by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 16, 2023

Third-Grade Students Hospitalized After Ingesting THC-Infused Edibles

According to NBC San Diego, four third-grade students at North Broadway Elementary School in Escondido, California, were hospitalized after ingesting THC-infused edibles and becoming ill on Oct. 11.

“The widespread availability and commercialization of THC-infused ‘edibles’ is a growing concern for school communities statewide, including ours,” the Escondido School District said in a statement

Edibles can take the form of various treats like candy and cookies and some of these products have inherently appealing packaging to young children. Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego has seen an alarming increase in children falling ill due to consuming edibles, numbering in the hundreds annually.

“You take your average dose of an edible cannabis, which might be somewhere between 5 and 10 to 20 milligrams for an adult—that dose can make a child critically ill,” said Dr. Natalie Laub, a pediatrician at the the hospital, who works in the emergency department and sees these cases.

The average age of children admitted to the hospital for edible consumption is 3-and-a-half years old, reflecting the need for awareness and safety measures.

This trend isn’t limited to California alone. Last week in Lauderhill, Florida, six children at a Boys & Girls Club were hospitalized after consuming candy believed to be THC-infused. According to PEOPLE, eight children ingested the candy; six were hospitalized. The children have since been released from the hospital, according to the police.

A child brought the candy to the center, People reported.

All parents were notified of the incident and there are now “no concerns” for the health of the children, Lauderhill police said in a statement, according to People. As of Oct. 6 its investigation is ongoing and the substance the candy was “potentially infused with” remains unconfirmed, police said. No charges had been filed as well.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 16, 2023

Halle Berry Was Allegedly Tricked Into ‘X-Men’ Movie Under Guise Storm Would Help Starving Kids In Africa

Halle Berry might’ve been tricked into appearing in the third “X-Men” movie under the guise Storm would be feeding starving kids in Africa.

Director Matthew Vaughn recently opened up about why he decided to turn down X-Men: The Last Stand in the mid-2000s after learning how execs planned to dupe Berry. While Vaughn went on to direct X-Men: First Class in 2011, he was first tapped to direct the 2006 installment and replace Bryan Singer, he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Vaughn backed out after learning how studio execs planned to deceive Halle Berry.

“One of the main reasons I quit ‘X-Men 3,’ and this is a true story,” Vaughn said.

“I went into one of the executive’s office and I saw an X3 script, and I immediately knew it was a lot fatter. I was like what the hell is this draft. He went, ‘Don’t worry about it,’ and I’m like, ‘No, no. I’m the director. I’m worrying about this draft,’” he recalled. “He wouldn’t tell me, so I grabbed it literally—it was like a crazy moment—opened the first page, and it said, ‘Africa. Storm. Kids dying of no water. She creates a thunderstorm and saves all these children.’”

After reading it, Vaughn thought it was a “pretty cool idea,” to have it in the film. But he was turned off once he learned about the execs’ plans to cut it after Berry signed on to the film.

“[I went,] ‘What is this?’ [They said,] ‘Oh, it’s Halle Berry’s script. I went, ‘OK, because she hasn’t signed up yet.’ ‘But this is what she wants it to be, and once she signs up, we’ll throw it in the bin,’” the director said.

The Kickass director was instantly taken aback.

“I was like, ‘Wow, you’re gonna do that to an Oscar-winning actress who plays Storm? I’m outta here.’ So I quit at that point.”

Berry did go on to appear in X-Men: Last Stand and no scene of Storm feeding starving kids in Africa was included. She also returned for the fourth film in the franchise which Vaughn directed.

by Derek Major

October 16, 2023

University Of Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Promoted Merchandise At Halftime Of Buffaloes Double OT Loss

Shedeur Sanders, Coach Prime’s son, lit up the stat sheet in the University of Colorado’s Friday night loss to the Stanford Cardinal. However, that’s not the talk surrounding the young QB.

The Shadow League reports that during halftime, when Colorado sported a 29-0 lead, the younger Sanders, who has the highest NIL valuation in college football ($3.5 million), ran an ad promoting his merchandise on his Instagram account, including a $100 sweatshirt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4-sQ9H4mmQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Ftheshadowleague.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsOTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt

While it’s unclear if Sanders posted the ad himself, the timing of it couldn’t have been worse as Stanford overcame the deficit in the second half to force overtime. Despite Sanders throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns, his interception in double overtime set up Joshua Karty’s 31-yard field goal to win the game for Stanford, which snapped a four-game losing streak.

These are the distractions that soon-to-be Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady warned Sanders about earlier this season when Deion Sanders and Brady discussed whether a college kid needed a Phantom Rolls Royce.

“I think he needs to get his a– in the film room and spend as much time in there as possible. Less time in the car and more time in the film room,” said Brady.

