University Of Alabama
by Daniel Johnson

September 3, 2024

University Of Alabama Scraps BSU, Queer Resource Center Due To DEI Bill

The University of Alabama, like other universities located in red states, has been affected by Republican-led efforts to end DEI initiatives and resources.

In March, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill effectively banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives from receiving financial support from public universities or receiving state funds.  During the week of Aug. 31, the University of Alabama’s Black Student Union and Safe Zone, a queer resource center, shuttered its on-campus presences in compliance with Alabama’s law. 

According to The Associated Press, the University of Alabama, like other universities located in red states, has been affected by Republican-led efforts to end DEI initiatives and resources. For example, Black students at the University of Missouri were forced to change the name of a gathering focused on the university’s Black students to make it more inclusive. 

Black student unions are part of the fabric of a university’s Black experience at many predominantly white institutions, and the Tuscaloosa chapter of the NAACP has pledged its support in assisting the organization to obtain funding as the university can no longer support the group on campus.

“In Tuscaloosa and across Alabama, organizations like BSU play a critical role in continuing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement,” Tuscaloosa NAACP chapter president Lisa Young told the AP.

In addition to the NAACP’s support, members of the University of Alabama’s Black Alumni Association have reached out to Black Student Union President Jordan Stokes to offer their assistance and support. 

“I don’t think a lot of people really understand or know how much the BSU office meant to so many students, and how many relationships formed, and how many people went through the university and went on to graduate,” Stokes told the AP. “I don’t think the lawmakers really understand that.”

A similar story was told by members of the Queer Student Association, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the queer community on the campus of the University of Alabama. 

Rowan Aldridge, a student who came out as queer in her junior year, told the AP that the loss of Safe Zone changed the way she experiences life at the University of Alabama.

“You don’t realize how assuring a space like that is until it’s gone,” Aldridge said, “And it doesn’t make me feel optimistic about the direction this school is going in if they’re willing to make decisions like this.”

Like the Black Student Union, the Queer Student Association has been forced to lean on outside organizations like the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Human Rights Council and Central Alabama Pride. Queer Student Association President, 21-year-old Bryce Schottelkotte, after all, can only do so much.

“I’m a senior student who is trying to get my degree, pay my rent, and make my money,” Schottelkotte told the AP. “I care very much about QSA, but I just don’t have the time or ability to focus every single thing in my day on QSA.”

RELATED CONTENT: Alabama Governor Signs Bill Banning Diversity Programs In Public Schools And State Universities

laptop. laptops, a day at the lake
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 3, 2024

Atlanta’s Southside Day At The Lake Event Donates A Record Number Of Laptops Just In Time For School

Young Juc and Jermaine Dupri took part in the first Southside Day at The Lake event.

A record number of 1,000 laptops were donated at a local Atlanta event over the Labor Day weekend. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, an inaugural event, Southside Day at The Lake, took place on September 3 and drew hundreds of children and their families.

At this gathering, which was hosted by Atlanta recording artist Young Joc, there were 1,000 new Chromebook laptops distributed to children as part of the Labor Day event.

Young Joc expressed to the media outlet that the giveaways, which were paid for by Quality Control Music (home to artists like Migos, City Girls, Rich the Kid, and Lil Yachty) CEO Pierre “P” Thomas, and the Ludacris Foundation, broke a record as the largest one-time donation of laptops.

“I feel like we’re doing a good thing for the community; we came together to make it happen, and now it’s happening,” the radio host said.

Atlanta big shot, super-producer Jermaine Dupri, also participated in the event.

“It’s a million things you could do with that laptop…all you gotta do is stay in the house and put it to work and do what you gotta do,” Dupri said.

The first Southside Day at The Lake represented folks from the areas of East Point, Jonesboro, Morrow, Fayetteville, South Fulton, Fairburn, Riverdale, Forest Park, Morrow, and College Park, according to a flyer for the event.

