Florida, Rep. Angie Nixon, Cafe Resistance, Book Ban

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 24, 2024

New Report Shows Over 10K Books Bans Occurred During 2023-24 School Year

The bans mostly target works centering on people of color and women, especially those who experience sexual abuse or rape.

National Banned Book Week spreads awareness of controversial novels that are at risk of being removed, if they haven’t already, from school libraries. A new report estimates that over 10,000 bans happened in the last school year.

Pen America, a freedom of expression advocacy group, released the report on Sept. 23. Its findings detailed a “dramatic” rise in book bans, leading to fewer books available to students that often explore subjects such as race, feminism, and sexuality.

The number of book bans that occurred during the 2023-2024 nearly tripled the 3,362 recorded the year prior.

“In part due to the targeting of sexual content, the stark increase includes books featuring romance, books about women’s sexual experiences, and books about rape or sexual abuse as well as continued attacks on books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes, or books about race or racism and featuring characters of color,” the organization said on its website.

However, this number is only growing, as an updated tally will be released in the upcoming months to accompany a public Index of School Book Bans. Most of these bans occurred in states already eliminating DEI curriculums, such as Florida and Iowa, accounting for 8,000 of the book bans confirmed.

The report also noted that anti-DEI movements and legislation passed in the states greatly contributed to this increase. Florida’s HB 1069, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, required that all books challenged for “sexual conduct” be banned from school libraries while under review. Moreover, the group emphasized that these numbers underestimate the wide-ranging bans taking place across America.

PEN America added, “These numbers also do not account for the many reports of soft censorship, including increased hesitancy in book selection, ideologically driven restrictions of school book purchases, the removal of classroom collections, and the cancellations of author visits and book fairs.”

New additions to the books currently banned across school districts nationwide include Alex Haley’s Roots: The Saga of an American Family, James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain, and W.E.B. DuBois’ Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880.

As book bans continue to spread, DEI-focused lessons and literature also remain at risk, limiting the education children can receive in certain school districts.

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 24, 2024

Company Sued By EEOC After Refusing Remote Work To Woman Who Had A Stroke

The EEOC is going after one company who allegedly fired a woman for requesting remote work after suffering a stroke.

A utility company is being sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for terminating a woman who requested to work remotely after suffering a stroke.

The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Osmose Utilities Services on Sept. 16 for allegedly refusing to accommodate an employee by allowing her to work remotely following a stroke, HR Drive reports. The employee’s role involved handling customer inquiries, including submitting service tickets by phone or electronically.

According to the lawsuit EEOC v. Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., following her stroke, the woman requested to work from home full-time due to her inability to drive and the office lights worsening her stroke-related headaches. However, management allegedly denied her request and a separate request to work remotely on the two to three days a week she had medical appointments.

Osmose allowed her to take leave for the appointments but ultimately allegedly fired her after her supervisor questioned her absences and pressured her to stop attending them, per the filing. Now the company is facing a lawsuit from the EEOC on claims of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying the employee a reasonable accommodation and retaliating against her.

Central to most remote work accommodation claims is the principle that, under the ADA, a person with a disability is not considered a “qualified individual” if they cannot perform the job’s essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, according to guidance. These cases often hinge on whether the job’s essential functions must be carried out on-site.

More companies have been requiring staff to return to the office in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many into remote styles of work. In September 2023, research found that 90% of companies planned to return to work in the office by the end of 2024.

In Osmose’s case, the employee had previously worked remotely, along with others in her department, for several months during an office relocation. After the office returned to in-person work, the employee suffered a stroke, which led to vision impairments, memory loss, and headaches.

The lawsuit asserts that the woman’s role as a “One Call Locator”‘” could be performed with the reasonable accommodations she requested. However, Osmose failed to demonstrate any undue hardship these accommodations would cause and is accused of firing her unjustly.

ONE MUSICFEST Is Celebrating 15 Years With A Lineup You Don’t Want To Miss

by Ida Harris

September 24, 2024

ONE MUSICFEST Is Celebrating 15 Years With A Lineup You Don’t Want To Miss

ONE Musicfest is the largest music festival in the Southeast.

