Atlanta Officials Refuse To Verify Signatures For Stop Cop City Petition
The efforts of the Stop Cop City movement are facing yet another setback. The coalition in charge of garnering signatures to put the cop training facility’s construction to a vote claims that Atlanta officials are refusing to verify that they have enough.
The Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition Georgia claims it has gathered over 116,000 signatures, well over the roughly 58,000 required to secure an Atlanta citizens vote on the matter, NBC News reports. However, a stipulation regarding the deadline to garner them has the movement at a standstill.
According to the officials, the advocacy group missed the Aug. 21 deadline to turn the lists in. Activists said the deadline was actually extended to September, but a current pause on the official date extension by an appellate court judge has the legal change in question.
“This is yet another disgraceful push by the city to stonewall democracy, showing that Mayor (Andre) Dickens and the City of Atlanta fear the power of their constituents,” the coalition said in a statement. “The City was notified on Thursday of our intention to submit, yet was too cowardly to release any response, or even respond to our email, until after we arrived.”
This news comes after the RICO indictment of 61 advocates involved in the Stop Cop City protests. In response, faith leaders from a local branch of the Universalist Unitarian Church chained themselves to a bulldozer in solidarity with the indicted. They were also taken into custody, with possible charges to follow.
Regarding the petition, the coalition remains determined to be heard. The group’s aim is to ensure citizens in Atlanta have a say on the facility being constructed in a predominately Black neighborhood as well as its environmental ramifications.
Officials assert they won’t initiate the verification process until a determination is reached regarding the legality of the deadline extension. An attorney representing the state contends that it does not possess the “discretion” to proceed until this matter is resolved.
In Honor Of Ashanti’s New Nelly Purse, Here Are 6 Black-Owned Handbags You Need To Own
While rocking an unconventional purse to the 2023 VMAs, Ashanti revealed the cute details on a love story decades in the making.
The singer made headlines when she donned a green clutch with an adorable pic of her then and now- beau Nelly front and center. Unabashed about her reignited love, Ashanti told People on the red carpet that the two are in a “great space” and “having a lot of fun” in their relationship.
As the announcement became a trending topic, snippets of her full look featuring the green clutch was shared by multiple news outlets, with E! News reporting where she got the photo.
“This is the picture we took 20 years ago at the VMAs in ’03,” shared the Grammy winner.
As Ashanti confirmed the rumored relationship, BLACK ENTERPRISE has a different kind of scoop for those who love ingenuity and want to further indulge in fashions that signify Black love.
With these Black-owned handbags, featuring the works of the innovative Ciriaco and expansive Tote&Carry, these up-and-coming Black designers will be your new partner in crime.
With its popular Ashley minimalist Baguette design slowly emerging as a trendy new “it” bag, you can’t go wrong supporting this Atlanta native’s brand that brings asymmetrical silhouettes to the forefront.
Let’s face it, if Beyoncé approved it, we’re interested. This brand’s products are all handmade in Africa, specifically by experts in Dakar, Senegal. With craftsmanship at this level, who wouldn’t want to splurge?
Deemed “where fashion and travel meet,” those who want to rock a complete set of Black-owned travel bags should look no further. Your purse, duffle bag, and carry-on luggage matching? It’s the new standard in Black luxury.
This brand is for the people whose bags are solely for brunch money. Pronounced “ven-uhm,” its collection of signature “The Brunch” mini-bags are a necessity for any gathering with the girls.
This “unique luxury” brand hosts a wide assortment of bag designs to cater to every mood, from business to block party. Their fur “Anya” bags are guaranteed to be your go-to plus-one for any event.
Who needs a birkin bag when you can rock KUA’s perfectly constructed “Heritage” handbag by Ghanaian designer Ruby Buah? KUA, which stands for” keeping us authentic,” also keeps the girlies purse game quite elevated.
Hip-Hop Legends Common And MC Lyte Join ‘The Wiz’ Revival as Co-Producers
Academy Award winner Common and rap pioneer MC Lytewill serve as co-producers the upcoming stage revival of The Wiz.
According to Broadway News, the production will tour the U.S. beginning September 23 before heading to the bright lights of Broadway in 2024. Common and MC Lyte join producers Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Brian Anthony Moreland, and Ambassador Theatre Group in bringing the beloved story back to its original stomping grounds.
“I am so blessed to be part of this production of The Wiz” Common said.
“Theater has always affected me in a way that reaches my soul and spirit, in some measure because I didn’t realize as a kid that I could dream big enough to be part of it,” he added. “This is a true dream come true as one of my favorite movies growing up was The Wiz. My only hope is that this production can inspire someone else to chase their dreams and create their art.”
