shooting, Howard, homecoming
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 13, 2024

Colorado Boy, 17, Shot In Face Scouting Locations For Homecoming Photos; Man Arrested

Brent Metz, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault, two counts of felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and two charges of reckless endangerment.

Law enforcement officials say a 17-year-old boy was shot in the face by a Colorado man after he and a friend were scouting a house for possible homecoming photos.

According to a statement released by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Brent Metz, 38, arrived at the home on Sept. 10. He pulled up next to the car that the boys were in and allegedly fired a shot through the windshield.

Deputies arrested Metz and charged him with first-degree assault, two counts of felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and two charges of reckless endangerment.

According to the sheriff office’s report, when deputies arrived that afternoon, the shooting victim was bleeding from his face as the friend applied pressure to the wound using his T-shirt. Metz, who stood with the two boys, explained that he had shot one of them in the face.

The boys informed deputies that they were scouting the home so they could take homecoming pictures. They arrived at the house, parked at the gate, and jumped over the fence to speak to the homeowner. When they realized no one was at the door, they walked around the house to see if anyone was home

When they saw that no one was there, they returned to their vehicle to write a note to see if they could get permission to take photos. This is when, according to the report, Metz arrived, came out of his truck, and fired a shot through the windshield.

A deputy discovered the gun used inside Metz’s truck.

9 News reported that the homeowner notified police and called her boyfriend, who isn’t Metz, to let him know the teenagers were at the property. When Metz arrived, he blocked the boys from leaving the property before firing.

The sheriff’s department office wondered why the homeowner would assume that the boys were doing something wrong.

“It doesn’t make really good sense to us that what they did would constitute the reaction from the homeowner,” Jacki Kelley, JCSO public information, said. “But it’s still an ongoing investigation.”

Kelley said there was proof that the boys were just writing a note to leave for the homeowner. “There is nothing that appears to be malicious or criminal,” Kelley added. 

The investigation is ongoing. Metz is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17.

Howard University, student, accounts
by Shanique Yates

September 13, 2024

Howard University Tops Forbes HBCU Rankings, Rises in National List

Howard University not only clinched the top spot on the outlet’s list of HBCUs, it placed among the top 100 colleges in the northeast.

Howard University has been named the nation’s No. 1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) by Forbes.

The outlet’s annual list, which spotlights 500 educational institutions “producing successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt,” recognized Howard as a leader in the space, noting that its impact across several industries is what placed the school in the top spot.

Thanks to extensive and impressive research in fields that include data science and cybersecurity, microchip design and validation, journalism, disease research, and the humanities, Howard, located in Washington, D.C., not only clinched the top spot on the outlet’s list of HBCUs, it ranked among the top 100 colleges in the northeast United States, coming in at 95.

Founded in 1867, Howard is a private research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Howard has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, and a list of other notable accolades, such as producing more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other establishment in the nation.

“Howard University’s top ranking among HBCUs adds momentum to our march into the upper tier of the nation’s research institutions,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Howard’s singular influence at the nexus of intellectual discovery and global culture cannot be overstated, and we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge to help the world solve its most pressing challenges.” 

This news follows Howard’s record-breaking $175 million donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies in August to support its College of Medicine, public health initiatives, and education of health professionals of color.

Additionally, the university is home to the first U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center at an HBCU. The program is funded by a $90 million donation from the U.S. Air Force, used to research artificial intelligence and technological systems.

Notable Howard alumni include actress Phylicia Rashad (a former dean at Howard), Vice President Kamala Harris, late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and the late actor Chadwick Boseman.

Howard isn’t the only HBCU on Forbes’ list of top schools. Hampton University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College also made the cut.

RELATED CONTENT: Howard University Hospital Names Alum and Professor As New President

Deshaun Watson
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 13, 2024

Deshaun Watson Scheduled To Play Sunday Despite New Sexual Assault Claims

Deshaun Watson "strongly denies" claims made by the latest woman accusing him of sexual assault.

Deshaun Watson will still play for the Cleveland Browns against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday despite another woman accusing the quarterback of sexual assault.

Currently more than 20 women have accused him of sexual assault.

