damon dash, roc-a-fella shares, New York

by Daniel Johnson

November 17, 2024

Dame Dash’s Roc-A-Fella Records Shares Now Belong To New York State

A New York State representative placed the winning $1 million bid.

On Nov. 14, an anonymous Albany representative purchased the one-third share of Roc-A-Fella Records formerly owned by Dame Dash.

According to WBLS, the representative placed a winning bid of $1 million that far outpaced other bids of $250,000 and $223,000.

The purchase was facilitated through the use of a creditor bid, which allows the state to acquire the stake without having to pay the amount at the time of purchase.

The State of New York intends to resell the stake in an effort to recover some of the funds spent without taking on any additional risk in an effort to collect on Dash’s $8.7 million debt.

In addition, $193,000 of the sale will be set aside to address Dash’s unpaid child support.

Roc-A-Fella Records was founded by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in 1994.

Previously, Carter tried to block the sale by asserting that the rights to Reasonable Doubt, his debut album, would revert to him in 2031, but this was challenged by city attorneys who argued that Carter’s statements were misleading and could deter potential bidders and damage the credibility of the auction.

Natraj Bhushan, one of Dash’s lawyers, noted that Carter’s absence was curious.

“I think it’s surprising not to see Mr. Carter here bidding on a one-third interest. Now he has the government involved in his affairs,” Bhushan said.

Although on paper, New York State is set to take an active role in managing the piece of Roc-A-Fella formerly owned by Dash, its sole interest in the asset seems to be about generating a sale of the part of the company it now owns, although it remains to be seen if it finds a buyer.

Chris Brown, an attorney representing plaintiffs owed money by Dash, indicated said he would be working with New York State and New York City.

lawsuit, NY mayor, Amityville, Discrimination, racism, Lawsuit

by Daniel Johnson

November 17, 2024

Former NY Mayor Accused Of Racism In Lawsuit: ‘Blacks Should Stay With Blacks’

An employee alleges that the former mayor of Amityville, Long Island, Peter Imbert, told him: 'Whites should stay with whites and Blacks should stay with Blacks.'

Peter Imbert, the former Republican mayor of Amityville, Long Island, New York,, faces allegations of pressuring employees to use drugs and engage in racist behavior.

The accusations come from current employee Ralph Guarino in a lawsuit filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights.

According to The Daily Beast, Guarino alleges in the lawsuit that Imbert, the head of RCI Industries, told him at one point that “whites should stay with whites and Blacks should stay with Blacks.”

According to The New York Post, Guarino’s mother, Irene, a vice president at the company, also filed a verified complaint against Imbert for retaliation after she complained about the alleged mistreatment of her son by Imbert.

Imbert did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the New York Post. Guarino did tell the newspaper that Imbert cultivated an atmosphere of fear. According to Guarino’s lawsuit, Imbert maintained a “secret room” in his house, stored with assault weapons such as AK-47 and AR-15 assault rifles.

“For the last 10 years, I’ve constantly been on edge around him, just ready for him to snap,” Guarino said. “For two years, every day, I…did anything he wanted. I fear the guy. He once told me he has ‘No one to answer to but God.’”

Imbert also allegedly mentioned his fizzling sex life with his wife to Guarino and insinuated that his father didn’t like his wife because “she wouldn’t play along” when his father would grab her rear end.

Both Ralph and Irene Guarino are still employed by RCI Industries. Ralph Guarino’s lawsuit against Imbert seeks unspecified damages.

David H. Rosenberg, a lawyer for the pair, told the New York Post that the work environment created by Imbert was hostile. “I am proud of my clients for having the courage and bravery to prosecute these discrimination and retaliation claims,” he added.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2024

Male Model, 20, Charged With Fatally Stabbing Man In NYC Apartment Lobby

Saxon now faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

A 20-year-old male model has been charged with stabbing a man at an apartment lobby in New York City.

According to Fox News Digital, authorities arrested Dynus Saxon on Nov. 15 for his alleged involvement in the killing of Kadeem Grant, 35, who was found stabbed to death in the middle of a Mott Haven apartment building lobby on Nov. 10.

“[P]olice responded to a 911 call of a male stabbed inside of 384 Grand Concourse, within the confines of the 40 Precinct,” the New York Police Department said in a statement. “Upon arrival, officers observed a 35-year-old male with a stab wound to the chest. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the male deceased at the scene.”

Saxon now faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

“I heard that there was, like, tons of blood in the lobby,” explained one woman, whose brother took photos of the crime scene. “The guy that my brother showed me, he looked very bloody, like he was in his underwear or something. …He looked super bloody.