The Wiz debuted on Broadway on January 5, 1975, and ultimately won seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. For four years, the production—led by Stephanie Mills‘ dynamic performance as Dorothy—captivated audiences before heading to the silver screen.
“It is my greatest pleasure to have the opportunity to serve as an investor in this historic production of The Wiz,” MC Lyte said. “Having grown up watching all of the Broadway musicals in the ’70s and ’80s, The Wiz has always been a favorite of mine. Now, as a co-producer, I’m honored to be able to partner behind the scenes and with communities nationwide to help make this production an artistic and memorable treasure for future generations.”
According to Playbill, the revival will feature Deborah Cox as Glinda and Wayne Brady in the title role on certain tour stops and when the show hits Broadway. Former late- night host Amber Ruffin will also lend a hand on new material.
Smollett was convicted on charges of faking a racist, homophobic attack in 2019 and lying about it to Chicago police. Initially, no charges were filed against the actor, but lawyers say charges were brought on by outside factors.
“Public outrage against the defendant cannot overrule the rule of law,” attorney Nenye Uche stated to a panel of three judges.
In a 76-word appeal submitted to the panel, Smollett’s lawyers state the 2021 trial violated their client’s Fifth Amendment right against double jeopardy. Before the trial took place, Smollett had already performed community service and forfeited a $10,000 bond. That was part of the 2019 deal he had with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to drop the initial charges. By having the second trial, according to the appeal, he was punished twice for the same crime.
The attorneys believe the office of prosecutor Kim Foxx used proper discretion when they dropped the original charges four years ago.
“If Mr. Smollett’s convictions are allowed to stand, this case will set a dangerous precedent by giving prosecutors a second bite at the apple any time there is dissatisfaction with another prosecutor’s exercise of discretion,” the appeal read.
Sean Wieber, who represents the special prosecutor, told the panel the way Smollet’s case was handled left open the possibility of the actor being recharged without violating protections against double jeopardy.
It was argued that if a defendant hasn’t been tried and has never pleaded guilty, it’s typically not double jeopardy if the defendant is indicted a second time on the same charges.
A ruling is expected to take several weeks.
In 2022, Smollet was sentenced to 30 months of felony probation with 150 days served in Cook County Jail. He was also ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution to the City of Chicago and a $25,000 fine. If the judge rules in favor of the state, Smollet will have to finish the sentence, minus the six days he spent in jail before he was released pending the result of this appeal.
The Baltimore City Housing Authority and the Ashland Auction Group are partnering to auction off 30 of the city’s vacant homes. Properties for sale will include single family dwellings as well as row homes with multiple family units, CBS Baltimore reports.
According to city officials, those looking to bid on the homes will need to pre-register, and the winning bidder will be required to make an initial deposit which will be specified in the terms of the purchase agreement. Officials also outlined that multiple bids will be allowed courtesy of a Good Faith Authorization Charge, and this charge is separate from the winning bid, it is merely a hold placed on a bidder’s account.
The fee to participate in the auction will be $2,000 and the vacant homes are from across the city, according to the Ashland Auction Group’s website.
Janet Abrahams, the president and CEO of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, told CBS Baltimore, “The properties selected for auction are located within vibrant neighborhoods known for their sense of community and public amenities. We want individuals to find a property they can convert into a home and join a welcoming community that suits their lifestyle.”
Baltimore has 14,000 vacant homes, which is the fewest number it has had in decades and that number has decreased by 700 over the last year. After a massive fire in January 2022 that claimed the lives of three firefighters, the city launched several initiatives to get the number of vacant lots reduced. The city made a $15 million investment in Clean Corps aimed at fighting its empty home crisis as well as a Tax Sale Exemption program and an Environmental Design pilot program to beautify blighted spaces in the city.
Residents like Deborah Ruffin signaled their approval of the city’s efforts, telling CBS Baltimore, “There’s been a lot of vacants in the city for a very long time, it’s about time they’re doing something.”
The business of sports reaches across several verticals to impact our lives every day. Whether it’s the retail business or the billion-dollar media deals determining new and exciting ways that we can consume our favorite leagues, one thing for sure is that we’re in a sports boom. In 2023, the global sports economy is expected to reach a valuation of $512.1 billion. By 2027, this number will eclipse $627 billion. With this immense opportunity upon us, we must look at creative, innovative, and comprehensive solutions to utilize the business of sports to strategically combat economic inequities.