We’re just five weeks out from celebrating 15 years of ONE Musicfest, the largest music festival in the Southeast. It all goes down in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 26 and 27.

ONE Musicfest promises a weekend of gratifying entertainment from yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s hitmakers. The two-day program is bringing multiple headliners to multiple stages who speak to multiple genres within Hip-Hop and R&B.

Day one boasts megastars such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasia, Method Man & Redman, Nelly and Cardi B. Atlanta’s own DJ Greg Street’s OMF Anthem will showcase homegrown talent including Young Dro, Crime Mob, Travis Porter, and Trillville.

Day two is packing its own heat. It features Jill Scott, Victoria Monet, Keyshia Cole, Dru Hill and this year’s hottest Hip-Hop acts: Gunna, Glorilla and Sexyy Red. Festival goers can expect DJ Drama to pull up with a lineup of special guests. DJ Mars Block Party is featuring T.I., Keri Hilson, Lloyd and others to do what needs to be done. The upcoming 15-year celebration of ONE Musicfest will certainly be one for the books, and with less than 40 days left, you don’t want to miss it. Peep 2023 OMF below.

Tickets for the event start at $99 for a single-day ticket and are available at ONEMUSICFEST.com. Ticket buyers should be aware that $99 tickets are limited and part of a last chance promotion that ends soon. Those who are seeking more affordable options can use the “buy now, pay later” deal and reserve your single day ticket for $30.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 24, 2024

Morehouse School Of Medicine Honors Newest Class In White Coat Ceremony

The ceremony marks the moment where students emerge as doctors-in-training, with this year's occasion holding a significant weight among attendees.

Morehouse School of Medicine has a long history of educating diverse future doctors. The institution held its 40th Convocation and White Coat Ceremony as its latest cohort begins classes.

The ceremony marks the moment when students emerge as doctors-in-training, with this year’s occasion holding a significant weight among attendees. Its first-year class of 332 scholars includes those pursuing physician assistant studies. Other students will receive a graduate education in biomedical sciences and public health.

Of this number, nearly a third will train to become medical doctors. While the white coats they put on are shorter than what official doctors wear, putting on the garment signifies that they are well on their way.

“It’s the start of my superhero’s journey and the start of the medical journey,” shared medical student Peyton Pritchett to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “[And] the start of me learning how to be in the position that I was supposed to be and that I want to be for my future patients.”

Another student, Juan Gomez, added, “It’s a symbol of the superpower I’m now able to put forth into that work.”

Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, also attended the ceremony as its keynote speaker. Becerra shared that he understood the journey of many students and families in the audience. Moreover, he noted his own uphill battle to overcome his working class upbringing to achieve his greatest ambitions. Of his recognition, the school’s president and CEO, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, declared his speaking engagement an “honor” while they welcomed this historic class.

“Morehouse School of Medicine is honored to welcome Secretary Becerra and excited for him to share his insights with our incoming students,” said Montgomery Rice in a press release. “Convocation is one of the school’s most significant events each year, as we warmly welcome these scholars into the MSM community and celebrate their commitment to their academic journeys. In just a few short years, they will graduate as healthcare and scientific professionals, ready to improve the lives of countless individuals in their communities and make the world a healthier, more equitable place for all.”

Morehouse School of Medicine aims to provide an academic pathway for scholars of all backgrounds. In fact, with over half of its incoming 105 medical students identifying as Black/African American men, the school continues to bridge the representation gap for medical providers.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 24, 2024

Nick Cannon, ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Fans, State Farm Arena Donate $25K To Rich Homie Quan’s Family

Nick Cannon: 'A brother like Rich Homie Quan is somebody who is truly worth all of our tears because he put on for us.'

Atlanta recording artist Rich Homie Quan died on Sept. 5. During a tour stop in Atlanta, multi-hyphenate Nick Cannon and fans of his Wild ‘N Out show donated $25,000 to the dead rapper’s family.