Families who attended the event were able to enjoy music, live performances, vendors, and celebrity sightings. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that there was a surprise giveaway of land by the Acre Boyzz, a duo who are dedicated to educating Black Americans about land ownership.

“Most people are familiar with stocks, crypto, Forex, different things like that, but most people do not know how to monetize land, and that’s why we’re bringing it to the community,” one of them told the media outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Is Most Educated City In U.S., Report

University of Virginia,
by Sharelle Burt

September 3, 2024

University of Virginia Pauses Tours After Backlash For Allegedly Mentioning Thomas Jefferson’s Link To Slavery

Why try to hide the truth?

The University of Virginia (UVA) suspended a campus tour program after being criticized for mentioning school founder Thomas Jefferson’s ties to slavery, NBC News reports. 

Officials say the student-led tours provided by University Guide Service have been slacking in attendance by student volunteers and have issues with “consistency” in content, resulting in the pause. However, a conservative alumni group, The Jefferson Council, has been pushing for the tours to end for years, alleging that volunteers were falsely tarnishing the legacy of UVA’s founder.

The school claims it has been “in close contact with the student-led University Guide Service” for two years “to address a trend of issues and concerns surrounding guide attendance and tour consistency and to discuss plans for improvement.” Council President and class of 1974 graduate Thomas Neale says his group is against any whitewashing of Jefferson’s status as a slave owner but wants a bigger contextualization of the third President of the United States and the author behind the Declaration of Independence. 

He also professes that it was pushing Republican state Gov. Glenn Youngkin to place 13 appointees to the school’s 17-member governing board of trustees that led to this decision. “So yeah, we raised the issue, and now that they have 13 (appointees) — and not all of the Youngkin appointees are homogenous, some are fairly moderate — but all of them looked at this and said this has to change,” Neale said.

A spokesperson for UVA, Bethanie Glover, insists the university’s original statement did not cite the Jefferson Council’s ongoing campaign against University Guide Services and says, ” This is more to do with the guides not showing up for their scheduled tours.” 

According to The Daily Progress, UVA’s Vice Provost for Enrollment, Stephen Farmer, also denied changes as an attempt “to shield visitors from truths about the University’s history.” “No administrator at the University has stated or suggested to the Guides that they should falsify the University’s history or avoid the history of enslavement at the University,” Farmer wrote.

Neale feels it should be highlighted that Jefferson signed the prohibition against the importation of enslaved people into law in 1807 and did other “commendable” things. “He’s (Jefferson) quoted by every country in the modern era as having started a democracy,” Neale said. 

“There are many commendable things about him. Of course, mention he was a slave owner. That’s not hidden.” 

Former tour guides claim there was a stricter framework surrounding the tours, including making “historical stops.” When tours stopped on the Lawn, a guide may have told visitors how the school was built, even touching on the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, resulting in student activism.

While the exact reason behind the tours being paused is unclear, a statement from the University Guide Service says there isn’t a clear plan “for how or when we will be allowed to give historical tours in the future.” Historian Niya Bates referred to the tour suspension as “censorship.” “UGS has been widely celebrated for adding the history of slavery and enslaved people — some my ancestors — to tours of UVA grounds. This is not about their performance, it’s about censorship,” Bates said. 

The student-led group hopes to come to terms with the school and restart tours by spring 2025.

Tyrese
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 3, 2024

Tyrese Questions Biden-Harris Administration On Covid Hate Crime Bill

Tyrese says the bill's passing over any other legislation for other minorities makes Black people seem "disposable" to the Biden Harris administration.

Tyrese has some concerns over the COVID-19 Hate Crime Bill, falsely stating the law only protects Asian people.

On Sept.2, the entertainer took to Instagram Live with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to express his thoughts. He spoke on the S.937 Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act, which President Biden signed into law in May 2021. In the clips, he alleges that Biden had “skip[ped]” over other identity groups to enact the legislation. The ShadeRoom reposted footage of his conversation.

