Texas Law Firm Fights Back Against State Law Banning Critical Race Theory In Lesson Plans
Attorneys from Texas-based law firm Thompson & Horton LLP are helping educators contend with the state’s ban on the teaching of critical race theory in classrooms, Yahoo News reports.
During the Texas Association of School Boards’ annual conference earlier in October, Thompson & Horton LLP presented a detailed approach to incorporating historically accurate learning into lesson plans without breaking the newly enforced laws.
“So, Senate Bill 3 does prohibit a teacher or school district from requiring an understanding of the 1619 Project,” said Ashley White, senior associate at Thompson & Horton during the conference. “However, it doesn’t prohibit a student from choosing to do an assignment on the 1619 Project; it doesn’t prohibit the teacher from having the 1619 Project among a number of other books that the students could select from related to a project; it also doesn’t prohibit a teacher from assigning an article that might have a concept from the 1619 Project.”
White explained that students can use banned reading and learning materials to support their own exploration in the classroom without it technically falling under attack by Texas lawmakers.
“So, for example, if they have an article that’s about the fact that every musical genre in America was kind of born from Black roots, that is a concept that comes from the 1619 Project and that would still be allowed,” she explained.
A video from the presentation made its way to conservative outlet Accuracy in Media, which accused Thompson & Horton LLP of following a recent trend of “pushing the radical principles associated with critical race theory, no matter what” in an attempt to “indoctrinate kids,” per Yahoo News. The law firm vehemently denied the accusations saying, the “nature of our presentation” was a focus on “explaining Senate Bill 3, its provisions, and how schools can remain in compliance” and not to “endorse or encourage any actions that would circumvent laws.”
Naomi Osaka Focused On ‘Loving Yourself’ After Wiping Instagram Clean Of Cordae
There could be trouble in paradise for Naomi Osaka and Cordae after the tennis star shared a few cryptic messages amid the removal of her boyfriend from her Instagram.
Osaka celebrated her 26th birthday on Oct. 17, and shared a post that didn’t included her rapper boyfriend Cordae.
“Big Libra Vibes,” she captioned her Instagram post that showed her wearing a printed dress while standing in a tropical oasis.
Amid Osaka’s cryptic tweets, many have noticed the subtle removal of Cordae from her Instagram page. The pair have been dating since 2019 and welcomed their daughter Shai in July 2023.
Known for maintaining their privacy and only teasing their romance on social media, Osaka and Cordae have not commented on their rumored breakup. But she’s previously gushed about the rapper to her fans and followers.
In January 2022, Osaka celebrated Cordae before he released his second album.
“Getting closer to someone and seeing how much love and dedication they put into their craft is truly inspiring,” Osaka wrote in the since-deleted Instagram post. “Makes you feel like some people are born to do certain things.”
She added, “@cordae you’re a star and a light, quite literally brighten up every room you walk in (or maybe it’s your hair lol). Congratulations on your 2nd album, proud of you ❤️.”
Cordae returned the love in the comment, telling the WTA Singles champion, “I LOVE U 2 DEATH !! U TRULY MY RIDE OR DIE BONNIE AND CLYDE JUST WAY MORE FLY.”
EdTrust Report Says Anti-DEI Policies On College Campuses Are Making Students Of Color Feel Unwelcome
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court banning affirmative action in college admission and pressure from conservative parents and organizations, colleges are discontinuing their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. A new report from EdTrust shows minority students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs ) feel more unwelcome.
The students expressed frustration concerning the lack of minority classmates and faculty at their schools. Additionally, the students were disappointed in the failures of administrators to recognize, report, and handle incidents of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions.
“There’s been a lot of incidents in classes on campus where White teachers or non-students of color have created racial issues, and [my campus] has continued to really just to look over and continue on with their day,” a Latino student said in the report.
EdTrust Senior Policy Analyst and Report Author Jessie Hernandez-Reyes said schools across the country are reversing the DEI policies they announced during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, and it is negatively affecting minority students attending PWIs.
“Despite numerous pledges to address campus diversity from university leadership, many students of color continue to report feelings of isolation, have limited support, and don’t trust campus leadership to appropriately resolve or address racial incidents,” Hernandez-Reyes said in a statement. “University leadership must act to address poor campus racial culture, as research consistently shows that students of color’s experiences on college campuses significantly affect their sense of belonging, perseverance, and graduation rates.”
EdTrust researchers say it’s paramount that the nation’s colleges reflect its growing diversity, and university leaders must create supportive and inclusive environments, where minority students feel safe and can thrive.