Watson expressed his surprise Wednesday at the civil lawsuit filed Monday, September 10, by a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” who claims Watson, 28, sexually assaulted her in her apartment before a dinner date in October 2020, CNN reports.

Watson, who said he learned about the lawsuit when it became news, fielded questions during a press conference. He said his lawyer’s statement reflects his feelings on the matter.

“We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated,” Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said in response to the latest suit.

“We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media,” Hardin added. “We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course. In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football.”

Jane Doe filed the lawsuit in Houston. She is accusing Watson of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in 2020. She seeks over $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, released a statement Wednesday, refuting the claims made by Hardin and stating that he had reached out to Hardin 10 months earlier to negotiate a resolution. He also accused Watson of lying about being unaware of the latest allegations.

“We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution,” Buzbee wrote in an Instagram post. “We thought that was the best approach given the media storm surrounding the legion of other claims.

“Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due…Watson was well aware of this victim and her claims immediately after it occurred and Watson was again reminded back when we filed the first lawsuit for the other multiple victims.”

The new suit is the latest of more than two-dozen suits filed against Watson that accuse him of sexual assault. In 2022, the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to suspend Watson for 11 regular-season games without pay and fined him $5 million after at least 24 civil lawsuits.

The lawsuits, brought by women, allege that the quarterback sexually harassed or assaulted them during private massage sessions while he was with the Houston Texans. Watson has consistently denied wrongdoing in those cases, with 23 lawsuits being settled confidentially. Two grand juries chose not to pursue criminal charges against him.

Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Georgia, Black voters
by Shanique Yates

September 13, 2024

Donald Trump Rejects Second Presidential Debate with VP Kamala Harris, Says First Win Was Enough

On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris says she and Trump "owe" the public another debate.

Donald Trump said he will not participate in a second presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Despite previous comments from the former president’s campaign staff that he would conduct three debates with Harris, Trump now says that because he “clearly” won Tuesday’s debate, there’s no need for a rematch, BBC News reports.

“When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are ‘I want a rematch,’ wrote Trump in a post shared to his Truth Social platform on Thursday (Sept. 12). “Polls clearly show that I won the debate against comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ radical left candidate…and she immediately called for a second debate.”

According to several instant polls conducted directly after Tuesday night’s debate, voters believe Harris performed better than Trump. During a campaign rally in North Carolina shortly after the event, Harris responded to Trump’s comments that she should “focus” on her vice president job.

Harris said the pair “owe” voters a second debate, noting that “what is at stake could not be more important.” At this time, polls have Trump and Harris in a pretty tight race as Election Day approaches.

“Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?” said Harris’ campaign, reiterating that it was looking forward to another matchup with the former president following their back and forth on Tuesday night.

During the event, Trump set social media ablaze with his comments about “Haitian migrants eating pets” in Springfield, Ohio, and his sentiment that abortions can be conducted after a baby is born. During an interview with Fox News the morning after the debate, Trump called the debate “rigged” and suggested he has no desire to stand against his opponent for another round of arguments following his “great night.”

Although the Trump and Harris campaigns have reportedly been in talks to hold another debate on NBC News on Sept. 25, the network hasn’t officially confirmed the news or commented on Trump declining another debate.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Key Takeaways From First Harris-Trump Debate

L.L. Cool J
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 13, 2024

LL Cool J Credits Legendary Rap Career To His Mom

LL Cool J would've never gotten his start in music had it not been for the drum machine his mother bought for him.

LL Cool J is one of the greats in hip-hop. But he would’ve never gotten his start in music had it not been for the drum machine his mother bought for him.

The hip-hop veteran, real name James Todd Smith, has a new album honoring his 40-year rap career. The Force features a song called “Post Modern,” in which he raps about the significance of one tax refund his mother, Ondrea Smith, used to make the first investment in her son’s burgeoning music career.

“My mother took her tax return and invested it. She bet it on her kid and look at what he did with it. 2,000 in ’84 that’s a 100,000 x multiple from keepin’ you on the floor,” he raps.

During his recent appearance on Sway in the Morning, LL explained the purpose of including the line in his new song and how his mother impacted his entrance into hip-hop, which was a new music genre at the time.