“President Biden and Kamala Harris signed an Asian Hate Crime law which makes it beyond illegal to ever purposely or maliciously do anything to harm to anybody in the Asian community,” Tyrese said. “And there was a spike in crimes, criminal behavior, in and around covid, allegedly and specifically motivated by Trump. So everybody start treating Asians [by] beating them, killing them, shooting them, stabbing, [and] hurting them. And then [Biden] gets into the White House. [He] skips over every Black and brown [person], Mexican and Latino that have been getting killed like flies, and he makes it a law.”

Tyrese explained that the bill he believes only protects Asian Americans swiftly passed.

He continued, “Where is that same [inaudible] to be signed into the into law when it comes to brown black and brown people because what you’re doing is President Biden and Kamala Harris. What you’re doing is, you’re saying that black and brown people will continue to be disposable.”

Crump then emphasized the importance of Black people getting out the vote to remedy the issue. He thanked Tyrese for his “courage to speak up” about his controversial take.

“That’s why we got to vote, and we got to make sure our voices are heard,” explained the attorney. “…It matters when we speak up and speak truth to power. When we speak what’s on our heart, we will be heard. But first, you got to have the courage to speak up, and that’s why I love you. Tyrese, you speak your heart.”

However, as Tyrese critiqued the current administration’s efforts to protect Black and brown people, some naysayers called him out for spewing misinformation. Journalist Roland Martin did not hold back in his response to the singer’s accusations, detailing that many bills have been passed that protect Black people in America.

“Tyrese, you do not know what you’re talking about,” he began. “That video where you’re talking about an anti-Asian crime bill, that is a lie. Please learn to fact-check before you start talking.”

He referred to these claims as “nonsense.” He debunked that the Covid-19 Hate Crime bill only protected Asian Americans, as it actually includes protections for all minorities.

“I literally have walked through the bill on my show. In the summary, it talks about the attacks on Asian Americans. It is called the covid 19, specifically, just Covid-19,” he added. “If you actually read the bill, which I’ve done on the air multiple times, it does not only apply to Asian Americans. It applies to everybody. So again, Tyrese, you’re wrong. You are 100% wrong. So please, all of you entertainers, when y’all jump out here and make videos and people run with it, I need you to do some verification. Do some fact-checking before you do that.”

Martin then mentioned the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a lynching bill, and a hate crimes bill to protect Black churches from arson as examples of legislation that protected the Black community. He ended his message as a warning for those like Tyrese to confirm the facts before making such accusations.

“Please call somebody before you start spewing stuff you know nothing about.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tyrese Accused Of ‘Exaggerated Theatrics’ In Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Home Depot

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor
by Black Enterprise

September 3, 2024

How To Stay Mindful and Demure When You Have A Narcissistic Boss

Here are some success skills that will help you navigate narcissism in the workplace

Dear FairyGodMentor,

How do I deal with a narcissistic boss? I’m afraid I’ll lose my job because he always gaslights me and it gives me extreme anxiety. He is causing me mental health issues. What do I do?

Signed, Cindy

Dear Cindy,

Thank you for reaching out and asking for help. It’s a very daunting experience dealing with someone who makes it virtually impossible for you to focus on your performance because of their negative behaviors and treatment. I understand how this manager and their treatment may feel all too consuming but nothing is more important than your health and well-being.

Here are some success skills that will help you navigate narcissism in the workplace behavior:

1. Identify the behavior

WORKPLACE, Bullying, return to office
(Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels)

What feeds a narcissistic boss is manipulation and control. A common tactic that you may have experienced is gaslighting.  Gaslighting is when you’re made to doubt your reality. It’s essential to realize this is “their stuff” and not “your stuff” to own.  Remember that your worth and value are not wrapped up in anything they may say or do.