According to Rolling Stone, the Masked Singer host and his crew did a show at The State Farm Arena where they acknowledged the death of the rapper during the event. Fans raised $10,000 for the family of Dequantes Devontay Lamar AKA Rich Homie Quan. Cannon matched that amount with another $10,000, and the State Farm Arena added an additional $5,000 to total $25,000. The comedy show took place on Sept. 19.

“A brother like Rich Homie Quan is somebody who is truly worth all of our tears because he put on for us,” Cannon said while on stage at the show. “Every time we had him on the show, every time he was a part of this tour, he rocked. He went crazy.”

@missjordan_radio @Nick Cannon presents #richhomiequan’s family with a check for $25,000at @wildnout Tour in #atlanta. The check was originally for $10,000, Nick matched it to make it $20,000 and then @State Farm Arena added an additional $5,000! @N’Style Atlanta #statefarmarena #atlanta #fyp #foryoupage #foryourepage #viral #trending #wildnoutatlanta #wildnout #wildnoutatl #wildnoutvideos #NardoWick #wildnouttour #statefarm #nstyleatlanta #nstyleatlantauncut ♬ original sound – Miss. J 📻

Quan performed on Wild ‘N Out several times over the years, including seasons six and 20. Cannon stated in the video that the rapper was supposed to be at that performance.

Billboard reported that Quan’s father, Corey Lamar gave some words about his son.

“From the day I met Quan and I held him, my life changed,” he said. “I knew failure was not an option. But little did Quan know, he pushed me to be a dad, a role model, and to be an example as what a man should be. Built upon integrity, morals, and values.”

On Sept. 17, a memorial was held for the late rapper at World Changers Church International in South Fulton, Georgia.

According to Complex, Sept. 17 was officially declared Rich Homie Quan Memorial Day by lawmakers in Atlanta. He was pronounced dead after being discovered unresponsive in his home.

Kamala Harris, Black Men Vote Pac, Harris Economy, Harris

by Mitti Hicks

September 24, 2024

400+ Economists, Former Policymakers Endorse Harris’ Economic Vision For America

The more than 400 economists and former policymakers endorsing Harris are from left-leaning economists and officials who served under Democrats.

As we inch closer to Election Day, with voters in some states already casting their ballots, the list of endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris is growing.

According to CNN, more than 400 economists and former high-ranking U.S. policymakers are endorsing Vice President Harris and her economic vision for America.

This latest endorsement comes as Americans hone in on both Harris’ and former President Donald Trump’s economic policies. National polls show the economy is a critical issue in this upcoming election. A poll from The Economist/YouGov found that 54% of voters said the most important issues to them were “inflation/prices,” “jobs,” and the “economy.”

The more than 400 economists and former policymakers endorsing Harris are from left-leaning economists and officials who served under Democrats, including Brian Deese, a top economist for Biden; Jason Furman, Bull Daley, and Penny Pritzker from the Obama Administration; Robert Reich and Alan Blinder from the Clinton Administration. Blinder also served as vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, CNN reported.

“The choice in this election is clear: between failed trickle-down economic policies that benefit the few and economic policies that provide opportunity for all,” the endorsement document reads. “It is a choice between inequity, economic injustice, and uncertainty with Donald Trump or prosperity, opportunity, and stability with Kamala Harris, a choice between the past and the future.”

Some officials who served under Republicans, such as Sean O’Keefe, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and NASA administrator under George W. Bush, also endorsed Harris.

Other notable economists supporting Harris include University of Michigan economists Justin Wolfers and Claudia Goldin.

“With Kamala Harris in the White House, workers, families, and businesses can be confident that they have a president who will work relentlessly to build a strong, pro-growth economy for all Americans,” reads the endorsement, which was also signed by former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and ex-Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, both Democrats.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 24, 2024

Accused Young Dolph Killer Finally Admits To Shooting Rapper

Cornelius Smith says Yo Gotti's Brother, Big Jook ordered the killing

The trial of Justin Johnson, one of the men charged with killing the rapper Young Dolph, began Sept. 23. It was revealed that his alleged accomplice, Cornelius Smith, stated that the brother of hip-hop recording artist Yo Gotti, Big Jook, allegedly placed an order out to kill the beloved Memphis rapper.