She added, “He was, like, just laying on the ground, handcuffed behind his back, cops everywhere.”

At his arraignment, Saxon had a bandage covering his right hand.

Currently held without bail, Saxon will remain detained until his Dec. 3 court date. Prosecutors have yet to reveal a motive for the stabbing.

Before his arrest, Saxon worked as a model and was represented by ONE Management.

“We once represented him,” explained a spokesperson to Fox News Digital. “However, we do not currently represent Dynus, and he is not currently associated with ONE.”

Kiyan Anthony, LaLa< Syracuse, Carmelo, basketball

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2024

Carmelo And La La Anthony’s Son, Kiyan, Follows Dad; Will Play Basketball At Syracuse

He revealed his choice on his dad's podcast.

Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has decided to follow his dad and play collegiate basketball at Syracuse University next season.

The soon-to-be college freshman revealed his decision with his parents during an episode of his father’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.

Carmelo Anthony won an NCAA championship at Syracuse in 2003. His number 15 is retired by the school, which has long been a basketball powerhouse. Dave Bing, Derrick Coleman, and Rony Seikaly all had successful NBA careers after leaving central New York.

As for Carmelo Anthony, he was named one of the NBA’s Top 75 players and is considered a lock for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

According to the New York Post, Kiyan choice was between his dad’s alma mater or the University of Southern California.

In the end, the 6-foot-5 guard decided to keep it in the family.

“The coaches (at Syracuse) were on me the earliest and they’ve been recruiting me since day one,” Kiyan Anthony previously told 247Sports.com. “They really believe in me. My guy Sadiq [White] is already going there and they’re trying to get a few more players for 2025. I feel like they’re really building something there and if I were to go there I could be a part of that.”

Syracuse also confirmed that Kiyan, who plays at Lutheran High School, will join its roster.

However, Syracuse is not bringing the junior Anthony on board solely for familial ties. The four-star prospect is considered the top player in New York. He also holds a national rank of #34 and is the sixth-best shooting guard, according to 247Sports.com

The proud parents showed an accompanying video that shows Kiyan’s love of the game.

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Three Adults arrested, Child Endangerment, 6-Year-Old, Dryer

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2024

Trio Accused of Locking 6-Year-Old In Dryer and Starting It in Houston Laundromat

Reportedly the boy was punished for being upset after losing a bag of chips.

Three young adults have been detained for child endangerment after locking a 6-year-old in a dryer and starting the machine.

Texas authorities arrested Duncan Haven, Jaqory Gill, and Life Ford for their alleged involvement on Nov. 11. According to the Harris County Constable 4 precinct, the trio locked the young boy into the dryer at a Houston laundromat.

When police arrived at the scene, they found the child “visibly shaking and crying.”

Gill, 20, tried to evade arrest, according to police with Ford allegedly blocking an officer from getting to Gill. Gill was later contacted through FaceTime on the victim’s mother’s phone and agreed to turn himself in.

The other suspect, 18-year-old Haven Duncan, had a firearm in his possession. Police detained him at the scene.

Police say the child was “punished” for getting upset after losing a bag of chips. Duncan put the boy into the machine, blocking him from escaping as Ford closed the door. According to an affidavit obtained by People, Duncan “repositioned” the boy, who had originally used his feet in an attempt to free himself. Gill then used his own debit or credit card to turn the machine on.

According to the affidavit, the boy was left in the machine for one minute before he was released. However, they proceeded to then aggressively spin him around in a cart. Bystanders and onlookers called the authorities after noticing the boy locked in the dryer.

When the boy’s mother arrived, she allegedly yelled at the child for “being a baby.” While authorities separated the mother from the boy, she has not faced any charges.

It remains unclear of the trio’s relationship with the young boy. While Gill and Ford were released on $100 bonds, Haven was detained on a $75,000 bond.

women's wrestling, Delaware State University,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2024

Delaware State To Become First HBCU With Division 1 Women’s Wrestling Program

The school expects to start its first season during the 2025-26 school year.

Delaware State University will become the first HBCU to have a Division 1 Women’s Wrestling program.

The school made the announcement on Nov. 7. It will partner with the HBCU wrestling initiative, which has so far given $1.25 million to the program’s development.

“This announcement is not only about wrestling; it’s about expanding access to life-changing opportunities,” said Jahi Jones, executive director of HBCU Wrestling. “At HBCU Wrestling, we’ve built a foundation that now allows young women to succeed, thrive, and lead while still being in an environment where they feel seen, valued, and loved. This program aligns with the incredible growth of women’s wrestling nationwide, and I look forward to a strong, lasting partnership with Delaware State University that will inspire and empower future generations.”