2. Keep your receipts

follow up, email, contact, birthdays, small stuff, LinkedIn, message, conversation point
(Photo: Katleho Seisa/Getty Images)

I often suggest leaders document conversations and interactions to account for their direct reports’ behavior and performance. I share the same advice for direct reports. Keep detailed accounts of the treatment you’ve encountered, especially when you’ve felt gaslighted or manipulated. Documentation serves two purposes, it’s a record of what’s taken place should you need to escalate the matter to Human Resources (HR) or your compliance department, and it will ground you in reality if you start to doubt yourself.

3. No is a complete sentence

phone call, debt, collections, FTC, communicate, rights, federal trade commission, collections, debt, trips
(Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels)

This may feel impossible at this time, but it’s critical to set clear boundaries. There’s still time to set them! You can set boundaries with this type of boss in several ways: removing yourself from any conversations that aren’t professional, restating or reframing what was said when you feel that manipulation or personal attacks are being made, and working your self-management skills by regulating how you respond to this type of behavior.

4. Get help

Narcissistic, workplace
Photo by FG Trade/Getty Images

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength! You’ve already flexed your “get help” muscles by sending this note over to me. Being treated this way can feel very isolating, but don’t be ashamed of asking for help from your support system. Your support system could look like your family, friends, a mentor, or a therapist. If you feel that this person is violating law, policy, or your physical and/or psychological safety, talk to HR – immediately. HR can step in, document your concerns, and take additional corrective action steps.

5. Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow

Job Skills, Work, future proof,
(Photo: Getty Images)

You may want to take a pause for the cause and think about your future. Dust off that resume, keep in touch with your network, and maybe enlist the support of a career coach to keep you motivated on your path to career success. I know a great coach if you need one! (hint, hint).

6. Self-care isn’t selfish

Black Restaurant, Washington D.C., Baltimore
(Photo: Getty Images)

This whole workplace experience has taken a toll on you! It is not selfish to prioritize self-care.  Self-care isn’t always taking bubble baths and eating bonbons. Do what energizes you. Take on activities that decrease anxiety and keep you feeling grounded. Whether it’s taking a break to breathe a few deep breaths, exercise, or meditation. Take a deep breath right now. Do you feel that air in your lungs rushing in and escaping? That’s your body reminding you that there’s only one you in the world and you have a lot of magic to do while you’re here. You matter!


Cindy, your career is very important, but your mental and physical well-being are just as important. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Protect your peace at all costs. Self-advocacy gives you your control back. When you raise your voice, you raise your value. You have the power to create the type of work environment that builds you up and doesn’t tear you down. You can decide to bloom where you’re planted or uproot yourself and plant yourself in another garden where you’re valued and respected. The choice is always yours to make.

Keep your head up, Cindy! You got this!

With love and light,

Your FairyGodMentor®

Have a question about handling a micromanager, are you having difficulty navigating spaces because of your hair, is work stressing you out, do you need support coaching poor performance or are you wondering how to negotiate and get the job offer you desire, effectively? Do you have any questions about career and leadership development? 

Ask Your FairyGodMentor® here.

Joyel Crawford, Fairygodmentor, Ask Your Fairygodmentor, Column
(Image courtesy of Kirsten White Photography)

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that develops empowered, results-driven leaders through engaging leadership development coaching, training, and facilitation. She is the author of the best-selling book and audiobook Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Emmett Till,
by Stacy Jackson

September 3, 2024

NOLA Artist Constructs Large Wooden Quilt With Debris From Emmett Till’s Chicago Home

Jean-Marcel St. Jacques' wooden quilt will be displayed in the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley House museum in 2026.

The latest masterpiece from New Orleans artist Jean-Marcel St. Jacques is a large wooden quilt constructed from preserved bits of Emmett Till’s family home in Woodlawn.

The artwork, which pays homage to the 14-year-old who was lynched by white supremacists in Mississippi over 60 years ago, will be displayed at the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum, the historic Chicago residence of Till, his mother, uncle, and cousins. “This particular [artwork] is about overcoming that grief and focusing on the strength of his mother, his grandmother, who bought the house, and your people that came out here and bought property that became a foundation for folks to establish a Northern presence,” said St. Jacques, according to Book Club Chicago.

