Clifton R. Wharton Jr.
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2024

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., First Black President At Michigan State University, Dies At 98

Wharton Jr. was an influential figure within MSU's community.

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., the first Black President at Michigan State University, has died at age 98.

Born in Boston in 1970, Wharton Jr. believed in the transformative power of education. He obtained multiple degrees, from his Bachelor’s at Harvard University to his Ph.D at the University of Chicago. He broke barriers to the school’s diversity when appointed president in 1970, as detailed on its website.

Wharton Jr. was an influential figure within MSU’s community. During his tenure, he sustained the academic quality and rigor of students’ studies, while granting more accessibility to education for those of disadvantaged backgrounds. He also oversaw an increase in Rhodes Scholars and the opening of two more colleges at MSU.

Moreover, the school’s first capital campaign, sparked under his leadership, led to the creation of MSU’s first and the state’s largest performing arts center. In 1982, the MSU board of trustees named the center to honor Wharton Jr. and his wife, arts advocate Dolores, for their profound impact on the educational community.

His commitment to ensuring financial challenges did not thwart one’s academic progress, and eliminating discrimination on campus, is integral to his legacy. After his time leading MSU, Wharton Jr. went on to accomplish more firsts in education. He became the first Black Chancellor of the State University of New York System.

His career expanded to other fields, including philanthropy and politics. He became chair of the Rockefeller Foundation in 1982. During the Clinton Administration, Wharton Jr. served as Deputy Secretary of State. However, his focus on education advancements remained throughout his professional ventures. In 1994, he received the American Council on Education Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Wharton Jr. died in his home in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 16, following a battle with cancer. MSU remembers its historic President for his ability to shape their educational landscape and image for generations to come.

“But, so fittingly for a leader in higher education, his focus on developing people might be said to be his most outstanding legacy,” shared MSU’s current President, Kevin Guskiewicz, and the Board of Trustees in a statement. “He declared at the outset that, ‘What is frequently required is not a pronouncement of leadership but rather encouragement of the individuals within the institution.’ There are many who will attest to the impact of his focus on people, one of the many reasons he will long live in the hearts of Spartans.”

The Wharton Family has established a Legacy Fund to ensure support and upkeep of the performing arts center.

RELATED CONTENT: Michigan State Football Player Named Legal Guardian Of Siblings After Mother Dies Of Cancer

Smino
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2024

Smino Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum

The recording artist received the award for his impact in the Black community, in and out of the music industry.

Recording artist Smino was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum on Nov. 8 at The Harvard Club of Boston.

The man born Christopher Smith Jr. posted the acknowledgment from the organization on his social media account.

“A couple days ago, I was honored by Harvard University’s Black Man Forum for my work in the community. I appreciate all my new bruddas I met at the Brotherhood Banquet 💪🏾 I’m very inspired by y’all hard work & thank you for giving me another reminder to keep goin ! @harvardbmf”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by smi (@smino)

The Harvard Black Men’s Forum (BMF) was started in the 1970s by students who wanted to create a safe space for Black men on the campus of the famed Ivy League school, Harvard University. The organization was revitalized in 1999 and has grown to become one of the most recognized and celebrated organizations at the esteemed institution.

According to Broadway World, the ceremony occurred at The Harvard Club of Boston during its Annual Brotherhood Banquet. The event recognizes influential figures who positively impact the Black community in and out of the music industry. A Black Men’s Forum representative recognized the songwriter by saying, “The Brotherhood Banquet never fails to be the highlight of our time here at Harvard, and having Smino be a part of our history only serves to further our mission as an organization.”

The media outlet also reported that Smino, who has appeared alongside artists such as Chance the Rapper, Doja Cat, Ari Lennox, and Lucky Daye on various records, is currently finishing up his latest project, titled Maybe In Nirvana, although no release date has been set. The album is the follow-up to his last album, Luv 4 Rent, released on Motown Records on Oct. 28, 2022.

RELATED CONTENT: Lauryn Hill Responds To Pras Michel’s Fraud Allegations

nazi parade
by Daniel Johnson

November 18, 2024

Ohio Officials Denounce Neo-Nazis After March Through Columbus

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the event in Columbus follows the same pattern as other, similar events across the country.

After a group of white nationalists brazenly marched and shouted racial slurs while waving swastika-emblazoned flags, political leaders in Ohio made it known that neither they nor their message of hate was welcome.