“Here’s this Black woman who worked really hard, who got a tax return—and just for the record—the majority of people with a lot of money don’t like tax season,” he explained. “So if you like tax season, you got some work to do and that’s OK…So, my mother loved tax season. My mother said, ‘Yo, I’m going to get my tax return.’ She had other things to do.”

The rapper/actor recalled all the rejection letters he received when he was trying to get his career started and would send out demo tapes to a variety of labels, including Sugar Hill Records.

“My mother found a letter and she came in there, and I’m in the room and I’m just sulking…and she’s like, ‘What’s wrong?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t have no equipment. I can’t make my music right,’” LL Cool J said.

“So she just happened to get her tax return and she went, she said, ‘What kind of drum machine do you want?’ She surprised me, she went and bought me one. She bought me the wrong one, but she bought me one.”

Once LL had the drum machine, he went on to record his debut single, “I Need A Beat.” The demo tape eventually fell on the desk of Rick Rubin, who was starting Def Jam Records with Russell Simmons. After giving LL’s demo a listen, he became an instant believer and offered the then-16-year-old rapper a recording contract: a $50,000 check and split publishing rights.

LL released his first album in 1985, which included his hit “I Can’t Live Without My Radio.” He was the first rap artist to get more than 10 consecutive platinum-plus-selling albums. He went on to release many hip-hop classics, including “Radio,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Doin’ It,” Loungin’,” and “Around The Way Girl.”

“That’s ’cause my mother with her tax return. My mother, I love her so much, and that was [an] incredible moment for me,” he told Sway.

tulsa massacre
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 13, 2024

Oklahoma Supreme Court Rejects Request To Retry Dismissed Tulsa Race Massacre Lawsuit

This is just wrong...

The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied a requestto reconsider a ruling that dismissed a lawsuit filed by the last two known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the Associated Press reports. 

Seven members of the Oklahoma high court rejected the request by 110-year-old Viola Fletcher and 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle on Sept. 10 without comment, upholding a decision by a Tulsa district court judge to dismiss the case. Justice Richard Darby did not submit a vote, and Justice James Edmondson said he would have reheard the case. 

Fletcher and Randle survived the massacre, which has been labeled as one of the worst acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history. Close to 300 Black people were killed and more than 1,200 homes, businesses, schools, and churches were destroyed. A massive number of people were sent to internment camps that the National Guard overlooked after a mob of white people—some working with law enforcement—looted and burned down the Greenwood District, historically known as Black Wall Street in Oklahoma.

After filing the motion for the suit to be reheard, the attorney for the surviving members, Damario Solomon-Simmon, sought the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which allows cold cases of violent crimes against Black people committed before 1970 to be reopened.

“President Biden sat down with my clients. He promised them that he would see that they get justice,” Solomon-Simmons said. “Then he went to the next room and had a robust speech where he told the nation that he stood with the survivors and descendants of the Tulsa race massacre…we are calling upon President Biden to fulfill his promise to these survivors, to this community and for Black people across the nation.” 

According to KOCO News 5, the litigation attempted to force the city of Tulsa and others to make restitution for the destruction under the state’s public nuisance law. Legal reps also argued that the city appropriated Black Wall Street’s iconic reputation for its “financial and reputational benefit.” Lawyers feel that any money that Tulsa receives from the promotion of Greenwood or Black Wall Street, including funds from the Greenwood Rising History Center, should be put into a compensation fund for victims and their descendants.

The denial comes just a few weeks after the graves of three Tulsa Race Massacre victims were exhumed as the result of an investigation into graves from the massacre. Approximately 50 graves have been exhumed since Tulsa officials announced the investigation almost six years ago.

Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks, Senate
by Stacy Jackson

September 13, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks And Lisa Blunt Rochester Could Be The 1st Black Women To Serve The U.S. Senate Simultaneously

Rochester and Alsobrooks refer to each other as “sister senator to be" as they root for each other to win seats in the U.S. Senate this year.

It’s unheard of for two Black women to serve in the U.S. Senate at the same time. However, that might change in November if the two Black women Democratic candidates, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks, win their elections.