Delaware State was the last HBCU to host a wrestling program, but it was discontinued in 2009 due to financial and compliance challenges.

The first women’s season is expected to start during the 2025-26 school year. The official start aligns with women’s wrestling likely upgrade to hosting a NCAA championship.

Jahi added, “I don’t think the timing could have been any better than what it is right now, having a full year to be able to get a coach in place and recruiting girls and being able to go in running—the timing is perfect. And then just being able to be a part of that inaugural championship— it’s huge.”

The school’s place in the world of wrestling also lies with one of its alumni, Toccara Montgomery, the first Black woman to wrestle for the United States in the 2004 Olympic Games.

“Seeing Delaware State launch the first-ever Division 1 women’s wrestling team at an HBCU is a powerful moment that feels like the realization of a dream,” explained Montgomery. “When I held a camp at DSU not long ago, I saw firsthand the excitement and potential in the athletic staff and community. This new program is more than just an opportunity—it’s a historic step forward that will inspire young women of color to chase their passions and know they belong at the highest levels of sport.”

While Morgan State brought back men’s wrestling in 2023, Delaware State will remain the sole HBCU with a women’s team.

“The partnership with HBCU Wrestling gives our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire others,” said Alecia Shields, Delaware State’s athletic director. “We are excited for this new chapter and the impact it will have for years to come.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2024

Pharrell Williams Redefines American Dream: ‘Spend Your Time Doing What You Love, Not Chasing Money’

'If you can find a vocation around something that you love, you now have a dream job. You will be the first one there and you'll be the last one to leave.'

Pharrell Williams is challenging the concept of the American dream by urging people to pursue their true passions, trusting that the money will follow.

The Grammy-winning producer, fashion designer, and philanthropist was at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal.

Considering Pew Research’s findings that 47% of Americans believe the dream is no longer attainable or never existed, Williams explored why this ideal is losing its grip on the public imagination.

“In my country we are raised to think about how to make the most money because our parents thought that way,” Williams said, according to Fortune. “They had this false sense of what the American dream is or should be.

“The American dream is not about making the most money,” he added. “In fact, the human dream and the consumers’ dream shouldn’t be about making the most money. It should be about spending the most time doing something that you love.”

Louis Vuitton men’s creative director cited the pressures many people feel from their parents in pursuing certain career paths that can secure high salaries and job security.

“But then some of you go to college and as you’re taking that major you find out, ‘You know what, I know my mom and dad have spent all this money and they’re gonna be really pissed but I’m changing my major.’ And you are happy,” Williams said.

The Piece by Piece star highlighted how many people end up hating their jobs after pursuing careers solely for financial security, rather than following their true passions. Williams emphasized that by pursuing a career aligned with your natural interests, the money will eventually come.

“If you can find a vocation around something that you love, you now have a dream job. You will be the first one there and you’ll be the last one to leave,” Williams added.

“To me, that is what we should be telling our children—that is the way that we should be leading society—for people to do what they love.”

by Daniel Johnson

November 17, 2024

Ex-Detroit Nonprofit CFO Admits To Stealing $44M From Organization

Smith pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.

William Smith, former CFO at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, pleaded guilty on Nov. 15 to a battery of financial crimes, including the theft of $44 million from the organization which resulted in delays to a major riverfront project.

According to Fortune, the 52-year-old Smith was arrested in June and investigators alleged that he routinely used money from the organization’s coffers for travel, hotels, limousine, clothing, and jewelry.

Smith pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges in his appearance in court on Nov. 15, and acknowledged that the loss of money for the non-profit was at least $44 million.

Smith could face more than 15 years in prison when he returns to court in March 2025 for his sentencing.

According to Cheyvoryea Gibson, Detroit’s leader of the FBI, “Mr. Smith’s deceitful actions, which spanned for more than a decade, not only broke the trust of his employer but the entire community.”

Conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan’s statement to the Detroit Free Press, noted that Smith’s actions have led the organization to implement reforms designed to prevent similar situations in the future. Sullivan emphasized that these measures aim to reinforce accountability and ensure greater oversight within the organization.

The embezzlement scheme involved Smith wiring $24 million in funds from the organization to one of his companies and another $15 million to American Express to pay off credit cards held by himself and his family, according to federal prosecutors.

Smith’s activity somehow went undetected until March 2024, when an internal audit was initiated and the findings of the investigation were turned over to the Michigan State Police and, after that, the FBI.