According to The New York Times, although the gathering of neo-nazis was small, numbering only about a dozen people, it still rattled the Columbus neighborhood of Short North that they strolled through on Nov. 16.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine joined the chorus of voices in Ohio and around the country in condemning the gathering and its hateful messages.

“Neo-Nazis — their faces hidden behind red masks — roamed streets in Columbus today, carrying Nazi flags and spewing vile and racist speech against people of color and Jews,” DeWine said in a statement posted on social media. “There is no place in this state for hate, bigotry, antisemitism, or violence, and we must denounce it wherever we see it.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the event in Columbus follows the same pattern as other similar events across the country.

Typically, these are small, unannounced events to avoid counterprotests and to help increase social media presence.

Oren Segal, the vice president of the ADL, told the outlet in an interview that the group wants to create terror in the community.

“At the end of day, they want to create fear and anxiety in communities and get a photo op,” Segal said.

Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the White House, said in his own statement about the events in Columbus that the group’s sentiments must be confronted.

“This sickening display comes during a tragic rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence that is a crisis the American people should all come together against.”

Shannon Hardin, a Democrat and the president of the Columbus City Council, tied the group’s rhetoric directly to the rhetoric of Donald Trump in his statements on social media.

“This community rejects their pathetic efforts to promote fear and hate. I am sorry that the president-elect has emboldened these creeps,” Hardin wrote.

According to CNN, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, also a Democrat, condemned the “cowardly display” from the group and affirmed the City of Columbus’ commitment against “hatred and bigotry.”

Like the others, Mayor Ginther also released a statement on social media, “We will not allow any of our neighbors to be intimidated, threatened or harmed because of who they are, how they worship and whom they love.”

Columbus community leaders organized a unity march on Nov. 17 in response to the hateful march the day before, which reportedly featured several instances of neo-nazis yelling out the n-word repeatedly.

According to City Attorney Zach Klein, the city’s swift response to the hatred spewed by the group on Nov. 16 is a rejection of them and their ideology.

“Take your flags and the masks you hide behind and go home and never come back. Your hate isn’t welcome in our city,” Klein said on social media. “This is not who we are, and we will not tolerate or normalize this disgusting ideology in any form.”

RELATED CONTENT: White Supremacists Hurl Racist Slurs At Black Boys In Nashville, Local Lawmakers Call For Action

Meagan Good, pretty privilege
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2024

Jonathan Majors, Meagan Good Announce Engagement At Ebony Power 100 Gala

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are ready to make it official as husband and wife.

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good were happy to announce their engagement at the Ebony Power 100 Gala on Nov. 17, at the same event they met at two years ago.

Good flashed her giant diamond engagement ring while posing alongside Majors on the red carpet. The couple began dating in May 2023, just two months after his arrest following an alleged domestic dispute with ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. They spoke about the special significance the event holds for them.

“EBONY Power 100 is the event that we met at in the bathrooms,” Good told E! News of their first encounter in 2022, “in the unisex bathroom.”

Good and Majors have remained inseparable since making their relationship public amid Majors’ high-profile domestic violence case. The Creed III actor, who consistently maintained his innocence, was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment in December 2023. He was sentenced to a 52-week in-person counseling program and fined $250.

The Divorce in the Black star supported Majors at many of his court appearances in New York City and even eluded to the Lovecraft Country star being “the one” earlier this year.

When appearing on Today in July, Good touched on the connection she shares with Majors and how she’s managed to ignore the criticism that follows their relationship following Majors’ arrest and Good’s divorce from pastor DeVon Franklin.

“I take everyone’s opinion and advice into account, for sure, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to live my life,” she said. “I’m the one who has to get to Heaven one day, prayerfully, and give God an account of what I did. So, I want to be responsible for the choices that I make. I also want to live the life that I want to live.”

“The support we’ve been able to give to each other, the pouring into each other, the honest conversations, the love, the respect, just the care, and the thoughtfulness,” Good later added, “it’s been really wonderful.”

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

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2024

Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball Fined $100K For Post-Game Comment

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was fined $100,000 by the NBA for “making an offensive and derogatory comment” while speaking to a reporter after a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 16. He was penalized after using a term popularized within the hip-hop community (a New York City vernacular going back over 30 years) when responding to a question about the game. He spoke about using the term after his team lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 17.

In a social media post, the NBA announced the penalty the next day.

According to ESPN, the Hornets player was speaking about the defense his team played against an opponent, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to seal the 115-114 win in Milwaukee. When questioned about the strategy, he uttered the two words that some found offensive. After the Cavaliers game, he immediately addressed the situation and stated he didn’t mean to “offend anybody.”