To achieve inclusive environments EdTrust researchers recommend:
Survey Reveals Sharp Rise In Job-Based Health Insurance Premiums, With Family Coverage Nearing $24,000 Annually
Employees have seen a significant increase in their job-based health insurance premiums this year. According to a survey conducted by KFF, the average cost of family coverage is close to $24,000 annually, which is a 7% increase from last year.
Employees are paying an average $6,575 for their share of their healthcare premium, an 8% increase from last year.
Deductibles, which average $1,735 for single coverage, have remained steady since last year. However, working at a smaller company is more costly. Employees working for a firm with under 200 employees can pay $2,434 on average.
The healthcare research firm determined that the increase in insurance premium costs is in line with the increase in wages and inflation, but this doesn’t prevent companies and employees alike from feeling the effects of the increase. The study found that 58% of employers say that their workers have expressed some concern about the affordability of their healthcare coverage.
“Rising employer health care premiums have resumed their nasty ways, a reminder that while the nation has made great progress expanding coverage, people continue to struggle with medical bills, and overall, the nation has no strategy on health costs,” says KFF President and CEO Drew Altman.
Employers are willing to cover the bulk of these premium increases because adequate healthcare coverage is an asset for both recruiting and retaining employees.
Mental health care has been a growing concern amongst employees. Eighteen percent of large companies (at least 200 workers) have taken steps to increase access to mental health care.
“For several years now, the survey has shown that many large employers do not believe that their networks have enough mental health providers to provide timely access to care. Gary Claxton, KFF senior vice president and director of the HealthCare Marketplace Project.
This survey was conducted between January and July of 2023. It included 2,133 public and private firms, with at least three employees that responded to the full survey.
Black Attorney Wins Landmark Case In U.S. Federal Court Of Appeals On Claims Under The UN Convention Against Torture
Attorney Zulu Ali, founder and principal of the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP, the largest Black-owned law firm in California’s Inland Empire, won a landmark decision establishing the standard to present claims under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which he argued before the United States Court of Appeals on behalf of his client, Eric Blancos Hermosillo, a foreign national, in the case of Eric Hermosillo v. United States Attorney General Merrick Garland.
On September 14, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided in a published 2-1 decision that after reinstatement of a 1999 removal order, Blancas Hermosillo expressed a fear of returning to his country of origin prompting an asylum officer to conduct a reasonable fear screening interview to determine whether Blancas Hermosillo should be allowed to establish his claims at a hearing before a Judge on his application for relief under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
Consequently, Blancas Hermosillo was denied a hearing and never had the opportunity to fully present his case in light of his expression of fear. The court agreed with attorney Ali and remanded the case with instructions to provide a hearing under the United Nations Convention Against Torture before a judge. The decision establishes the standard as to the right to present a claim under the United Nations Convention Against Torture before a judge.
Attorney Ali comments: “I have been arguing this position for years with stern opposition. Persons seeking protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, like my client, Mr. Blancos Hermosillo, have long been denied their rights. They get cut off right out of the gate with no remedy just to face death with no real options. This win shows what you can do with the right passion, consistency, faith, and hard work. My staff did a great job in assisting me in this case. Justice delayed is still Justice”.
A former police officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Attorney Ali earned a juris doctorate in law (J.D.) from Trinity International University, a masters in administration of justice (M.S.) and business (M.B.A.) from the University of Phoenix, a degree with a focus on African studies from Regents College through a consortium with Tennessee State University; and is a doctoral candidate researching pan-African business and trade at California Southern University.
In 2007, inspired by the legacy of civil rights attorneys Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and Avon Williams, Jr., who used the law and courts as a vehicle to make change and protect all people against injustice, Attorney Zulu Ali opened the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP with a focus on representing persons accused of crimes, immigrants, and persons seeking civil justice in state and federal courts. Ali is on the list of counsel at the African Court of Justice and Human Rights in Tanzania (Africa) and the International Criminal Court at The Hague (Netherlands).
Attorney Ali served as Director of the American Committee for United Nations Oversight, an advocacy group that lobbied the United Nations for police reform in 2015. He is the Director of the Stop and Frisk Youth Leadership Academy, which mentors and trains at-risk youth to deal with police encounters; Director of the Southern California Veterans Legal Clinic, a legal clinic offering no cost and low-cost legal services to military veterans; and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. serving on the international governing body (Grand Council) as General Legal Counsel.
Attorney Ali, a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who’s Who and a recipient of the Albert Neilson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021), received the Marquis Who’s Who Humanitarian Award for 2022. In 2017, Ali was recognized as one of the most influential African-American Leaders in Los Angeles by the National Action Network founded by Reverend Al Sharpton.