As the 2023 NFL season kicked off this week, over 900 Black players took the field, eight Black general managers in the front office, and four Black head coaches on the sideline. Unfortunately, the owner’s suite still has zero Black majority owners. While it’s been encouraging to see an increase in Black NFL minority owners with Magic Johnson joining the fold alongside other Black NFL minority owners, Warrick Dunn, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Mellody Hobson, and Condoleezza Rice, it’s clear that we have lots of work to do if we want to have a fair share of the pie.
And to be clear, this is not an issue that only plagues the NFL but all major sports leagues in the US. After Michael Jordan’s sale of the Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer, there are 0 Black majority owners across the major sports leagues in the US.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: J. Cole attends the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League between the Charlotte Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs on July 7, 2023 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Some may say the financing rules or the technicalities of the process have led to this gap, but at the most basic level, the racial wealth gap is holding back more Black majority owners in sports. Research shows that white households hold 84% of the total wealth in the US compared to Black families, having 4% of total household wealth despite being 13% of the country’s population. At least $10 trillion in wealth is missing from Black communities due to the historic impact of racism and systematic discrimination.
While the NFL has taken encouraging steps to address racial inequalities inside and outside of the league through a variety of campaigns, initiatives, and collaborations, there is a unique opportunity for the league to lead and model how sports leagues can take the initiative to level the playing field for more Black majority owners.
First, the NFL should commit to holding yearly seminars and symposiums in conjunction with Black leaders across business and finance as an opportunity to build relationships and share tools and tips that will help inform what’s needed to purchase a team. The NFL created a Coaching and Front Office Accelerator that’s yielded meaningful results. My organization, Diverse Representation, is filling the gap around ownership by hosting the first-ever Black Ownership in Sports Symposium in Atlanta to educate Black students and professionals about the inner workings of purchasing and owning professional sports teams. Each major league in North America should systematically work to develop similar programs that intentionally pursue Black leaders who could be prospective owners as teams go up for sale or as leagues expand.
Second, the NFL should charge each franchise in the league to create an employee ownership option for players to gain an ownership stake in the team after retiring. Nearly 60% of NFL players are Black and put their bodies on the line for the sport we know and love. The valuation of NFL teams ranges from $4 billion to $9.2 billion. If each franchise would commit to at least a 1% team investment into an employee-owned trust, it could provide an unprecedented opportunity for players once they retire. This comprehensive model for wealth-building gives players a chance to learn the inner workings of a team and could spread the wealth of knowledge and resources on an entirely new level. Employee ownership models are increasingly growing in support and visibility. The first major league to unlock the potential of this model in sports has an opportunity to yield transformative results.
With this state of play, we’re at a historic pivot point where sports could close opportunity and achievement gaps. As sports ownership becomes increasingly inaccessible due to economic inequality, we risk missing a moment where we can genuinely reset the realm of possibilities for Black athletes and professionals alike. Now is the time to act; otherwise, we risk entering this economic sports boom unprepared, recreating systems and institutions that inevitably leave Black communities behind. We can’t and won’t let that happen.
Jaia Thomas, Esq. is a Sports and Entertainment attorney and the Founder of Diverse Representation, an organization created to increase the hiring and visibility of Black agents, attorneys, managers, publicists, and executives in the sports and entertainment industries.
Meet the Founder Whose Platform Uses AI to Support Black Women Mentally and Emotionally
Nijiama Smalls, Founder and CEO of The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds, has launched a virtual platform that innovatively uses an AI wellness coach named Rashida to connect Black women to an array of mental and emotional health resources. The platform also addresses the unique challenges that women of color face in seeking proper and culturally sensitive mental health support.
Rashida is available in the form of a chatbot and has been meticulously trained to offer a range of services tailored to the needs of Black women, including facilitating connections with qualified therapists, facilitating participation in support groups, and providing therapeutic journal prompts for self-reflection. With an understanding of the cultural nuances and specific experiences that Black women encounter, Rashida will serve as a knowledgeable and empathetic companion on the journey toward healing. The platform’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment fosters open conversations about mental and emotional well-being, dismantling stigma, and promoting self-care practices.
During the current beta testing phase, interested participants have the exclusive opportunity to experience Rashida’s capabilities and contribute to refining the platform’s functionalities. This collaborative approach ensures that the virtual space meets the diverse needs of black women seeking healing and support.
The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds is a timely response to the growing demand for accessible, culturally sensitive mental health resources. By incorporating cutting-edge AI technology, this platform envisions a future where black women can navigate their emotional journeys with confidence, knowing they have an ally in Rashida.
