for these events. The park was led by Johanna “Aunt Jo” Harris, who founded York’s first Girl Scouts chapter for Black girls. Her legacy lives on with Aunt Jo Lane, a street named in her honor.
In 1938, city budget cuts led to the park’s closure the following year. Today, the site where it once stood has been replaced by a parking lot.
“Was it just that the properties were dilapidated or was there was deliberate effort to pave over sites important to the Black community?” Dorm said. “You can’t say. You have to take it with a grain of salt. What we should do is try to highlight the lives of the families who lived here and built a community.”
Dorm was familiar with York’s Black history due to her ancestors being among York’s pioneering Black families who migrated from South Carolina in search of opportunity. However, her research uncovered a broader history, revealing a once-thriving community that has since been replaced by parking lots.
“A lot of the places where prominent Black families lived, loved and worshipped are now parking lots,” she said. “That’s why we called it Paved Over Prominence.”
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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
February 12, 2025
58-Year-Old Criminal Arrested After Allegedly Stealing $10K Worth Of Merchandise From Outlets
Timothy Root was taken into custody after he was accused of taking the merchandise at the Hershey Tanger Outlets
A Pennsylvania man faces multiple charges, including burglary and criminal mischief, after Lebanon City Police officers stopped him in an alleged stolen vehicle with a stolen registration plate. When stopped, he was discovered with 32 stolen jackets worth $10,000 from the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet Store.
According to ABC 27 WHTM, Timothy Root was taken into custody after being accused of taking merchandise at the Hershey Tanger Outlets. The incident occurred on Jan. 25, after Derry Township Police officers responded to a burglar alarm at the Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet. When they arrived, they discovered the front door smashed and 32 jackets worth over $10,000 stolen.
The Lebanon City Police Department’s website states that Root was charged with receiving stolen property after he was found operating a stolen motor vehicle near Hanover Street and Walnut Street.
The suspect is a repeat offender as he was previously arrested last summer in July after he allegedly used a sledgehammer to take merchandise out of the Hershey Nike outlet in March 2024. Reportedly, he had supposedly taken nearly $7,400 in items from the store. Last year, Root was also identified as a suspect in multiple burglaries in 2024 from the Hershey Puma outlet, the Lancaster Calin Klein outlet, and a New Jersey GUESS outlet. Authorities charged him with burglary and theft, among other offenses.
Local 21 News reported that Root, 58, is still awaiting a preliminary hearing at the Lebanon County Prison.
According to The Daily Voice, he was also arrested in Virginia for similar crimes. The Leesburg Police Department accused Root of allegedly breaking into the Aeropostale store at the Leesburg Premium Outlets around 5:10 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2024. He was accused of taking approximately $6,500 worth of merchandise and causing $2,276 in property damage at the shopping center.
The career criminal has a record that goes back 40 years across several Pennsylvania counties, including Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Monroe, Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia. These past charges include multiple felony burglary and theft charges and past convictions for robbery, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, and firearms offenses.
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
February 12, 2025
3 Milwaukee Hotel Employees Charged In D’Vontaye Mitchell Murder Seek Plea Deal
The men received felony murder charges in August, but have reportedly reached a resolution for plea deals with the judge.
Three men charged in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell outside a Milwaukee hotel have sought a plea deal for their involvement.
Devin W. Johnson-Carson, Brandon LaDaniel Turner, and Herbert T. Williamson were employees at the hotel when Mitchell was pinned down outside the establishment on June 30. While four men took part in the killing, only these three have sought pleas thus far. They received felony murder charges in August.
NBC News reported that a prosecutor from Milwaukee County District Attorney requested for a judge to set plea dates for the men. An assistant district attorney, Daniel Flaherty, said in court that they had a resolution with the judge.
“The parties have been in negotiations for the last few weeks, and I think we have a resolution,” expressed Flaherty.
As for Erickson, he appeared to not have reached a resolution, and will proceed in a jury trial in August.
The four men were working at Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee when police were notified about a disturbance. According to the report, Mitchell had fought security as they escorted him out of the property.
Erickson and Turner worked as security guards, while Williamson worked as a door attendant, and Johnson-Carson attended to the front desk. However, when officers arrived at the scene, the men had Mitchell’s head on the ground in the driveway. The criminal complaint also detailed that he was not breathing.
The document also states how Mitchell faced punches and kicks while tackled to the ground. Video footage also confirmed Mitchell’s pinning down by the men for 8 to 9 minutes as he tried to break free.
Milwaukee County medical examiner declared Mitchell’s death a homicide. While noting the “toxic effects” of cocaine and methamphetamine also contributed, the examiner determined that “restraint asphyxia” ultimately led to his death.
Erickson told police that he did not intentionally harm or kill Mitchell in the altercation. Mitchell’s family, however, have sought out civil rights attorney Ben Crump to get justice for the slain 43-year-old. Crump deemed that the case proves the “critical need” for oversight with security personnel.