“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday. I really didn’t mean anything [by it] and don’t want to offend anybody. I’ve got love for everybody, and I don’t discriminate.”

Ball’s coach, Charles Lee, backed his player’s apology and stated that he was “very apologetic.” He confirmed Ball’s interaction with people and is confident he will learn from the incident.

“I spoke to Melo, and he’s obviously very apologetic. From what I’ve seen since I’ve been around him, he loves everyone. He’s a joy to have around the facility, and it’s not typically how he operates. He and I talked about the seriousness of the situation and how he needs to conduct himself going forward.”

Outside of this misstep, Ball is having another good season. He is averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds for his fifth year in the league. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2020-21.

RELATED CONTENT: LaMelo Ball’s 30-Point Triple-Double Sets Charlotte Hornets Record

Noose
by Daniel Johnson

November 18, 2024

Parents Want Transparency After ‘Hanging’ Incident At Maryland Elementary School

The parents of a seven-year-old boy believe that officials at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland are not forthcoming about an incident that left their son with marks under his eyes and bruises on his neck

The parents of a seven-year-old boy believe that officials at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland, are not being forthcoming about an incident that left their son with marks under his eyes and bruises on his neck.

According to WTOP News, the school said that the injuries to the child occurred as the result of horseplaying between two students in the restroom.

The school’s principal, Carrie Burke, said in a letter, “Two of our students were reportedly horseplaying in a school bathroom when one student’s jacket got caught on a stall door hook. The students were not able to free themselves, and the other students involved were also not able to help them. This student left the bathroom to seek help from staff and reported the incident to administrators. Administrators responded and were able to assist, but staff called 911 for additional precautionary medical support. Due to privacy reasons, I am not able to share any additional details with you.”

The letter continued, clarifying that there was no suicide attempt in the restroom, contrary to some social media posts.

“I understand that the initial 911 report resulted in a first responder call that shared a possible suicide attempt occurred at our school. This was then posted on social media by a community member, causing a bit of community concern. Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) quickly shared an update with you as well as the Barnhart staff to dispel any inaccurate information beginning to circulate.”

However, this explanation and the description of events from the child who was injured do not match up, and the child’s parents believe there is more to the story than the official record of events from the school.

The school maintains that their son’s jacket got caught on a stall or hook, but according to the boy’s mother, he told her that the other student made a threatening remark to him while he was in the bathroom.

“He said that the little boy told him, ‘I’m going to show you how I did people back in the day,’ the child’s mother told WUSA9.

She continued, “Doesn’t make sense to me. If you’re horseplaying, how do you get caught on the hook? Like, we need answers. I want answers, and we won’t stop until we get them.”

She believes it may have more to do with bullying than the school’s horseplay explanation.

“I feel like it’s bullying, because it’s no telling how many other kids this has happened to and they want the school district to step-up,” she told WTOP.

Although the child’s father was grateful for Burke’s quick action and for notifying him immediately that his son was okay after the incident, the boy’s parents told Fox 5 DC that they want answers about what happened.

“The first thing she said was that he was fine, he’s up, and alert… but she didn’t tell me exactly the location of what happened until we got to the hospital.”

His mother chimed in, “She’s the one who got my son down just in time by the grace of God. I’m not angry with her, I’m thankful. I’m just thankful that my son is here, it could’ve been so much worse. But we do want answers.”

Per Burke’s statement, the incident was reported to a school resource officer and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Charles County Public Schools, which oversees the elementary school, told the outlet that until its own investigation is complete. It will not issue a comment on the matter.

The parents stressed to News 4 Washington that they don’t want any harm to come to the other child who was in the bathroom, but noted that their son is still traumatized.

“We don’t want any harm done to this child because we’ve seen what social media does when something this serious does happen,” the boy’s father said.

“Every single time I try to get into details, he just bursts out crying,” the boy’s mother told the outlet. “I have so many questions, and I just want answers.”

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Chapter Is Prepared To Fight After Virginia State Leaders Purge 1600 Voters From Voting Rolls

Appalachee, High school
by Sharelle Burt

November 18, 2024

Apalachee High Shooting Prompts $1M Liability Insurance Proposal For Assault Weapon Owners  

Think this is a good look?

A Democratic lawmaker from Georgia proposed a new law that would require assault weapon owners to have a $1 million liability insurance policy, WSB-TV reports. 