Smith also allegedly took out a $5 million line of credit in 2023 using paperwork that was forged to hide the group’s cash flow issues. There is a separate civil forfeiture case and a local civil lawsuit against Smith; both are currently ongoing.

Smith has also had $39 million of his assets frozen in the federal case, except for up to $3,421 a month for a rental property Smith maintains. A temporary restraining order allows for the controlled sale of Smith’s property with proceeds preserved for the benefit of Smith’s victims and subject to court approval.

Janelle Bynum, Oregon, Black Congress Member

by Daniel Johnson

November 17, 2024

Meet Janelle Bynum, Oregon’s First Black Congress Member

Bynum's win was a bright spot in an otherwise awful election period for Democrats.

Janelle Bynum has become the first Black Congress member from Oregon, a state that was created as a white supremacist haven through a series of laws excluding Black people from settling there from the 1840s through 1857.

According to The Associated Press, Bynum received support from national Democrats. That helped the party flip the seat back to Blue for the first time in 25 years.

“It’s not lost on me that I am one generation removed from segregation. It’s not lost on me that we’re making history,” Bynum said in a Nov. 8 press conference. “And I am proud to be the first, but not the last, Black member of Congress in Oregon.”

Bynum continued, “But it took all of us working together to flip this seat, and we delivered a win for Oregon. We believed in a vision and we didn’t take our feet off the gas until we accomplished our goals.”

Bynum’s opponent, Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, conceded the race on Nov. 7.

According to The New York Times, Bynum’s win was a bright spot in an otherwise awful week of election results for Democrats.

Bynum won her election in large part reportedly due to her ability to come across to voters in the state as a level-headed leader, but she did not shy away from embracing her identity during her campaign.

According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Bynum impressed upon reporters that although the race had concluded, the work was just beginning.

“It’s time that Oregon 5 is represented by a true member of their community, someone who shows up when they’re needed and stands up for them even when the problems are hard,” she told reporters on Nov. 8. “I want every single person in this state to know that their children will be able to build a life here, to afford a house, to get a job that pays well, to build a retirement and to watch their children build their own lives in this state, to know that they are able to give their kids more opportunities than they had themselves.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2024

The Upper Room: Atlanta’s New Community Bar Uniting Locals With Coffee, Bites, And Black-Owned Spirits

The lounge is located in the city's popular Ponce City Market.

There’s a new community spot in Atlanta’s popular Ponce City Market aiming to unite people with a specially curated menu of coffee, light bites, and Black-owned spirit brands.

Founded by restaurateur Kelsey Maynor, who co-owns Atlanta Breakfast Club and Le Petite Marche, and marketer and actor Shakirah DeMesier, The Upper Room is a lounge and event space offering a diverse menu of coffees, teas, matcha, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and a curated selection of Black-owned wines and beers.

On the food side, guests can enjoy snacks like white truffle–Parmesan popcorn, charcuterie, and dishes such as jerk plantain patties, curry chicken salad, and Caesar salad.

“We wanted to create a brand that gives our friends’ brands exposure,” Maynor told Atlanta Magazine. “The drinks and food are the culmination of flavor profiles we enjoy.”

The new coffee shop and bar, open Wednesday to Sunday, was made with the community in mind. The founders envisioned “a vibrant haven where people could come together to work, unwind, and host unforgettable events, creating a true community bar space,” Maynor said.

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Along with coffee, tea, spirits, and light bites, The Upper Room offers a range of hands-on classes, providing patrons an opportunity to connect with friends and meet new people.

The cocktail menu highlights Black-owned spirits, featuring drinks like the Dyl (Bayab gin, spiced pear liqueur, lemon juice, butterfly pea, and St. Germaine) and the Fall of Eden (Uncle Nearest whiskey, Mercier apple butter, cherry liqueur, and bitters).

Every Friday, cocktail classes showcase a different Black-owned liquor brand, such as Reyalibre tequila and Uncle Nearest whiskey. Attendees learn about the brand’s history, the techniques of shaking versus stirring, and how to create signature cocktails using these spirits.

During fall, patrons can enjoy coffee-cupping classes that teach the different distinctions of coffee. The Upper Room also collaborates with Linwood Court Candles at Citizen Supply for candle-making classes where folks can enjoy a drink special of two cocktails for $25.

With its floral and greenery design, the 16-seat bar with cozy couches hopes to become the home away from home for locals.

“It feels like your favorite nook at home or the space you go in your grandma’s living room. It feels like comfort,” DeMesier said. “You can sit and stay awhile. It’s a friendly and open place.”