If both Black women are elected, the election will mark a historic moment within the chamber, which has mostly reflected white male membership. According to The Associated Press, victorious elections for Rochester and Alsobrooks would double the number of Black women to ever hold a seat in the U.S. Senate from two to four.

For Blunt Rochester, the road ahead for the Delaware seat is expected to be a hands-down defeat for her Republican candidate following an uncontested primary on Tuesday. However, in order for America to witness a historic moment in the U.S. Senate, Alsobrooks must prevail in what is predicted to be a tight race for the Maryland seat against former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. The two women are rooting for each other and address each other as “sister senator to be” in their personal text message exchanges.

“There isn’t a cookie-cutter way to run,” Blunt Rochester said about the bid for office. She said her goal goes beyond making history, “but to make a difference, an impact, on people’s lives.” As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Democrat, who made history as the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in Congress, planned to campaign aggressively as she’s been a representative for seniors, the environment, small businesses, and women’s reproductive rights.

“People like me, stories like mine, don’t usually make it to the United States Senate,” Alsobrooks said in August, BE noted. The Prince George’s County executive shared her grandmother’s dream of working in government and her goals to shape policy in Congress during the Democratic National Convention. Her campaign has addressed issues like environmental protection and women’s reproductive rights.

Glynda C. Carr, the president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, said people are “anxious and excited” about the possible outcome of both women’s elections.

RELATED CONTENT: Indiana’s 1st Black Woman U.S. Senate Nominee Promises To Push Forward

Black Voters, survey, voter, NAACP
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 13, 2024

Why Florida May Be Losing Its Shine On The National Political Grid

Think Florida can revamp?

NBC News reports that analysts project that Florida’s reign as a determining factor in the world of politics for both the Republican and Democratic parties is ending. 

In the past, the Sunshine State has been deemed an important state for aspiring White House occupants due to large rallies, surrogate events, and massive sums of fundraising that fund campaign ads across the state’s 10 lucrative media markets. However, in 2024, for the upcoming presidential race, Florida looks like a “has been.”

Democrats have tried every trick in the book to maintain somewhat of a blue momentum, including an uptick in voter registration efforts, but Florida has always been a solid red state. The state is now seeing more than one million people’s voter registration advantages on the Republican ticket. However, when it comes to money, it is geared toward Democrats. Even Gov. Ron DeSantis notices the shift. “Are you happy we are a solid Republican state? It used to be …presidential elections, we would be on a razor’s edge about the state of Florida,” DeSantis said to a crowd. 

“Because if Republicans could not win the state of Florida, then you did not have a path to win the Electoral College.”

By comparison, in funding, there was more than $57 million spent on Florida TV ads in 2020 — $38 million from President Joe Biden and $19 million from former President Donald Trump’s campaign. In 2022, the national Democratic groups spent $2 million in the state during a nonpresidential election cycle, a decrease from nearly $60 million in the previous midterm election. 

For the 2024 election cycle, only $2.1 million has been spent on presidential campaign TV ads.

The Democratic Party of Florida added the mantra of “something is happening in Florida” in 2024 as a way to pay homage to the fact that there is no expectation of them to win; however, there are certain metrics that promote a sense of optimism in both general and national elections. “With the work we have been doing and the grassroots momentum, Florida is competitive in 2024,” Florida Democratic Party Communications Director Eden Giagnorio said. 

“Now imagine what we could achieve with real investment.”

The data from their campaigning efforts also stands out—they made over three million phone calls to voters, knocked on 1.3 million doors, and sent over 10 million text messages. It helps that several DeSantis supporters, who were school board candidates, lost their bid during Florida’s primary. The loss was labeled as the governor’s first real political loss during his tenure. 

Some of Florida’s controversial legislature can factor in the change, giving a sense of divisiveness. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo said some of DeSantis’ own GOP lawmakers have been against his proposals. During his reign, he added a statewide elections police force, a six-week abortion ban, and the expansion of school vouchers.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Permanently Blocks Workplace Training Portion Of Florida’s Racist Stop WOKE Act 

Jonathan Majors, case closed, ex-girlfriend
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 12, 2024

Jonathan Majors To Sign $140 Autographs, Sell $160 Photos At Famous Monsters Festival

Jonathan Majors will sell autographs at $140 a pop during his first convention appearance.