Founder and CEO, Nijiama Smalls, expresses her excitement for the launch, “Our mission is to create a safe haven for black women to embark on their healing journeys. By leveraging AI, we aim to bridge the gap between mental health resources and the women who need them the most. We believe that Rashida’s unique capabilities will empower black women to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.”
Disclaimer: Please be advised that Rashida is an AI-powered virtual wellness coach and not a replacement for professional mental health care. Users in need of urgent support should seek assistance from licensed mental health professionals or crisis hotlines.
Former NBA player Brandon Hunter has recently passed away at 42.
Social media posts from the Boston Celtics and his alma mater, Ohio University, acknowledged his death, although it was not revealed how Hunter died. NBC News reported that he collapsed during a hot yoga session at an Orlando studio, according to his mother-in-law, Carolyn Cliett.
“It was hot yoga, and he did it regularly,” she said. “He was in good shape as far as we know. We’re just shocked.”
🙏
We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter. We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family.
According to WLWT, Hunter played basketball at Withrow High School (Cincinnati, OH) before graduating in 1999, where he left to attend Ohio University. In his four-year collegiate career, he averaged 16.9 points per game and had a career-high 21.5 per game average as a senior. He also led the division, grabbing 12.6 rebounds per game in the 2002-03 school year. He was named to the First Team All-MAC (Middle Atlantic Conference) three times. He was the career leader in rebounds, snatching 1,103 boards while playing at Ohio.
His stellar athleticism earned him induction into both Withrow High School and Ohio University’s Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Ohio, the Boston Celtics drafted Hunter in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft. He played there for one season before he was left unprotected in the 2004 NBA Expansion draft. The Charlotte Bobcats took advantage of that and selected him for its team. He was then traded to the Orlando Magic, where he played 31 games.
NBC News reported that, although he only played for two years in the NBA, he did find work overseas playing for teams in Greece, Italy, Israel, and France. After unlacing his sneakers, Hunter started a sports agency, Hunter Athlete Management, representing professional athletes and coaches worldwide in June 2021.
University Of Alabama Responds To Racist Behavior Of Its Fans
The University of Alabama has condemned the actions of its fans following the football team’s upset loss to the University of Texas. According to a report from ABC News, the university released a statement to the outlet via a spokesperson that strongly denounces a viral video in which Alabama fans could be heard making racist and homophobic references to opposing players.
The University of Alabama’s statement reads, “We are disgusted by reports of vile language and inappropriate behavior Saturday night. To be clear, we condemn this behavior and it will not be tolerated in our venues. It is not representative of UA or our values. We expect all attendees to act with class and respect towards others.”(more…)
Controversial Houston Activist Candice Matthews Exposes Alleged Mismanagement Of City Funds And Files Federal Lawsuit Against Prairie View City Council
Controversial Houston activist Candice Matthews posted a video to her TikTok account showing her calling out a Prairie View City Council member during a council meeting over the mismanagement of city funds.
In the video, Matthews says that the council member used funds from the City of Prairie View to purchase lingerie, repair a classic Corvette, and possibly get the vehicle insured. In the video, members of the council attempt to gain control of the situation but cannot.
According to her website, Matthews is the National Minister of Politics for the New Black Panther Nation and the Statewide/Harris County Accountability Chair for the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats.
Matthews directed her attention to David Allen and called for council members to get the District Attorney to begin the process of impeaching Allen for his alleged behavior while in control of taxpayer funds. Matthews also reminded the audience, “This is what y’all paid for,” while holding up a red brassiere in the general direction of the crowd behind her at the meeting.
In another video posted to her TikTok account from another meeting with the same city council group, Matthews informs the city council that its members will be hit with a federal lawsuit and presented three boxes she said were filled with damning evidence against them. Her proof was pulled directly from a forensic accounting report and correspondence between Matthews and council members, allegedly showing that the city council is responsible for the gross mismanagement of federal funds and is guilty of negligence. At the end of that second video, Prairie View City Council members are served with a federal lawsuit.
Matthews discussed what led to her bringing federal charges against the city council with Phillip Scott in a segment for African Diaspora News in the Longview News-Journal.
Matthews told Scott, “What kills me is you have a lot of our Black people who tell me ‘you going hard on Black people, you going hard on them.’ No, I’m going hard on agents of white supremacy, cause if you doing things and you stealing from your own people and you disenfranchising your own people, you are an agent of white supremacy and I am going to smash the gas on you.”