The artist, discovered by Blacks in Green Founder Naomi Davis during a NOLA staff retreat, created the quilt from scrap wood and debris from renovations made to the home. The quilt is an extension of African traditions. “This practice I’m doing ain’t nothing new — I’ll blame it on the ancestors,” said St. Jacques, who used nails throughout the piece as a salute to Kongo priests and artists who placed nails in power figures called nkisi nkondi as part of a ritual to settle disputes or punish wrongdoers.

Davis envisions the quilt as a “point of entry” for Woodlawn residents to discover the deep history of their community’s role in Black history. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Till was abducted and lynched by white men in Mississippi in 1955 after he was accused of flirting with a white woman in a grocery store. The 14-year-old was kidnapped and tortured before he was shot in the head and tossed into the Tallahatchie River. His mother allowed the public to see her son’s body during an open-casket funeral, marking a significant moment for the Civil Rights Movement.

Blacks In Green stated that its restoration of Till’s childhood home will welcome the Chicago community into the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley House, a museum, theater, and heritage hub commemorating the legacy of the Till family. St. Jacques’ quilt, a collaborative project with fellow friend and art professor Michelle Renee Perkins, will be displayed as a “teaching tool” inside the museum. The NOLA artist is working to construct 14 smaller quilts to auction off in support of the museum’s development and honor the ancestral history of sustainability by using materials that are decades old.

The museum is scheduled to open in 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Statue Honoring Emmett Till’s Mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, Unveiled at Argo Community High School

model, stabbing, nyc
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 3, 2024

Florida Father, Stepmother Charged In Abuse, Killing Of 9-Year-Old Girl

Tyshael Martin and Lojuan Sessions are charged in the killing of Jamaria Sessions

On August 28, a Florida woman was arrested and charged for allegedly abusing and killing her boyfriend’s daughter. Several days later, the father of the victim was also arrested for allegedly allowing the mistreatment to take place.

According to Spectrum News 13, Tyshael Martin is facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect in the death of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions. On August 30, Jamaria’s biological father, Lojuan Sessions, was arrested, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office recommended he be charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child.

The medical examiner found that Jamaria’s death was caused by blunt injuries to her head and body. The girl also had a burn on her foot, Mynews13 reported. Authorities believe the child died after sustaining a pattern of abuse.

Investigators found a home video from the family’s security system that revealed some of the abuse Jamaria purportedly endured. There is footage of the girl being attacked by the family’s dog, and it shows Martin instigating the attack while allegedly holding the leash. Other footage showed Martin hitting Jamaria and dragging her motionless body across the floor.

An affidavit read that when first responders arrived at the place she shared with Lojuan, Martin told them that she was Jamaria’s stepmother and that she found the girl “unresponsive and cold to the touch” when she woke up on June 17.

Investigators noticed Jamaria’s body was riddled with a “significant number of abrasions, small punctures, burns, possible bite marks, and bruising” when they arrived at the residence.

On June 18, the medical examiner didn’t have an exact cause of death, but stated the nine-year-old had superficial injuries that “appeared to be torture.”

The affidavit of probable cause filed on August 29 states that Lojuan helped Martin in the discipline and physical and mental abuse that the 9-year-old suffered, based on statements and evidence collected from digital forensics of cellular phones. In text messages, investigators say that the two adults often made jokes about the conditions that were created for Jamaria as she suffered through extreme exercise and physical abuse, describing them as “BootCamp.”

Lojuan Sessions is currently on felony probation after he was previously convicted of two counts of child neglect, fleeing a law enforcement officer, trafficking in MDMA, and aggravated assault.