The announcement from Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver’s office describes the proposed legislation as addressing the risks of assault weapon ownership by requiring them to be financially responsible for the damages or injuries caused by the weapons. It also addresses their use in mass shootings, including the Sept. 4 Apalachee High School shooting by suspect Colt Gray in Winder, Georgia. 

The bill uses the tragedy as an example of assault-type weapons being used in numerous mass shootings “resulting in the death of large numbers of people, many of whom were children.” “If an individual decides to purchase and own an assault-type weapon, Georgia law should require that they ensure the weapon for the damage it may cause,” Oliver said in a statement. 

“I want the insurance industry to help us define the risks and costs associated with assault weapon ownership and work toward prevention of misuse. This is a common sense approach that encourages responsibility and accountability, and it has the potential to reduce violence and improve public safety.”

If the proposed legislation passes, all assault-type weapon owners in the Peachtree State will be required to obtain and maintain $1 million in liability insurance to cover the damages from misuse of firearms, if necessary. Policies would be designed to assist with victim payment, death, or property damage caused by assault weapons, including medical, hospital, surgical, and disability benefits to those injured, as well as funeral and death benefits to the dependents or beneficiaries of those killed.

There are a few exceptions under the bill of who qualifies as an assault weapon owner in the state, including people who manufacture or transfer ownership of an assault weapon and those who permanently own assault weapons that are inoperable — as long as it can be demonstrated as such to law enforcement — and difficult to restore. 

Exceptions also pertain to persons who own a lost or stolen weapon with proof of loss or theft within 48 hours of discovering it. Peace officers, duly authorized police agents, law enforcement officers, or members of the U.S. military or Georgia Department of Corrections who have assault weapons for performative duties also fall under the listed exceptions.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Georgia Senate Safe Firearm Study Committee members support the proposal. Sen. Emmanuel Jones is optimistic about getting such legislation passed as he reminisces on the violence that has taken place with assault weapons. “We can do a much better job in Georgia, and we have to do a better job,” Jones said. 

“I believe we can get all of these things passed.”

Jones, Oliver, and the committee enlisted recommendations in addition to the bill. Lawmakers want to see a statewide alert protocol that requires schools to be notified before enrollment if a student is flagged for potentially dangerous behavior and transfers schools. They also want to see the Child Access Prevention laws implemented, which would include civil and criminal penalties along with a 10-day waiting period for assault rifle purchases unless the person has a carry license.

If the bill passes during the 2025 legislative session, weapons owners would have until Jan. 1, 2026, to obtain liability insurance.

RELATED CONTENT: Ex-Netflix Marketing Exec, Bozoma Saint John, Turns Frustration To Fortune With New Wig Brand

Trump, election, Vanity Fair, cover
by Sharelle Burt

November 18, 2024

Donald Trump Promises To Declare National Emergency, Deploy Military For Massive Deportation Plans 

The second Trump administration starts in 63 days.

President-elect Donald Trump isn’t backing down from his plan of a mass deportation of immigrants starting on day, going so far as to promise to declare a national emergency and implement military assistance.

Trump jumped on his social media platform, Truth Social, to confirm the rumors with one word: “TRUE!!!” His announcement came in response to a tweet from Tom Fitton, president of the conservative group Judicial Watch, who called the development “good news.”

Through the National Guard, the Department of Defense, has been in support of border security missions for years. However, there are still open questions about the potential legal, logistical and budgetary limitations that go along with plans to carry out mass deportations.

According to The Hill, immigration advocates are bracing for the impact of swift executive action on immigration. The Trump-Vance administration takes over in 63 days. 

During the 2024 campaign, Trump promised deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a law from the 18th century allowing the detention and removal of anyone over 14 years old coming from a country at war with the United States.

Experts believe that the deportations the President-elect is talking about are more than just a bunch of arrests. “I don’t think we’re talking about hundreds of thousands of people being arrested. They were never able to get to that capacity in the first Trump administration on, like, a single day or a single week,” one top immigration advocate said. 

“But they’re going to build up that capacity, and I would assume a kind of shock and awe attempt that they will do raids. They will try to make them high profile. They’re going to try to spread fear because it appeals to their base, but also because it is part of their strategy, which is to get people to self-deport.”

But some loyalists of the indicted businessman, like Texas GOP Rep. Pete Sessions, feel the plan of the new leaders opens room for more transparency of what to potentially take place.

“I believe the president, I believe whoever is the attorney general, whoever is head of, if it’s [Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi] Noem, head of Department of Homeland Security, and [incoming border czar] Tom Homan, will come together on a succinct not just reasoning, but a process to give people notice about what would happen,” Sessions said. 