On Nov. 21, 2021, Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., known to hip-hop fans as Young Dolph, was fatally shot while purchasing cookies at Makeda’s Butter Cookies in his hometown of Memphis, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.

According to ABC News, Smith was with Johnson when the 36-year-old rapper was gunned down. Johnson is on trial for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. Smith is testifying against Johnson and was also charged with murder and conspiracy.

Smith admitted he was with Johnson when they opened fire on Young Dolph.

During opening arguments, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman stated that Young Dolph was pursued by Memphis rapper Yo Gotti but had no interest in signing with the Collective Music Group (CMG), the label owned by Yo Gotti. Instead, he had his own recording label, Paper Route Empire. Young Dolph became a rival and made several songs dissing him and Gotti’s brother, Big Jook.

Big Jook was killed outside a Memphis restaurant in January 2024.

Smith told prosecutors that he was paid $800, prior to getting arrested, while his attorney was given $50,000 by Big Jook.

Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that he and Johnson were supposed to receive $40,000 each for carrying out the contracted killing.

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Smith confessed that he was on drugs at the time of the murder and was just trying to “get some money.” His son had recently died, and he started ‘popping pills and not caring about anything.’

“I wasn’t feeling nothing at the time. I’m not gonna lie. I was trying to get some money.”

Smith was shot at the scene of the murder by Young Dolph’s brother, Marcus Thornton.

by Stacy Jackson

September 24, 2024

Black Trump Fan Sues NY Mets After Staffer Allegedly Forced Her To Remove MAGA Hat

Moody said a Citi Field staffer demanded she remove her MAGA hat, but White fans were inside the Mets game sporting their MAGA gear.

The New York Mets and Citi Field are facing a $2 million dollar lawsuit after Donald Trump supporter Aura Moody claimed she was racially profiled and denied entrance into the stadium because she was a Black woman sporting a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat.

According to The New York Post, the 64-year-old from Saint Albans, Queens, has accused the Mets of “racial discrimination,” “political retaliation,” and “reputational harm” after she and a friend were allegedly prompted by a Citi Field staff member to remove their MAGA gear during the Aug. 14 Mets-Oakland A’s game because it was “too political.” A Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit filed on Sept. 6 alleged the incident stripped Moody of her freedom of speech and caused emotional distress for the Trump supporter. “This country is supposed to be the beacon of freedom for all,” Moody said. “It was embarrassing. It was heartbreaking. It was shocking. It was humiliating.”

Moody attended the game last month with her friend and several other members of the Queens Village Republican Club, a group she is a board member of. The woman and her friend were approached by the Citi Field staff member after they had already passed security.

Legal documents stated Moody “knew she was being racially targeted and politically retaliated against for being a Black woman wearing a MAGA hat.” The two decided to remove their hats to avoid any inconvenience for the other members who were already seated inside the stadium for the game. However, court documents stated Moody asked permission to put her MAGA hat away in her bag but was told “No.” A security supervisor allegedly told her that removal of the MAGA gear from inside Citi Field was “the policy,” so she and her friend returned to their vehicle to put them away. Moody claimed there were white visitors at Citi Field sporting MAGA gear inside the stadium.

The incident has prompted the New York Mets to reach out to Moody in an attempt to apologize. On Aug. 17, a representative allegedly reached out on behalf of the team and confirmed there is “no such policy against wearing a MAGA hat.” The team attempted to invite Moody back to the ballpark. However, the Trump fan said it will be some time before she returns to Citi Field.

Wesley Bell, Missouri, Congressional Seat

by Daniel Johnson

September 24, 2024

NAACP To Spend $20M In Effort To Mobilize Black Voters

National NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement released by the NAACP on Sept. 19 that it is imperative to stop the schemes of radical extremists to curtail Black voting power by using the ballot.

The NAACP is preparing to spend $20 million to mobilize Black voters across 12 key states for the upcoming presidential election. The sum includes $6 million for local NAACP chapters, $1 million for polling research, and $1.4 million for text bank outreach.

According to NBC News, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia will be specifically targeted through a $3 million radio advertising campaign in Black communities, and another $2 million will go towards a mailer campaign aimed at encouraging Black voters in those states to participate in their civic duty.