“This case underscores the critical need for comprehensive training and oversight of security personnel to ensure that they are equipped to handle situations without resorting to excessive force,” shared the attorney.
Mitchell’s mother also revealed her son may have endured a mental health crisis leading up to the fatal assault. His case has also gained traction within and beyond the Milwaukee community. Many have deemed the killing as racially-motivated and escalated.
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by Jeroslyn JoVonn
February 12, 2025
Spike Lee Notes Subtle Nods To ‘Chi-Raq’ Film In Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Performance
Spike Lee is applauding Kendrick Lamar's subtle nods to his films in his Super Bowl halftime performance.
Spike Lee is praising Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance while also claiming credit for what he believes were subtle nods to his filmography.
The Academy Award-winning filmmaker took to Instagram on Feb. 11 to share a clip from Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. He thanked Lamar for the “shoutout” to his 40 Acres and Mule productions, including Chi-Raq and Do the Right Thing, both of which featured Samuel L. Jackson as the narrator.
“I Want To Thank My Brother Kendrick For The 40 Acres And A Mule Shoutout Which Has Been The Name Of My Production Company Since NYU Grad Film School,” Spike Lee shared in his caption.
He went on to applaud Jackson, a fellow Morehouse alum with whom he shares a long history dating back to his appearance in at least six of his films, including Do the Right Thing, School Daze, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Oldboy, and Chi-Raq.
“And I Want To Send A Special Shoutout To My Morehouse Brother Samuel Jackson Who Started This Super Bowl Halftime Extravaganza As Uncle Sam And You Might’ve Seen Him As Dolmedes In CHI-RAQ,” Lee wrote.
The Brooklyn native and proud HBCU alum ended his celebratory post with some education on why he named his production company 40 Acres and a Mule and the significance of its reference during Black History Month.
“The Term 40 Acres And A Mule Was A Proposal For Reparations To Former Enslaved African-Americans In The Aftermath Of The Civil War,” Lee explained. “The Proposal Was Intended To Provide Land And Resources To Provide Land And Resources To Help Free People Achieve Economic Independence. This Promise Was Ultimately Broken. HAPPY BLACK HIS-HERSTORY ✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾.”
On social media, many noted the subtle nods Kendrick might’ve been making to Spike Lee joints in his halftime performance.
“Apparently, no one who is writing about Kendrick last night has seen CHI-RAQ,” one person tweeted.
“I literally was telling folks last night put your Spike Lee Lens on!! You were absolutely right! 🔥🔥,” added someone else.
Samuel L. Jackson also shared a photo with Kendrick expressing his pride in being a part of the rapper’s “halftime revolution.”
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by Kandiss Edwards
February 12, 2025
Haitian Deportees Allege Harsh Treatment By Dominican Republic
Haitian deportees from the Dominican Republic speak about their harsh removal from the country.
The Dominican Republic, under President Luis Abinader’s order, is deporting Haitian immigrants at an alarming rate. Haitians are speaking out about the allgedly degrading way they are being treated due to the hard-line stance on deportation.
The AP reported on conditions at the small border town of Belladère, between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The island of Hispaniola is shared by both countries and serves as the route for returning Haitians to their homeland.
While it is within the country’s rights to deport illegal and undocumented immigrants, the alleged harsh methods are being questioned by observers and the deportees themselves.
Odelyn St. Fleur, a 20-year resident of the Dominican Republic, told NBC News reporters about an early morning raid at his home.
“They broke down my door at 4 in the morning,” he said.
Jimmy Milien, a father of two, said he received harsh words when being corralled toward the border. According to Milien, he was referred to as a “devil Haitian.”
The situation is troubling for Fleur, who worked as a mason. Milien, 32, is on his second deportation. He reentered the country illegally once before but is skeptical it will be as easy this time due to President Abinader’s determination to tighten security and finalize a 250-mile border wall.
Milien had planned to travel further into Haiti to seek opportunities, but says the journey is far too dangerous. He would need to travel through gang territories where food and opportunities are scarce. “There are only criminals,” he said.
In 2021, Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, followed by the forced resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in 2023, leaving the economically challenged country fully destabilized.
The violence and unpredictable nature of the country has led to hundreds of thousands fleeing to its neighbor. Dominican residents seem to agree with Abinader’s stance on immigration, as he was elected to a second term in office in 2024.
Rafaela Tejada, a 67-year-old resident of the Dominican Republic, told the AP that the large influx of immigrants will strain the country’s resources, leading to its demise.
“For me, that’s the number one issue the president must focus on. Otherwise, we will soon be left without a country,” she said.
According to NBC News, the country’s government agrees:
“Dominican officials argue that Haitian immigrants have overburdened the country’s public services, with more than 80,000 new Haitian students enrolled in public schools in the past four years. Health officials say Haitian women account for up to 70% of births in the country, costing the government millions of dollars,” the outlet reported.