“I think it’s important that you tell people what the plan is. As we recall, President Obama had a lot of deportations, and it created a wider viewpoint that we were without a plan rather than telling people. And I think the president needs to and will say more than—or Tom Homan—more than ‘mass deportations.’”

Both Trump and Homan will need to prepare for a fight as Democratic state and city leaders nationwide have vowed that they will not be going along with the deportation plans. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said “absolutely not” when asked if her state police will cooperate. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey claimed he’s “willing to try anything” to put an end to Trump’s plans, labeling them as “contrary to our values.” 

Illinois governor and former vice presidential candidate JB Pritzker promised that Trump would have to “come through me” to access his mass deportation plans.

RELATED CONTENT: NY AG Letitia James Reacts To Trump’s Presidential Victory: ‘We Are Prepared To Fight Back’

DONATA ROSS, HOSPITALITY, ATLANTA
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2024

Atlanta Hospitality Hall Of Fame Inducts Donata Russell Ross As An Industry Trailblazer

Russell Ross received the honor for her work as CEO of Concessions International, LLC.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has inducted four new honorees, including Donata Russell Ross, to its Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Joined by fellow inductees Dr. Brian L. Davis, Bobby Donlan, and Mark Vaughan, Russell Ross was honored for her work as CEO of Concessions International, LLC. The minority-owned airport food and beverage enterprise has been a long-standing operator across numerous airports.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Russell Ross has championed the business despite turbulent times. She has continued her efforts throughout multiple shifts in aviation travel, including 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has dedicated over four decades to its growth and success.

Russell Ross, a Wharton School of Business graduate, has proven that her business acumen can withstand any challenge. Concessions International boasts over $100 million in annual revenue and 1,200 employees.

“Having seen all these cycles taught me to hold on — and understand there will be a better day,” she told GaBiz in 2023.

Moreover, Russell Ross belongs to the esteemed Russell Family. The Russells have also worked to elevate Atlanta as a business hub and source of opportunity, individually and as a family. As the daughter of influential entrepreneur Herman J. Russell, she also serves as president of the family’s foundation, Russell CARES. The foundation provides numerous initiatives focusing on education and entrepreneurship.

As for Russell Ross’ recognition, her appointment indicates her steadfast work within the hospitality industry. Moreover, it emphasizes her power as a Black leader in this space.

“It is a great honor for me to be recognized as an inductee into the 2024 Hospitality Hall of Fame,” she expressed through a spokesperson. “It is humbling for me to be included among such an illustrious group of individuals whose commitment to excellence has ensured our region’s growth and global recognition.”

RELATED CONTENT: Meet Visionary CEO Herman J. Russell, Who Helped Reshape Atlanta’s Skyline

Adam Pacman Jones, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, altercation
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2024

Former NFL Player Arrested After Altercation Following Mike Tyson-Jake Paul Boxing Match

The incident took place inside the Loews Arlington Hotel close to the AT & T Stadium.

During Friday’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, former NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones was arrested early Saturday morning, an incident that was caught on video and shared by TMZ. 

The incident occurred inside the Loews Arlington Hotel, a short distance from the Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium. Police officials confirmed that Jones was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, evading arrest, and assault on a police officer.

A representative for the former Dallas Cowboy said he “adamantly denies the allegations and looks forward to explaining the truth when the time comes.”

“Pac was in town for the fight and enjoyed himself, spending time with the fans,” the representative said. “Pacman was returning to his hotel to wind down for the evening. He was not looking for trouble.”

The Athletic reported that Jones was engaged in a fight in a hotel bar just after 1:00 am. An off-duty Arlington police officer was informed by hotel security about an altercation. When he arrived, he saw Jones and other individuals being separated. Officers said Jones “continued approaching and yelling at the others involved” and was warned that he would be arrested if he continued to fight.

Shortly after, Jones was involved in another altercation. As hotel security and a police officer intervened to break it up, the former cornerback allegedly “hit the officer on her arm,” according to police. This is when he was arrested.

After calling for backup, Jones broke free and started to walk away, but other police officers arrived and took him into custody.

TMZ posted a video submitted by Jones showing that the people he was arguing with had used a racial epithet against him. 

Jones played in the NFL from 2005 until 2018. A first-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, he played for the Cowboys, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Denver Broncos.

RELATED CONTENT: Millions Of Americans Could Lose Medical Insurance As ACA Subsidies Expire In 2025

×