EXCLUSIVE: The NAACP has unveiled a first-of-its-kind “Black Policy Agenda," demanding that Congress combat voting rights restrictions, safeguard labor rights, and push for criminal justice reform.

“We are looking at Nazism part two,” said President and CEO @DerrickNAACP. pic.twitter.com/HY11qFpnC2
— Mother Jones (@MotherJones) March 12, 2024

First to NBC:

The NAACP is planning to spend $20 million mobilizing Black voters this fall.

The group plans to engage more than 14.5 million Black voters.

Messaging will urge Black Americans to verify their voter registration, find their polling place, encourage them to vote…
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 19, 2024

Although the push from the NAACP is not geared toward a specific candidate, National NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement released by the NAACP on Sept. 19 that it is imperative to stop the schemes of radical extremists to curtail Black voting power by using the ballot.

“Radical extremists are working diligently to interfere with our free and fair election process. These agents work in statehouses, counties, and communities across the country and want to do everything in their power to stop people from voting, especially communities of color,” Johnson said in the NAACP’s press release.

Johnson continued, “While the threats against our democracy are present and dangerous, our commitment to making our voices heard is unwavering. Our most important Black job this November — for all of us — is showing up to the ballot box and making our voices heard. The only way to combat these radical extremists is with your vote.”

According to Dominick Whitehead, the Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Mobilization for the NAACP, Project 2025 presents a clear and present danger to strides made by Black folks under a Democratic presidency.

“The Black community has made enormous progress over the last four years, from student debt cancellation to lower healthcare costs. But Project 2025 is threatening it all,” Whitehead warned in the press release.

Whitehead continued, “With our vote, we’ll not only defend the hard-won victories our communities have seen over the last four years, but we will build on them. This election isn’t about who sits in the Oval Office. It’s about which candidate represents policies and priorities that move us forward. And Black Americans are listening.”

The NAACP also announced that it recruited over 100,000 volunteers to engage with 14.5 million Black voters in the battleground states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The Sept. 19 press release follows a Sept. 13 press release in which the NAACP maintained its focus on Black voter outreach. The organization’s leaders, such as Johnson and Phaedra Jackson, the NAACP Vice President of Unit Advocacy and Effectiveness, said that Black voters were the targets of the organization’s ongoing civic engagement program.

Jackson stated, “As part of our massive civic engagement program, we’re targeting both frequent and low propensity voters, especially those in densely populated Black communities. Our latest research will not only help us to understand and reach black voters, but will inform GOTV initiatives across the country. The soul of this nation is on the ballot in November. We want Black communities to understand what’s at stake and take action.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 24, 2024

Reggie Bush Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, USC, Pac-12 To Recoup NIL Money

He is just the latest student-athlete to try to be compensated for name, image and likeness during college years

Former NFL player Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against the University of Southern California (USC), the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association), and the PAC-12 Conference. He wants to recoup money that the organizations made based on his name, image, and likeness (NIL) during his college years.

According to NBC Los Angeles, the former running back played his collegiate career with the USC Trojans from 2003–2005, years before the NCAA was forced to change its rules about compensation for student-athletes in 2021. He is now looking to be paid “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player.”

Evan Selik, the attorney for the former New Orleans Saints player, said in a written statement, “This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush. It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”

Bush won the Heisman Trophy while attending USC (University of Southern California) in 2005. He relinquished the honor in 2010 after NCAA officials discovered he accepted improper benefits. After fighting for years to regain the trophy, the NCAA reinstated the honor on April 24.

Bush isn’t the only former student-athlete to file suit to recoup money that could have been made in college.

Former Michigan athletes Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards were among several other former Michigan players who sued the NCAA and the Big Ten Network earlier this month. In June, ten players who won the NCAA championship while playing for North Carolina State in 1983 sued the NCAA and the Collegiate Licensing Company.

The NCAA and major college conferences are trying to settle three antitrust lawsuits related to NIL compensation for student-athletes. There is an agreement to pay $2.78 billion to hundreds of thousands of college athletes.