RELATED CONTENT:Chrystul Kizer, Child Sex-Trafficking Victim Who Killed Her Abuser, Sentenced To 11 Years

Ghostface Killah, Wu-Tang Clan, Keurig
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 3, 2024

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah Pours Up New K-Cups In Keurig Collaboration

Killah Koffee k-pods will come in two flavors to initiate the launch.

Wu-Tang Clan’s very own Ghostface Killah is expanding his gourmet coffee brand to K-Cups with Keurig.

Killah Koffee will now be available in single-serve pods for Keurig owners to enjoy at home. The brand, launched in 2021 by the rapper, will also have two of its blends available in the pods. The Supreme Dark Roast and the medium roast, deemed Shaolin Cannoli, will take part in the launch.

Ghostface also announced a sweepstakes to celebrate the new collaboration.

“Yo, this the Killah Koffee and Keurig sweepstakes,” wrote the 54-year-old. “Mad giveaways. We got a custom brewer. We got autographed canvases, we’re giving everything away, and mad Killah Koffee merch. Limited edition on everything. Aight? No doubt.”

The custom brewer comes in the brand’s signature purple with Ghostface’s logo featured on the product’s side.

Moreover, Killah Koffee hosts a wide range of flavors, including vanilla milkshake, marble cake, and chocolate chip mint. While the company is getting a major boost through this new partnership, its owner’s Staten Island roots remain integral to the brand. Their brick-and-mortar store opened in May 2022, while the venture continues to thrive on the internet.

“Killah Koffee is one of the few Black-owned businesses—and the only one owned by a hip-hop artist—on Staten Island,” explained its website. “Ghostface Killah, rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan, opened the brick-and-mortar location in West Brighton after a year of successful online sales. The quaint coffee shop brews the finest arabica coffee beans, has a small selection of store-branded merchandise, and is a great stop for a quick hot brew to go while exploring many of the other sites on the island.”

Even if one cannot win the sweepstakes, Killah Koffee still hosts a variety of merch for hip-hop enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. From mugs, beanies, tumblers, and varsity jackets, all can show their pride in the Black-owned coffee brand.

As for its latest product, the exclusive coffee pods are available on Keurig’s website.

RELATED CONTENT: Martin Shkreli Has To Give Up His Copies Of Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon A Time in Shaolin’

Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Georgia, Black voters
by Sharelle Burt

September 3, 2024

Trump Campaign Drops ‘I’m Not With Her’ Video Of Black Women Against Kamala Harris 

Can't get all of them....

Former President Donald Trump released a new video, “I’m Not With Her,” featuring a montage of Black women who claim they won’t be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024, NBC News reports. 

Released on Aug. 28, the video is a new attempt from the Trump-Vance campaign to garner support from Black women voters ahead of the presidential election. More than a dozen women make an appearance, some from key battleground states, expressing their opposition to Harris and claiming the HBCU graduate is out of touch with Black voters. “I and millions of other Black Americans will cast my vote for Donald J. Trump,” voter Bebe Diamond of New York City said in the video.

Trump has his work cut out for him in grabbing the full attention of Black women — the same demographic where 90% voted for President Joe Biden in 2020. Traditionally, Black voters vote on the Democratic ticket. Following the 2024 Democratic National Convention, polls show Harris narrowing in on Trump. According to Axios, Harris has 48% support from survey respondents over Trump’s 47%. She also led by two points — 47% to 45% — on an independent and third-party candidate ballot. 

Outside of the one woman from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who suggested her support of Trump comes from the “economic policies our country experienced under his leadership as our 45th president,” the other women didn’t elaborate on why they were not supporting the vice president in her quest for the White House. In a statement regarding the video, the director of the Trump campaign’s Black media, Janiyah Thomas, says the video is a play on how the Democratic Party has looked past Black issues for years. “Black voters have been taken for granted by the Democratic Party for years, but President Trump’s message is resonating at historic levels because he is doing the work and meeting voters where they are,” Thomas said, according to the Chicago Defender. 