President Abinader is ramping up efforts to remove Haitians from the Dominican Republic, ordering 10,000 people to be deported weekly. NBC News reported that over 250,000 people were removed from the country last year. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 30,000 people have been returned to Haiti.
Haitians are facing a harrowing future, having given up many of the possessions and connections that tie them to their homeland. The immigrants have built lives and careers in the Dominican Republic but are unable to obtain legal citizenship as they were not born in the country.
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by Kandiss Edwards
February 12, 2025
Georgia Drivers May Be Able To Leave Physical Licenses Behind
Georgia lawmakers introduced legislation allowing drivers to present their e-license during law enforcement interaction.
Georgia drivers may soon be able to leave their wallet at home and still have access to their license when dealing with law enforcement. The Georgia House of Representatives has proposed a new bill, HB 296, to expand the use of the e-driver’s license, according to WSBTV.
With the e-driver’s license, drivers could present the identification during traffic stops or any other law enforcement interaction.
E-identification for Georgia residents is currently available on Samsung, Google, and Apple Wallet. Residents can also download the ID to Apple Watches. The use of the e-driver’s license was implemented in 2023 by Governor Brian Kemp.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services began offering the option shortly after the governor’s announcement. The initial change allowed the license to be used at TSA security checkpoints.
“As the No. 1 state for business, Georgia recognizes the value of finding new and innovative ways to remain at the forefront of emerging trends,” Kemp said at the time. “I want to thank our great team at DDS for working with their partners in the private sector, as well as the TSA, to make this exciting new service possible. I look forward to this option being widely available for hardworking Georgians and visitors alike.”
Digital identification is slowly becoming a trend. Fourteen states have adopted a policy that allows residents to use the method to navigate Transportation Security Administration security checks, according to a TSA press release.
The other states offering mobile driver’s licenses are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Utah. Puerto Rico also allows them.
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
February 12, 2025
Details Revealed For Irv Gotti’s Funeral Service
The music executive died on Feb. 5 after suffering a second stroke.
Murder Inc. Records Co-Founder Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., known to the world as Irv Gotti, was pronounced dead on Feb. 5, 2025, and his family has revealed the day, time, and location for the upcoming funeral service.
According to AllHipHop, the 54-year-old music executive died after suffering a second stroke in two years. The family announced that the funeral will be held on Feb. 18 at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York. The family is anticipating a large turnout for the man who helped sign Ja Rule, JAY-Z, and DMX, to name a few, to the Def Jam recording label. The place of worship can hold up to 2,500 attendees.
The Lorenzo family released a statement in a social media post when he died:
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.
“As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.
“Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.”
Gotti created and started the Murder Inc. Records imprint under the distribution of Def Jam Records. He worked with many hip-hop heavyweights who sold millions of units at the start of their careers. His label housed legendary artists Ashanti, Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, Lloyd, and Vita, to name a few. As an artist and repertoire executive, he worked with Jay-Z, DMX, Mic Geronimo, and other Def Jam artists, including those not associated with Def Jam.
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
February 12, 2025
The Youngest Black Woman To Obtain A Pilot’s License At 17-Years-Old Continues Studies At HBCU
Freeland now studies finance while still being able to hit the skies with multiple passengers.
Kamora Freeland first made news last year when she became the youngest Black woman to obtain her pilot’s license at 17.
The accomplishment trailblazer is continuing her studies at an Atlanta HBCU famed for its all-women student body. Freeland started Spelman College as a sophomore, securing enough college credits to qualify as a second-year student.
On attending college, Freeland called it a “whirlwind of emotions” but hopes to discover more about herself in the experience.
“Starting college as a sophomore has been a whirlwind of emotions—exciting, overwhelming, and liberating all at once,” Freeland told the Advance/SILive.com. “It’s like stepping into a whole new world where you’re figuring out who you are, balancing independence, and navigating friendships, academics, and late-night study sessions.”
After obtaining her pilot’s license last year, Freeland knows her path is a bit untraditional. Although she originally wanted to explore the ocean, her knack for the skies began after a flight lesson in 2021.
“I earned my pilot license before I got a driver’s license,” she jokingly told the New York Post last March.
The Staten Island teen reigns as the youngest pilot in New York and remains one of the youngest in history to receive a pilot’s license.
It’s amazing,” said Freeland, who graduated from high school last year. “I never wanted to be a pilot, but after my first flight, I was like, ‘Wow! I could do this for a living.’ ”
Since last February, Freeland has been legally qualified to fly a plane carrying up to 12 passengers.
She also told the Post, “I love flying, and I have a passion for it. Plus, pilots can make up to $700,000, so that caught my attention, too. The next step is to become a commercial airline pilot.”
However, Freeland currently majors in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship at the HBCU. Whether or not she will continue on the commercial airline pilot route remains unknown, but with her pilot experience already started, Freeland can still hit the skies as she feels.
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