The Buffaloes signal-caller is having a solid season, completing 67% of his pass attempts for 1,169 yards, 212 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite the Buffaloes 4-3 record, Sanders is in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, along with USC quarterback Caleb Williams and University of Washington auarterback Michael Penix Jr.

All three men are Black quarterbacks expected to be drafted by the NFL, which currently sports the largest number of Black starting quarterbacks in its history.

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns), Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos), Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks), Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons), Joshua Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals), Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers), Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers), C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), and Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts, now injured) make up the 14 current starting Black quarterbacks in the NFL today.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 16, 2023

D.C. Man Arrested For Allegedly Carjacking Uber Driver After Dog Denied Ride

A 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attacking a female Uber driver in Washington, D.C. and taking off in her car because the driver wouldn’t allow him to ride in the car with his dog.

According to Fox 5, Metropolitan Police officers arrested Dax Franco Willis, charging him with unarmed carjacking and robbery charges for the incident on Oct. 8.

The Uber driver came to pick up Willis from an address in the 300 block of Eastern Avenue Northeast just after 7 a.m.. As he attempted to bring his pet Yorkie Terrier into the car, she told him he couldn’t. The driver, who did not want to be identified, said Willis became aggressive and pulled out pepper spray and threatened to use it on her

“B**ch, drive the f**king car. I’m not getting out,” Willis said, according to Fox 5 News.

A press release from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District stated, “During the altercation, the suspect assaulted the victim, dragged her from the car, robbed her of her phone, and fled in the victim’s vehicle.”

Willis allegedly pulled the driver out of her Uber ride and assaulted her by punching and kicking her in the face and her body. Afterward, he reportedly punched through her windshield. Her car was retrieved later on Southern Avenue Southeast.

Before the suspect was captured, the police department issued an alert and a photograph of Willis before he was caught and arrested.

MPD Detectives Looking to Identify Carjacking Suspect

Read more: https://t.co/CKdLhFFUsh pic.twitter.com/YlVhyzFQOz

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) October 10, 2023

Police did not disclose whether the release of Willis’ photograph led to his arrest. He was finally apprehended Oct. 11.

According to Uber policy, drivers must accept rides from people riding with their service animals. However, it also states that drivers are not required to allow pets or non-service animals in their vehicles.

Broken silence, Will smith, Jada Pickett Smith

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 16, 2023

Will Smith Finally Breaks His Silence To The New York Times

As reported by TMZ, in a surprising twist, Will Smith, who has maintained a conspicuous silence amid Jada Pinkett Smith’s recent media revelations, has finally broken his silence. The actor, known for his guarded demeanor during recent disclosures, sent an email discussing Jada’s interview with The New York Times on Oct. 14, offering a candid perspective on his wife’s new book and their life together.

Jada’s memoir has been making headlines due to its candid revelations, and this is the first time that Will has publicly reacted to the revelations. In an email to the Times, Will Smith acknowledged that JPS’s memoir “kind of woke him up.” He went on to express his newfound appreciation for Jada, stating that he now recognizes her as “more resilient, clever, and compassionate than he’d understood.”

In a direct quote, Will Smith stated, “When you’ve been with someone for more than half of your life, a sort of emotional blindness sets in, and you can all too easily lose your sensitivity to their hidden nuances and subtle beauties.”

Will’s sentiment carries significance, given that Jada’s recent revelations have stirred up considerable controversy and sparked renewed debates about their relationship.

A key point of contention in their relationship was brought to the forefront during a candid “Red Table Talk” chat a few years ago where Jada seemed to encourage Will to discuss her “entanglement.” However, it now appears that Will Smith is embracing the transparency, unbothered by the intimate details revealed to the public.

The New York Times interview also unveiled Jada’s personal feelings, including her hurt over Chris Rock’s Netflix special in which he made jokes about her and Will. Additionally, she candidly shared her experiences with ayahuasca, including a session with Will after the infamous Oscars incident.

Will Smith’s newfound openness signals a shift in their public image, and perhaps a new chapter in their evolving relationship. With Jada’s book, their private lives have become the subject of public discourse once again.

Miles Bridges, Mychelle Johnson, abuse, domestic, NBA

by Iman Milner

October 16, 2023

NBA Player Miles Bridges Changes Profile Picture To Johnny Depp Amid Domestic Violence Case

Atlanta Black Star reported that Charlotte Hornets player Miles Bridges is in hot water again after he decided to use Johnny Depp for his social media profile photo amid pending domestic violence charges.

The power forward turned himself in to authorities on Oct. 13 for violating a standing protection order, misdemeanor child abuse, and injury to personal property. However, Bridges first decided to position himself alongside the Pirates of the Caribbean star, who infamously faced off against his ex-wife Amber Heard for alleged abuse.