Attorney Ali has been honored as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in his area by the National Black Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers; Top 100 Lawyers by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel, American Jurist Institute, and Attorney & Practice Magazine; and Rue Ratings Best Lawyer in America.
He is the founder and CEO of 10 Nubian Queens & 5 Kings Media, a mass media production company focusing on black family and social justice content in film, radio, theater, music, and book publishing.
Additionally, Ali is the host of the radio talk show Justice Watch with Attorney Zulu Ali, which broadcasts from NBC Radio studio in Redlands, California, and he is a member of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame – Chicago chapter.
A devoted family man, Ali has been married to his wife (Charito) since 1986, and they have four adult children (Christine, Whitney, Ashley, and Lynda), five grandchildren (Amayah, Tye, Izem, Amina, and Nasira), and resides in Southern California with his family.
For inquiries, contact Rosa Nunez, Executive Producer of Justice Watch Radio at 951-782-8722.
Former Deplorable President Trump Leaks NY Attorney General Letitia James’ Address On Social Media
Infringing on his gag order, former President Donald Trump exposed New York Attorney General Letitia James’ address during a posting rant on Truth Social.
Trump expressed his discontentment with James this past week as his $250 million dollar lawsuit for alleged business fraud continues on, RadarOnline reported. On the social media platform, Trump invalidated James’ claims of his misleading finances, calling it a “fake case.”
“Her Fake Case against me should be dropped immediately,” shared Trump to his followers. “My Financial Statements are extremely conservative, and her numbers were way off, including the fact that she undervalued Mar-a-Lago and Doral by Billions of Dollars.”
In the midst of his posts on the ordeal, Trump exposed James’ address by sharing a link from alt-right political activist Laura Loomer’s website, which featured documents detailing the Attorney General’s New York address.
As reported before by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Trump has received what many refer to as the “corporate death penalty.” As the investigation is underway, all of his businesses under his domain are now overseen by a receiver to ensure all money is being allocated correctly.
As the trial continues, Trump’s constant tweeting to rile up his supporters against the legal action directly breaks his gag order issued by a Federal judge. The incessant poster was supposed to abstain from speaking to witnesses or threatening any court official, including judges and district attorneys.
However, this ruling has not stopped Trump from utilizing his account to attack James as they proceed with the trial, which he refers to as “Biden Witch Hunt Trials.”
“I’m at one of my many Biden Witch Hunt Trials, this one in New York City, where New York State Attorney General Letitia “Peekaboo” James has spent many days, rather than looking for murderers and other violent criminals that are destroying our once Great City,” posted the 77-year-old.
Despite Trump’s claims of a “miscarriage of justice” and “election interference” – the latter being an issue he is actually indicted for in Georgia –Trump continues to disrupt the case in what looks to be an troubling effort to undermine his opposition.
Kandi Burruss And Todd Tucker Ease On Down The Road As Producers Of ‘The Wiz’ National Tour
Kandi Burruss, restaurateur and a member of the legendary female R&B group Xscape, and husband Todd Tucker are producing The Wiz’s national tour before it opens on Broadway in April.
The classic Black production is being revived for its 50th anniversary.
According to Apple News, Grammy-winner Burruss will be heading production with Tucker. Also, JaQuel Knight of Beyonce’s Coachella performance will handle choreography, Adam Blackstone will be in charge of dance music arrangement, and Oscar-winner production designer Hannah Beachler will oversee scene design.
Writer Amber Ruffin, costume designer Sharen Davis, and director Schele Willaims round out the behind-the-scenes team.
Outside of the big-name Black creatives working with Burruss and Tucker, the couple said they want to use The Wiz as an opportunity for outreach. They plan to accomplish their goal with community partnerships and promotional pieces with minority-owned businesses.
“We’re able to bring a different crowd who’s not really known to go. The majority of the crowds are older, white audiences who are normally used to going, so it has to change, especially if you want to get more diversity there,” Burruss told BET. “Broadway is a place where dreams go to come alive. I want to be the type of producer that can make it happen again and again, not just by attaching my name.
While Burruss recognizes the hard work and long hours that go into working on such a project, Tucker said he enjoys using opening nights and traveling as an opportunity to bond with the whole family.
“The Wiz is our musical, and we need to come out and celebrate it,” Tucker decided. “We don’t have to bring the stress and all of the stuff we’re dealing with in the world. Just have two hours of fun with family, friends, and enjoy.”