Jonathan Majors is looking to make some fast cash by selling autographs for $140 during his appearance at Famous Monsters Festival.

The Creed III star is continuing his attempted comeback after being convicted of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment following an altercation with his then-girlfriend. Majors will try to cash in on his roles as the Marvel supervillain Kang the Conqueror and Atticus Freeman in Lovecraft Country when he meets with fans during the Famous Monsters Fest on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Majors will be offering autographs for $140 and professional photos for $160 each, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star will be joined in the autograph room by Star Trek legend George Takei, original KISS drummer Peter Criss, Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis, Starcrash heroine and Bond girl Caroline Munro, Kane Hodder (who played Jason Vorhees in four of the Friday the 13th films), Tyler Mane (who played Michael Myers in two of the Halloween films) and several others.

Despite the fallout from his domestic violence scandal, Majors remains confident in his star power, charging $40 more for his autograph than Lord of the Rings’ Gollum actor Andy Serkis. Majors’ Monsters Fest appearance will take place two days after his first treatment compliance date as part of his sentence to complete a 52-week domestic violence intervention program.

In December, Majors was required to enter an intervention program, continue mental health counseling and therapy, and provide the court with updates on his progress. However, many think his sentence and swift fall from being an in-demand film star is too harsh.

Fans left messages of support when Famous Monsters Fest posted a video of Majors confirming his attendance at the event.

“Bro, it sucks what happened. This guy seems like a genuinely good guy who got himself in a bad position because of someone else,” one fan wrote.

“He got railroaded,” added someone else.

Many others called for Disney to “bring back Kang” to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Jonathan Majors lost his role at Marvel, reports suggest that the MCU rehired Robert Downey Jr. to play Dr. Victor von Doom for “significantly more than $80 million” across two films. Additionally, Majors’ 2023 film Magazine Dreams was dropped by Searchlight Pictures.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors’ ‘Perseverance Award’ Announcement Sparks Mixed Reactions

Tyla, afrobeats, afro beats, African music
by Shanique Yates

September 12, 2024

Tyla Uses First-Ever VMA Win To Educate Others That ‘African Music Is More Than Afrobeats’

“I come from South Africa, I represent Ampiano. I represent my country," said Tyla.

Tyla used her first Video Music Awards win to educate the world on African music.

The Johannesburg native gained global recognition through her breakout hit, ‘Water,’ which has seen her rise as the culture’s latest superstar. On Sept. 11, at the 2024 Video Music Awards, hosted by hot girl captain Megan thee Stallion, Tyla won an award in the “Best Afrobeats.” Forbes reports.

Despite being a big moment for Tyla, there was one issue with her being nominated for an award in the “Best Afrobeats” category in the first place—she is an Ampiano artist. The genre, which is distinctly different from Afrobeats, is rooted in the “Truth or Dare” singer’s home of South Africa and known for its “smooth, vibrant beats” as well as “unique dances” that include bouncing, macquoma, and shuffling. 

“The global impact that ‘Water’ has had on the world proves that African music can be pop music too. This is so special but bittersweet because I know there is a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats,” said Tyla during her acceptance speech. “Even though Afrobeats has run things and opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse. It is more than just Afrobeats.”

“I come from South Africa,” she continued. “I represent Ampiano. I represent my country.”

Along with Tyla, fellow Ampiano artists like Uncle Waffles, DJ Maphorias, Lady Du, Tyler ICU, Vigro Deep, and Kabza De Small are responsible for helping to develop and popularize the genre and taking it worldwide.

Actual Afrobeats artists running for “Best Afrobeats” during the 2024 Video Music Awards included Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, and Ayra Starr. Along with Tyla, Usher is another artist who was up for the award but would not identify as an Afrobeats artist despite experimenting with the genre. His track “Ruin,” which landed him a nomination in the category, is featured on his February 2024 album, “Coming Home.” He worked alongside famous Afrobeats producer Pheelz to create the track. However, Usher’s 30+ year career features a catalog that reflects the  R&B and Pop genres.

RELATED CONTENT: Afrobeats Artist Davido Makes $300K Donation To Over 400 Nigerian Orphanages

×