Attorney Zulu Ali, United Nations Convention, Torture

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 20, 2023

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.

Originally reported by blacknews.com

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 20, 2023

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.

by Mary Spiller

October 20, 2023

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

by Lauren Nutall

October 20, 2023

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.”

Judge Justice Robert J. Putorti, New York, Black man, gun

by Mary Spiller

October 20, 2023

New York Judge Fired After Pulling Loaded Gun On Black Man At Hearing

Judge Robert J. Putorti was removed from office after pointing a loaded handgun at a Black man during a 2015 court hearing.

The New York State Court of Appeals made the decision on Oct. 19, the Associated Press reports.

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.”

Selema Masekela , Lupita Nyong'o , breakup

by Mary Spiller

October 20, 2023

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,”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo)

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.

Rosewood, Florida, David Allen Emanuel, hate crime

by Atiya Jordan

October 20, 2023

Florida Man To Serve Jail Time For Hate Crime Against Black Men

David Allen Emanuel, a white Rosewood, Florida, resident, will serve jail time for his racially motivated attack on a group of Black men in 2022.

In July 2022, a jury in Gainesville, Florida, convicted 62-year-old Emanuel on all counts for committing hate crimes on Sept. 6, 2022. He was facing up to 10 years in prison. More than a year later, Emanuel will serve a year and a day for each count simultaneously, the New Miami Times reported.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, a professor emeritus in psychology from Florida International University was with his son and a small group surveying a property he co-owns in Rosewood when Emanuel questioned him.

Dr. Marvin Dunn, his son, Doug Dunn, and six others were called the N-word and other expletives, including” ‘[racial slur] get out of these woods’ before Emanuel drove a pickup truck directly at the group, nearly striking one of them,” according to a press release, from the Department of Justice. The attack took place at the site of the 1923 Rosewood Massacre.

“My neighbor comes out in a pickup and says, ‘What’s going on here?’ Then he makes a U-turn out of his driveway, comes back at us, and almost kills my son,” Dr. Dunn previously told the Miami Herald. “I was afraid to be on the property, so I came back to Miami.”

A week later, Emanuel was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Man convicted for racially motivated attack at Rosewood Massacre site gets year in prison https://t.co/dFcvXKdQyR

— Dr. Marvin Dunn (@MarvinDunn4) October 20, 2023

Emanuel’s final judgment comes after Dunn asked Judge Allen Winsor for a lighter sentence. During sentencing on Thursday, Oct. 19, Dunn said that race is “America’s most indigestible problem” and “for America to become whole, the lumps, thorns, and rocks must be removed.”

“For me, my faith requires forgiveness, and so I must,” Dunn’s statement read. “It requires me to love my neighbor as well, but I have more work to do on that. I am not asking my neighbor to love me or even to apologize to us. I only ask that he assures the court that we can live in peace as neighbors.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 20, 2023

Mark The 45 King, Who Produced Jay-Z’s ‘Hard Knock Life,’ Is Dead At 62

Legendary music producer Mark Howard James, known to hip-hop heads as DJ Mark the 45 King, died Thursday, Oct. 19, days after his 62nd birthday, according to an Instagram post by DJ Premier.

The world was introduced to Queen Latifah and The Flavor Unit in part because of the production skills of DJ Mark the 45 King.

“Mark is responsible for so many classics and was a member of the Iconic Crew FLAVOR UNIT (Queen Latifah, Latee, Chill Rob G., Lakim Shabazz, Double J, Lord Alibaski, DJ Cee Justice, Apache, Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Markey Fresh, Rowdy Rahz, Storm P, Shakim and so many more members beyond whom I’ve mentioned please pardon me if I didn’t post your name),” DJ Premier wrote.

“His sound was unlike any other from his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @djpremier

Latifah’s debut album, All Hail the Queen, was produced almost entirely by DJ Mark the 45 King and included the hit songs that made the rapper a household name, including “Ladies First,” “Wrath of My Madness,” and “Dance For Me.”

The Queen acknowledged him on her Facebook page.

“I love you, Mark thank you for everything!!! thank you for teaching me taking me under your wing, teaching me about this thing called hip-hop, and so much more!”

DJ Mark the 45 King provided the sound of the Jay-Z hit that catapulted his career: “Hard Knock Life.” Another pop classic that Mark was responsible for was the Eminem hit, “Stan.”

Eminem also thanked the producer on his X account.

Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka The 45 King … I’m 4ever grateful!!! https://t.co/s4ywAw6r03

— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) October 19, 2023

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Issa Rae, Black Tech Week, Tech, STEM, Women In Tech, Keynote, Speaker

by Stacy Jackson

October 20, 2023

Issa Rae Nearly Boosted 5-Year-Old Nephew’s Rival To First Place In Hilarious Fundraiser Mishap

Issa Rae recently shared a humorous yet panic-inducing incident involving her 5-year-old nephew and a school fundraiser during her appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The actress, writer, and producer, who recently appeared in Barbie, said she had been asked by her sister to help her nephew secure a win in his school’s online fundraiser. Rae said she waited until the last second — literally at 4:59:59 p.m.— to donate what was likely a large amount of money to her nephew for his school’s online fundraiser. Except, she selected the wrong child’s name, inadvertently boosting her nephew’s opponent, who she referred to “Zulu” to protect the anonymity of the young child, to the first-place spot, Entertainment Weekly reported.

She said to Fallon, “He [Rae’s nephew] gets to No. 1 and then, at the deadline, it’s 4:50 and I’m like, ‘I know one of these parents, they’re going to try and get their kid up. So, at 4:59, on the dot, I’m going to just boost [her nephew’s profits] a little bit… I set it all up, I put a little extra money on there, and I hit the purchase button right at 4:59:59. And then I realized… I gave it to Zulu.”

The Awkward Black Girl creator no doubt found herself in an awkward position. Her family members were competitive about her nephew winning the fundraiser but had no clue Rae was the reason Zulu was boosted again to first place.

Rae said, “The family group chat is going crazy. They’re just like, ‘How could this happen? Parents are so greedy! People take this too seriously!’ And I’m dead silent.”

Rae, who played “President Barbie” in the Barbie film, said she tried to right her wrong immediately by calling her bank. The Insecure star shared with Fallon, “I was calling American Express like, ‘Please, can we cancel? This is fraud!'”

She added, “And so it wasn’t until the next day where they were like, ‘Oh, you can cancel it’ that I decided… He got second place. Sorry to Zulu. He dropped down in the numbers.”

Apparently, Fallon didn’t agree with Rae’s decision to contact her bank, which resulted in Zulu dropping in rank the next day. “This is a terrible lesson to teach your nephew!” Fallon said to Rae.

After all the hassle, according to Rae, her 5-year-old nephew didn’t care where he placed in the fundraiser, Entertainment Weekly reported.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 20, 2023

Houston Rockets Trade Kevin Porter Jr. To Oklahoma Thunder, Who Promptly Release Him

After the Houston Rockets banned Kevin Porter Jr. from the team following his arrest on Sept. 11 for allegedly attacking his former girlfriend, he was traded to another NBA team on Oct. 17.

The Oklahoma Thunder acquired the troubled player and immediately released him after receiving two future second-round picks and sending the Rockets Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

ESPN Sources: The Houston Rockets are trading G Kevin Porter Jr., and two future second-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder — who are waiving Porter Jr., immediately. Thunder are sending the Rockets Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl in the transaction. pic.twitter.com/PBaHA0f5lW

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 17, 2023

ABC 7 reported that the shooting guard was taken into custody by the New York Police Department, where he was initially charged with assault and strangulation. Porter was arrested for an alleged domestic violence assault on Kysre Gondrezick at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in September. Prosecutors said the attack on the former WNBA player left Gondrezick with a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye.

Porter Jr. was originally thought to have fractured Gondrezick’s vertebra, but Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer stated the charge of second-degree assault was thrown out because there was “insufficient evidence” after it was shown that he did not break Gondrezick’s neck.

The 23-year-old baller pleaded not guilty and is expected back in court in Manhattan on Nov. 27.

Porter was also arrested in Nov. 2020 after being involved in a car crash when police found a loaded handgun and marijuana in his car. Porter claimed he didn’t know the gun was there, and the charges against him were dismissed.

He was traded to the Rockets on Jan. 21, 2021. In March 2022, the NBA fined him $50,000 for violating the league’s COVID-19 health and safety rules when he went to a Miami strip club. Last January, he was suspended by the Rockets for a game after then-head coach Stephen Silas said Porter had a “spirited debate” and “lost his temper” at halftime.