The Harris campaign clapped back on the comments, saying the numbers paint a different picture as Black women have been mobilizing on historic levels to ensure Harris wins. “Let’s not forget that the electric mobilization efforts that we have seen across the country for the Harris-Walz ticket was led by tens of thousands of Black women who came together less than twenty-four hours after Vice President Harris launched her candidacy — raising seven figures for the new Harris for President campaign,” Harris’ director of Black media, Jasmine Harris, said.

On social media, the video is receiving mixed reviews. MAGA supporters are singing praises of unity, with other Black women who didn’t make the cut wanting to be added. “Add me on that list too,” @peggydodson wrote. 

Others called out how a little over 12 women won’t make much of a difference. “Geez, only 12!?! White women for Harris had over 200,000 and 44,000 Black women for Harris,” @dividedwefa11 said. 

The unidentified social media user continued to highlight that over 200 Republicans formerly working for the Bush, Cheney, and McCain administrations issued support for Harris over the nominee of their own party. “Wow, you found 12 black women to say they’re not voting for Harris. Wow over 200 Bush, Cheney, and McCain administrations just came out and said they are not supporting Trump along with every living president and vice president along with 90% of his own cabinet and even multiple family members and they condemn Trump and warning us of Trump 2.0.,” she said. 

“Read that again because I don’t think your 12 people hold a candle to all of the people that know him best.”

RELATED CONTENT: Olympic Gold Medal Winner Stephen Curry Endorses Kamala Harris For President

AI, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
by Daniel Johnson

September 3, 2024

Asphalt Paving Systems To Pay $1.25M To Settle EEOC Racism Lawsuit

According to the EEOC’s press release, in addition to paying the EEOC the reported sum, the company will also be required to pay out comprehensive injunctive relief to affected employees. 

Asphalt Paving Systems, an asphalt paving company that maintains offices in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Tennessee, has agreed to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for $1.25 million.

According to the EEOC, in addition to paying the EEOC the reported sum, the company will also be required to pay out comprehensive injunctive relief to affected employees. 

The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that the company maintained a system of frequent and severe race-based harassment of 12 Black former employers and several Black employees at the company. The lawsuit describes alleged degrading and humiliating circumstances the employees were subjected to, including being called racial slurs like “the n-word,” “monkey,” and “boy.”

In addition to this, Black employees were allegedly forced to work in pouring rain storms, while white employees watched and forced them to use the restroom outside while white employees were allowed to use the facilities inside. The EEOC’s lawsuit also alleges that the work environment the company created was made worse by physically threatening conduct from managers and supervisors. In one instance, a gun was reached for at a worksite. At other worksites, firearms were routinely brought to worksites, generally a violation of most workplace standards, according to GovDocs. 

As a result of these actions and its inaction on behalf of the company’s Black employees, APS will also be required to provide special training on race-based discrimination to its managers and human resources personnel, and they will have to appoint a monitor unaffiliated with its organization to review any complaints of racial harassment. This monitor will also regularly report any harassment complaints and steps the company takes to address said reaction to the EEOC. 

According to the EEOC’s Charlotte A. Burrows, the case speaks to the continued necessity of the EEOC to monitor racial discrimination in the workplace. 

“This case underscores the urgent need for the EEOC’s ongoing efforts to eliminate racism in the construction industry,” Burrows said. “The EEOC will continue to use all its tools—including vigorous enforcement and litigation where necessary—to address these systemic problems and promote safe and inclusive workplaces for all.”

EEOC Regional Attorney Kirsten M. Foslid echoed Burrows’ sentiment in her own statement, “No employee should have to work in an environment that is openly hostile to them because of their race,” Foslid said. “The abhorrent treatment that these workers endured is unacceptable anywhere, but especially in the workplace. The EEOC will continue to work vigorously to protect employees’ right to earn a living without being subjected to discrimination.”

RELATED CONTENT: EEOC Cancels One-Day Furlough, Will Use Savings To Stay Open

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