Presale to buy tickets for “The Wiz” on Broadway begins Nov. 3; previews begin in late March. The national tour’s next stop is October 22 in Cleveland. It ends March 4 in Los Angeles.
Christopher Aguwa Announced As Lane Health’s Newest Chief Commercial Officer
Lane Health, a fintech and healthcare company, has named Christopher Aguwa its chief commercial officer.
Aguwa is a veteran in the healthcare industry, having previously worked in executive roles at City Block Health, DaVita Kidney Care, Evolent Health, and Aetna. His latest position involves driving business growth and addressing financial challenges that accompany healthcare.
“I’m proud to join an organization as venerated as Lane Health,” said Aguwa in a press release. “I am a leader inspired to support the team as we enter this new chapter in our evolution. I am an executive with a passion for leveraging my voice, presence, and expertise to maximize commercial success, social impact, health equity, and equal opportunities in the workplace.
“Lane Health sits at the intersection of healthcare and fintech and is transforming the way people spend, save, and think about managing their health costs and benefits because everyone should be able to access and afford the healthcare they need.”
As vice president of Payor Partnerships and Strategy at DaVita, Aguwa was responsible for growing its Integrated Kidney Care business. At Aetna and Evolent Health, he oversaw extensive deal flow evaluating transformative mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate venture capital investments, including the sale of Aetna to CVS Health.
Aguwa has received several awards for his contributions to the field, appearing on Crain’s New York Business Notable Healthcare Leader list in 2022, Becker’s Healthcare Under 40 Rising Star, and being selected as Startup Health’s Health Transformer.
He was also a 2022 nominee for the Modern Healthcare 100 Most Influential People list. He earned his MBA from Oxford University Saïd Business School, J.D. from Howard University School of Law, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
“Christopher’s comprehensive understanding of and experience with global brands and track record of growing companies through transformational transactions and partnerships will propel Lane Health into an exciting future,” said Brad Gambill, co-founder and CEO of Lane Health. “He understands the power and potential of this space and brings a fresh perspective to our evolving conversation with our partners and clients.”
Putorti was a judge for Village Court and Whitehall Town in New York. The New York State Court of Appeals said Putori tried to justify pulling a gun on the man because the Black defendant allegedly approached the stand too quickly, crossing a designated stop line inside the courtroom.
“He repeatedly emphasized the race and stature of the litigant when recounting the episode, sometimes boastfully, according to an independent review by the New York State Court of Appeals,” the AP reported.
Putori described the defendant as “6 feet 9 inches tall (206 cm) and built like a football player” when he was only 6 feet and 165 pounds. The appellate court ruled that the Commission on Judicial Conduct acted appropriately by removing Putorti from the bench because he “exploited a classic and common racist trope that Black men are inherently threatening or dangerous, exhibiting bias or, at least, implicit bias.”
Robert H. Tembeckjian, administrator for the state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct, said in a statement, “It is indefensible and inimical to the role of a judge to brandish a loaded weapon in court, without provocation or justification, then brag about it repeatedly with irrelevant racial remarks. The Court’s ruling today makes clear that there is no place on the bench for one who behaves this way.”
Putorti’s questionable fundraising methods didn’t help his cause. He reportedly participated in prohibited fundraising events that benefitted another office position at Elks Lodge while he was under investigation for the gun-wielding incident.
The New York State Court of Appeals ruled Putorti repeatedly showed “an unwillingness or inability to abide by the Rules of Judicial Conduct.”
Lupita Nyong’o Says ‘Love Devastatingly Extinguished By Deception’ Caused Breakup With Boyfriend Salema Masekela
In a lengthy, heartfelt statement, actress Lupita Nyong’o took to Instagram on Oct. 19 to announce her split from her boyfriend, Salema Masekela. She told her followers she wanted to share so that she could “face [her] pain so that we don’t spread it.”
In a series of slides, Nyong’o, 40, started by acknowledging that there were much more important things going on in the world, and shared that her “thoughts are with those who are deeply suffering.” “At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust,” the Mexican-Kenyan actress wrote. “I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception.”
Nyong’o admitted that all of what had happened made her want to “run into the shadows and hide.” However, she continued, “I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this, too shall pass. The promise, they say, is that a tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness.”
The Black Panther star wanted to share her difficult experience in the hopes that it might help any of her fans going through something similar: “try and escape from the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it. #Breakup.”
Nyong’o concluded the post, “Let’s face our pain so we don’t spread it,”
Nyong’o never mentioned Masekela—a 52-year-old television show host and sports commentator—by name. Still, the pair confirmed their relationship in December of last year with a video on Instagram.