The young player allegedly threw billiard balls at Mychelle Johnson’s car while his young children were inside, causing her windshield to break and denting the vehicle. Bridges is also accused of verbally threatening Johnson during the altercation. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

According to Fan Nation, the 25-year-old player allegedly assaulted his ex-wife in front of the couple’s children.

Alongside photos of her injuries, Johnson shared a screenshot of a medical exam that detailed she’d suffered “assault by strangulation, brain concussion, closed fracture of the nasal bone, contusion rib” as well as “multiple bruises” and “strain of neck muscle.”

The exam names the source of her injuries as an “adult victim of physical abuse by [a] male partner.”

Johnson released alleged proof of her injuries to combat rumors that she was attempting to railroad the promising career of a young NBA star.

“I hate that it has come to this, but I can’t be silent anymore. I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won’t allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of something I’m not,” she said alongside the post.

Currently, Bridges is serving a suspension from the NBA following a June incident involving the mother of his children.

The Church Without Walls, Ralph Douglas West II, pastor, herpes, Texas, jury, verdict

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 16, 2023

Jury Awards Record-Breaking Damages in Houston Pastor’s Genital Herpes Case

A jury found Ralph Douglas West II, an assistant pastor at The Church Without Walls in Houston, liable for transmitting genital herpes, awarding $2.45 million in damages to the unidentified plaintiff, Fox 26 reports.

This is one of the largest verdicts in Texas for a case of this nature. The breakdown of the damages included $1,450,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $1,000,000 in exemplary or punitive damages. the ruling encompassed charges of battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraudulent concealment.

After a three-day trial and six hours of deliberation, the jury determined that West gave the victim genital herpes after they met on Facebook five years ago, the DailyMail.com reported.

“We truly hope this verdict sends a strong message to people throughout Texas and the United States who are infected with sexually transmitted diseases that they must disclose having the disease before engaging in sexual intercourse with any others,” said the plaintiff’s attorney, Shaun Murphy. “Knowing they have a legal remedy is also important for those who have suffered harm after being infected due to another’s negligent or intentional conduct.”

The case is among a series of trial victories and settlements secured by Murphy on behalf of victims of genital herpes transmission across the United States.

“I suspect there are many people who don’t know that in every state in the U.S., it is unlawful for a person who knows they have a sexually transmitted disease to communicate the disease to another person through sexual contact or even to have sexual contact with another person unless they have informed their partner that they are infected with a sexually transmitted disease,” Murphy said. “It is considered fraud to knowingly endanger another person, exposing the person who transmits the STD to potential civil liability for substantial monetary damages.”

West II’s verdict sends a clear message about the legal obligations associated with transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. It serves as a significant legal precedent in Texas and beyond.

mugshot, Trump mug shot, Trump arrest, politics, RICO

by Daniel Johnson

October 16, 2023

Trump Judge Will Not Be Intimidated By Anyone As She Prepares For Election Trial

Judge Tanya Chutkan, the presiding judge in the Trump conspiracy case regarding his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, is built for the moment.

According to The New York Times, Chutkan, a 61-year-old former public defender and civil litigator, has built a reputation as a tough but fair judge. Trump, of course, has wasted little time attacking Chutkan on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he characterized the judge as “VERY BIASED AND UNFAIR”.

Trump’s attorneys are attempting to use the magistrate’s reputation to earn a recusal. They say her statements during the Jan. 6 insurrectionists’ trials constitute a bias against the disgraced former president.

Chutkan has already warned the former commander-in-chief that his right to free speech is not absolute as it relates to the case, informing him during preliminary hearings that he “must yield to the orderly administration of justice.”

Trump supporters took cues from their leader and threatened Chutkan’s life. She now has United States marshals accompanying her during her morning routine. Her sister, Robynne Chutkan, informed the Times that her sister was not swayed by what other people think of her, which “makes her good at her job.”

“What stands out, besides her intelligence and fairness, is that she’s very cognizant of the fact that defendants aren’t lawyers—she’s always very clear in her rulings,” said Heather Shaner, a Washington defense lawyer.

Chutkan’s statements concerning her reasoning for ignoring the government’s recommendation for either probation or home detention are crystal clear. She believed those who participated in the January 6, 2021, revolt should should face severe punishment. In October 2021, she told the court as she issued a 45-day prison sentence, “There have to be consequences for participating in an attempted violent overthrow of the government beyond sitting at home.”

Robynne says that her Jamaican immigrant background informs how she views cases involving an understanding of democracy.

“For someone who is not very sentimental, my sister is surprisingly patriotic,” her sibling explained. “We come from a country that has a more precarious relationship with democracy than America. It gives her a reverence for democratic institutions, whether it’s the orderly transfer of power or everyone being deserving of a fair defense.”

An anonymous judicial colleague of Chutkan told reporters that Chutkan is unflappable in the face of pressure. The colleague cited Chutkan’s trials in 2020 that blocked the death penalty for 13 individuals, which allowed them the opportunity to challenge whether lethal injections violated their constitutional rights.

Several of the cases are still under judicial review. The colleague told reporters those cases had life and death hanging in the balance: “You think the Trump case is high pressure?”

Trump’s trial begins on March 4, 2024.

Attempted Murder Warrants Issued For Morgan State University Shooters, One Suspect In Custody

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 16, 2023

Attempted Murder Warrants Issued For Morgan State University Shooters, One Suspect In Custody

In a significant development following the horrifying mass shooting at Morgan State University, a 17-year-old male teen was arrested Oct. 12. Still, a second suspect remains at large, as confirmed by the Baltimore Police Department.

The juvenile suspect was apprehended without incident in Washington, D.C. and now faces multiple counts of attempted murder. Baltimore police collaborated with Washington, D.C. Metro police and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and locate the suspects, primarily relying on surveillance video obtained during the shooting.

In addition to the arrest, an attempted murder warrant has been issued for 18-year-old Jovan Williams, the second suspect in the case. Commissioner Richard Worley expressed his determination through a news release on the Baltimore Police website, stating, “We will not rest until Williams is in custody. While this arrest cannot undo the damage and trauma caused that day, it is my hope that it can bring some peace and justice to the victims, the Morgan community, and our city.”

The shooting occurred during a popular homecoming week event and left five people injured. The victims, the Morgan community, and the city grappled with the aftermath. Mayor Brandon M. Scott offered his support, saying, “We will continue to provide every level of support we have to the Morgan campus. As we do every day, the city will continue doing our part to reduce and end gun violence.”

David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, welcomed the arrest and commended the collaborative efforts of the Baltimore Police Department and the Morgan State University Police Department.

“We look forward to the day when all the individuals involved in the shooting are made to be held accountable for what took place,” he stated.

Toni M. Crosby, ATF Baltimore special agent in charge, highlighted the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes, saying, “The community is also part of this team, providing crucial context and information that can solve crimes and save lives.”

The authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Northeast District Detectives at 410-396-2444 or dial 911. Additionally, Metro Crime Stoppers and ATF are offering a reward of up to $9,000 for tips leading to an arrest and charges filed, and they can be reached at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

The investigation into the tragic incident at Morgan State University continues, and the community remains hopeful for further progress and justice. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, with more than 547 mass shootings reported this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and 17 shootings at colleges and universities nationwide.

Black Female CEO Krystal Hardy Allen Takes DEI Message On Nationwide Book Tour

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 16, 2023

Black Female CEO Krystal Hardy Allen Takes DEI Message On Nationwide Book Tour

*Originally published by Blacknews.com

Nationwide — Entrepreneur and author Krystal Hardy Allen is taking her message of diversity, equity, and inclusion on the road. As the CEO and founder of K. Allen Consulting, she is on the road for her first national book tour for her book entitled What Goes Unspoken: How School Leaders Address DEI Beyond Race.

Drawing on her own experiences as a school teacher, principal, and current international educational consultant, Allen teaches and provides resources to education leaders and administrators on how to concretely center DEI within their practices and policies.

“I want to help readers better understand their role as a leader within their school or district’s DEI work and how the intrapersonal work they do also influences key decisions that can lead to a more inclusive and equitable school or district,” says Allen.

What Goes Unspoken is available for pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million. The tour kicked off in New Orleans on Oct. 5 and featured Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman and first Black woman Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools.

The following tour dates for What Goes Unspoken are listed below:

Oct. 17 – Atlanta
Oct. 21 – Houston
Oct. 26 – Washington D.C./DMV
Nov. 2 – Brooklyn
Nov. 30 – Nashville
Dec. 2 – Los Angeles

About Krystal
Krystal Allen is the Founder & CEO of K. Allen Consulting™, an international education & management consulting firm that provides customized workshops, DEI training, strategic planning services, and executive coaching to nonprofits, school systems, government agencies, small businesses, and major corporations. Her clients have included Google, Amazon, UNCF, and Microsoft. She is an award-winning published author of What Goes Unspoken: How School Leaders Address DEI Beyond Race. Allen is also a former teacher, principal, and real estate investor. She was recently recognized as a 2019 Gambit 40 Under 40 recipient and was named one of the 2022 Most Influential Women in Business in Louisiana by the BRM Regional Chamber of Commerce.

About K. Allen Consulting
Founded in 2017, K. Allen Consulting is a global Black-owned firm based in New Orleans specializing in diversity, inclusion, and equality training for nonprofits, corporations, and businesses. Their clients have tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon.