Atlanta Housing Authority Exec Pleads Guilty To Stealing $300K In Housing, Pandemic Relief Funds
Tracey Jones admitted to stealing the money to pay herself rent.
A former executive with the Atlanta Housing Authority will see significant jail time after pleading guilty to a fraud scheme.
During her time as senior vice president at the AHA, Tracey Jones allegedly stole more than $300,000 in federal housing and pandemic funds. In a federal courtroom Feb. 2, Jones pleaded guilty to the crimes, entering a plea over the matter.
According to WSB-TV, the charges included conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud, and credit application fraud. In the plea agreement, she admitted to unlawfully taking the money distributed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
The indictment states that she stole the money through several means, including falsifying documents to help her family members cash in on the scheme. The agency helps local residents with affordable housing through various programs and resources, including rent vouchers from the Georgia DCA that Jones used.
Jones had her son’s girlfriend apply for funds to pay rent for a home Jones owed, totaling to $63,000 in misallocated funds. Furthermore, the prosecution claimed Jones fabricated another identity to gain another $36,000 from federal pandemic relief dollars.
The disingenuous behavior continued on, with Jones reportedly going as far as staging a domestic violence incident to get the housing vouchers approved. However, her biggest payout came from faking more paperwork to get almost $300k to cover the mortgage on the home she rented out.
Former employees at the agency called the findings “devastating,” especially since the money was intended to help Atlanta families in actual need.
“I think it’s devastating. When I saw the story, I was blown away by the level of deceit and arrogance,” the former employee said.
Her former employer also released a statement on the fraud scheme. The Atlanta Housing Authority noted that their policies to prevent fraud were “deliberately circumvented” by Jones, as they hope to maintain ethical procedures for the future.
“Atlanta Housing had policies and internal controls in place designed to safeguard public resources. During today’s hearing, it was established that safeguards were deliberately circumvented by the individual involved,” wrote the agency.
It continued, “Consistent with our policies and applicable law, Atlanta Housing has taken appropriate action and continues to strengthen its oversight and compliance practices. Our focus remains on serving residents, protecting program integrity, and maintaining public trust. Because this is an active legal matter, we will not comment further at this time.”
For the crimes, Jones faces over 20 years in prison. A judge will formally sentence her in May.
14-Year-Old Jane Doe From Infamous R. Kelly Sex Tape Reveals ‘True Self’ In Memoir
The woman, named Reshona Landfair, has finally revealed her identity to the public.
The Jane Doe who went unnamed in R Kelly’s infamous sex tape has finally decided to come forward.
As a 14-year-old, the woman appeared in the unlawful footage that first initiated R. Kelly’s whirlwind of sexual assault allegations and legal troubles. Now, the Jane Doe, real name Reshona Landfair, is speaking out and reclaiming her name after years in the dark.
She revealed her identity in an interview with CBS Mornings ahead of the Feb. 3 release of her memoir, Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse. She spoke to the program about the “liberating” experience of no longer hiding.
“I really wanted to live in my true skin and my true self. My true self today is Reshona Landfair,” said Landfair.
Now 41 years old, Landfair recalls her story of meeting R. Kelly for the first time. Growing up in Chicago with dreams to become a star, Landfair connected with the infamous entertainer through her aunt, R&B singer Sparkle.
According to Landfair, her aunt directed her to warm up to Kelly, specifically telling her to ask if he would be her godfather. She also allegedly encouraged the young girl to sit on his lap and rub his head.
“That is the start of him entering into my life in a different way than just being an artist or hanging out at the studio. It became more personable at that moment,” remembered Landfair.
Their relationship soon turned physical, with Landfair becoming a victim of Kelly’s sexual advances at around 13-years-old. Her aunt grew suspicious of Kelly’s behavior. Despite calling social services to check on the situation, her concerns fell on deaf ears.
“I don’t think they believed her because there were no obvious signs of what was actually taking place,” Landfair added.
Kelly proceeded in his inappropriate relationship with Landfair, leading to the sex tape a year later. However, it was not until Laidfair nearly turned 17 that the sex tape would be released to the public.
“I was empty…I was very hollow inside. I was very confused,” she said of its 2001 reveal.
Upon the video’s release, and Kelly’s own arrest for child pornography charges, the musician began to manipulate the situation to her family. She called the matter “very complicated,” as Kelly threatened suicide in an effort to get her family’s support for their relationship.
She continued, “He utilized me against my parents — making threats of suicide and doing different things out of desperation to convince them to not turn on him.”
However, the tactics worked, with Landfair testifying that she was not the girl in the video. The aftermath, as well as Kelly’s acquittal on the charges, left her with deep regret. She tried to detach from the trauma, but became inspired to speak out after watching Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly docuseries in 2019.
“The spirit of conviction came over me during that moment,” Landfair said. “Somehow, I felt responsible that he was able to hurt so many more people. During the time, I thought maybe these were just sexual fetishes that he had with me. Maybe this was just abuse I was going through.”
Seeing how his actions went past her own experience, she found the courage to come forward. This time, she testified against him in a 2022 trial in Chicago over multiple counts. In the case, he was found guilty on child pornography charges. He is currently serving time for these charges concurrently with the ones from his federal indictment in New York over sex trafficking and racketeering.
Landfair’s aunt, Sparkle, also spoke on the renewed spotlight on her niece’s trauma with her memoir release.
“This is the beginning of Reshona’s lengthy deprogramming journey,” Sparkle’s statement read. “It is true that she is a survivor of years of abuse, still learning to process what happened to her and who is responsible. It is also true and well documented that I stood up for her to try and stop thedamage being done to her and countless others. I wish her continued healing and peace as she continues to not only find her voice, but hopefully require accountability from those closest to her.”
A “Jane Doe” turned empowered survivor, Landfair hopes the book inspires all to remain strong and give themselves grace during their own healing journeys.
“Embrace this next chapter in your journey with anticipation that God will plant new dreams in the fertile soul of your heart,” wrote Landfair. “Love you times infinity, Reshona.”
As for Kelly, his legal team has denied comment over Landfair’s memoir, but stated that the singer wishes her peace. Landfair has since started a mentorship program, Project Refine, for women and girls.
‘Melania’ Trump’s Documentary Is Down Bad With Single Digit Rotten Tomatoes Rating
With a 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes, that means a majority of critics weren't feeling it and only one liked it.
Guess the public isn’t feeling the new Melania movie as much as projected, as the numbers reveal the documentary received a six out of 100 score on Metacritic and 6% on Rotten Tomatoes, Economic Times reported.
The Brett Ratner-directed documentary premiered Jan. 30 showcasing the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration from the perspective of First Lady Melania Trump.
Amazon purchased the film for $40 million and splurged on marketing with a price tag of $35 million; however, it didn’t seem to take it so far. With a 6% score on Rotten Tomatoes, that means a majority of critics weren’t feeling it and only one liked it. The six out of 100 rating on Metacritic is seen as extremely low as the platform uses actual review scores, not just yes-or-no opinions.
The same goes for user ratings in Metacritic, receiving a 1.2 out of 10. But on Rotten, the film received 98% of user scores, deemed as positive, but starting a narrative of confusion.
According to Forbes, it is in the top three worst-rated IMDB movies in history, lingering at 1.3 after films Daniel The Wizard and Smolensk at 1.2. But the publication questioned the validity of the audience reviews, proposing a theory that people who chose to see the film actually like Mrs. Trump. But then there is the side-eye from some audience reviews sounding overly emotional and promotional. One review praised Melania as a “wonderful human” and said the theater erupted in applause.
Many MAGA supporters like those on Fox News are already calling on the film to be on the 2027 Oscar short list. “Well Melania should be nominated for I guess it’s an Oscar, right that’s for movies and if she was to go, she would be the best dressed and the classiest dressed by a long shot,” anchor Kayleigh McEnany said.
🚨IT’S A SICKENING CULT:
Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany says Melania should be nominated for an Oscar.
Meanwhile, the film now holds the lowest rating in history on IMBD, making it the worst rated film of ALL TIME on the site.
However, on social media, things are different. Users are slamming the film, cracking jokes. “I just called the police. Somebody broke into my car, didn’t steal anything, and left four tickets for the Melania movie. That is a hate crime,” @LePapillonBlu2 wrote on X.
I just called the police. Somebody broke into my car, didn’t steal anything, and left four tickets for the Melania movie. That is a hate crime.
TikTok user @RodneyChappel tricked viewers into believing he was excited to see the movie at a drive-in theater only to give followers a laugh in the end with views of a dumpster.
However, Amazon MGM Studios is celebrating its opening weekend success coming in third place in the domestic top five. “We’re very encouraged by the strong start and positive audience response, with early box office for ‘Melania’ exceeding our expectation,” head of domestic theatrical distribution, Kevin Wilson said in a statement.
The Perp Walk Production: Feds Chose High-Drama Arrest Over Don Lemon’s Quiet Cooperation
Don Lemon called his arrest an attempt to “embarrass” him after offering to surrender.
Don Lemon says his arrest by federal agents was meant to “embarrass” him, claiming the Trump administration ignored his offer to turn himself in days earlier.
Lemon appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Feb. 2 and recounted his recent arrest at the Beverly Hills Hotel while covering the Grammys. The former CNN anchor said that after learning he had been charged over his coverage of a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, his lawyer offered for him to turn himself in but “never heard back.”
Lemon said roughly a dozen law enforcement officers later arrested him, and thinks it was done in an attempt to publicly shame him.
“They want to embarrass you,” he told the late-night host. “They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear.”
Don Lemon tells Jimmy Kimmel he offered to self-report/turn himself into the DOJ, but heard nothing.
Lemon told Kimmel he hired an attorney after Trump, whom he has publicly clashed with in the past, and administration officials called for his arrest over the anti-ICE church protest. He said federal agents later arrived at his hotel to take him into custody, claiming they did not present a physical warrant and instead showed him an image of one on an agent’s cellphone as he was escorted outside.
Now, after his release, not on bail and ahead of his scheduled court appearance, Lemon calls his arrest, and that of other journalists who were present to film the protest, a “Waste, Jimmy, of resources.”
Lemon said he was held in a room for more than 12 hours, unaware his arrest had become national news, until a federal employee told him he had been airing nonstop on CNN. He alleged that during that time, he was denied phone calls and contact with his lawyer or anyone outside, despite standards that generally prohibit holding detainees incommunicado.
The journalist’s arrest came weeks after he covered protesters who entered Cities Church in St. Paul to oppose pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as Minnesota’s ICE field office director.
Lemon has insisted he was there solely in his capacity as a journalist and did not participate in the protest.
“I went there to chronicle and document and record,” Lemon told Kimmel. “There is a difference between a protester and a journalist.”
The criminal complaint alleges Lemon acknowledged the protest’s civil disobedience and attended a planning meeting beforehand. A federal magistrate judge initially rejected the complaint, finding no probable cause, a decision that reportedly angered US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
A day before Lemon’s arrest, a Minnesota grand jury indicted him and eight others, including three Black journalists who covered the protest. Lemon faces federal charges tied to interfering with religious freedom at a place of worship and has said he will plead not guilty. His next court appearance is set for Feb. 9 in Minneapolis.
‘Sherri’ Talk Show Canceled After Four Seasons As Daytime Television Marks End Of Era
The show had initially aired as a replacement to the Wendy Williams show.
Sherri Shepherd’s eponymously named talk show will go off the air.
Sherri has been on television since September 2022. However, the daytime program will end this year with its fourth season, Varietyconfirmed.
Leadership at Debmar-Mercury, a Lionsgate Studios subsidiary that oversees the show’s production, released a statement on the program’s cancellation. The team noted that they hope to keep the show alive on other platforms as it transitions out of cable syndication.
“This decision is driven by the evolving daytime television landscape and does not reflect on the strength of the show, its production, which has found strong creative momentum this season, or the incredibly talented Sherri Shepherd,” said Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus in a joint statement. “We believe in this show and in Sherri and intend to explore alternatives for it on other platforms.”
The news came as a shock to fans and television professionals alike, especially as it became a growing staple of many channels’ daytime lineups. The show served as a replacement for another long-time Black woman-led daytime program, The Wendy Williams Show.
Williams had to step away from the hosting gig amid her health and legal battles.
Throughout its run, Sherri garnered several nominations for its programming, including several Daytime Emmy nods and two NAACP Image Award wins. Now, the former The View co-host will aim to keep her own platform on screens as its distributors seek another home.
Upon its latest season renewal, Shepherd emphasized her and her team’s effort to provide joy and inspiration to her diverse audience. With her show, she also became another pioneer for Black women leading daytime television, along with Williams and fellow daytime host Tamron Hall.
“I work so hard to bring escapism to viewers’ lives through joy, laughter and inspiration, and I’m grateful that the audience has embraced what we do. I look forward to raising the bar and turning up the volume as we plan for our season four return,” stated the Emmy winner in 2025.
Season four will keep Shepard on America’s televisions through this fall, at the very least. The news comes as another daytime show announces its closure, with Kelly Clarkson ending her popular program this week.
Federal Judge Deads Trump Admin’s Plan To Nix Haitian Temporary Protection Status
US District Court Judge Ana Reyes of the District of Columbia granted the victory just one day before the set expiration date due to a request from five Haitian TPS holders.
More than 350,000 Haitians under Temporary Protected Status will be able to continue to live and work in the US — for now — after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from terminating protections on Feb. 3, CNN reports.
The plaintiffs in question are challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s termination, under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, in a lawsuit, arguing that the agency failed to conduct the necessary and proper review of whether it was safe to return to Haiti before deciding to end protections.
The litigation also labels the agency’s decision as part of President Donald Trump’s “racial, ethnic, and national-origin animus toward Haitians.” In a post on X, Noem referred to immigrants, including those of Haitian descent, as “killers, leeches, or entitlement junkies.”
I just met with the President.
I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that's been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.
Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign…
In her ruling, Reyes slammed the narrative and seemingly sided with the protected Haitians, citing Trump’s numerous derogatory comments about them. “Plaintiffs charge that Secretary Noem preordained her termination decision and did so because of hostility to nonwhite immigrants. This seems substantially likely,” the judge wrote.
“President Trump has referred to Haiti as a ‘shithole country,’ suggesting Haitians ‘probably have AIDS,’ and complained that Haitian immigration is ‘like a death wish for our country.’ He has also promoted the false conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants were ‘eating the pets of the people’ in Springfield, Ohio.”
Reyes also claimed Noem “ignored Congress’s requirement that she ‘review the conditions’ in Haiti only ‘after’ consulting ‘with appropriate agencies.’” Attorneys representing the plaintiffs agreed. “If the termination stands, people will almost certainly die,” attorneys said in the December court filing, citing increased violence, disease, and food insecurity, according to Fox News.
However, at the time, DHS claimed conditions in Haiti improved.
Following the new ruling, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin posted on X that the agency will appeal to the Supreme Court, labeling the ruling “lawless activism.”
“Supreme Court, here we come. This is lawless activism, and we will be vindicated on it. Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago; it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it for decades,” she said.
“Temporary means temporary, and the final word will not be from an activist judge legislating from the bench.”
Supreme Court, here we come.
This is lawless activism that we will be vindicated on.
Haiti’s TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto amnesty program, yet that’s how previous administrations have used it… https://t.co/wejySOSaXJ
In the interim, advocates are praising the ruling, adding it to a list of victories after Noem sought to terminate protections in 2025, only to be blocked by a federal judge.
“It is also in all of our interests to keep families together and have people continue to work with dignity and build their lives here. We are the backbone of entire industries,” said Executive Director of Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees Aline Gue in a statement.
“We are raising U.S. citizen children, caring for the elderly, working in hospitals and schools, and organizing for the rights of all refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers.”
Burst Water Pipe Forces Cafeteria At Howard University To Close
The incident took place at the Bethune Annex Cafe on campus
A burst pipe at the renowned HBCU Howard University caused a brief panic when students saw water streaming from the ceiling of the school’s cafeteria on Feb. 2 at around 2 p.m.
Howard University’s Facebook account reassured students that the water damage did not cause any injury to students or employees, but the cafeteria has been closed due to the damage. The post directed students to other campus areas that serve food. The flooding occurred at Bethune Annex Cafe.
“On Monday, February 2, at approximately 2 p.m., a pipe burst in Howard University’s Bethune Annex Cafe, resulting in water damage which necessitated the closing of the facility. The water leak was quickly contained, and there was no reported harm to students or employees.
“Students continue to have eight additional dining options on campus, including the main cafeteria in the Blackburn Center.”
Journalist Stephen Graddick IV posted images from the cafeteria showing students reacting as water poured from the ceiling.
No further statements were issued regarding the cause of the burst pipe or the expected repair timeline.
Howard also experienced another flood on campus less than five years ago.
WTOPNews reported that a flood took place on the fourth floor of the student residence hall, College Hall South, in November 2021. The flooding occurred around the same time students at the school were protesting on-campus conditions, including mold in residence halls.
Officials at the institution at the time issued a statement regarding the repairs at Howard.
“We immediately notified maintenance technicians, and a remediation team began working around the clock to remedy the situation. At this time, a restoration contractor is drying the walls and checking for moisture in the affected areas.”
The school said affected students were allowed to wait in the library while repairs were being made.
“After about 45 minutes, they were allowed to return to their rooms,” the statement said.
Shattering Borders: Global Commerce Mavens Converge At AAWEF To Build U.S.-Africa Economic Bridge
The 2026 Africa America Women Economic Forum (AAWEF) served as the high-stakes inaugural event for ZoraFest, a monthlong cultural and economic summit launched to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America.
By anchoring the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations in Central Florida—just miles from Eatonville, the historic home and sanctuary of Zora Neale Hurston—the forum positioned women’s economic empowerment as a central pillar of the American story.
Under the banner of “Leading for Economic Impact” at AAWEF, trailblazing women from across Africa and the United States gathered Jan. 30 at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business to launch a historic collaboration aimed at bridging the financial and leadership gap between the two continents.
The historic union was anchored by the combined brilliance of Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, Anna McCoy, Mizinga Melu, Irene Kakooza, Dr. Diane Recinos, Happy Ralinala, and Valerie White, all expertly guided by Dr. Zienzi Dillon.
Drawing on nearly four decades of expertise in central banking and development finance, Dillon, founder and CEO of Carmel Global Capital and Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD to the U.S., skillfully moderated the AAWEF.
With her extensive background—including roles at the World Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and as the former Head of Public Sector at Barclays Africa—Dillon navigated the high-level dialogue with strategic precision.
Dillon served as a linchpin of the discussion, bridging the gap between public-sector policy and private-sector investment to keep the conversation focused on actionable, sustainable pathways for U.S.-Africa collaboration.
The Mandate for Boardroom Parity
“We rise by lifting others,” said Mizinga Melu, CEO of Absa Bank Zambia, during a poignant panel discussion. Melu, the first woman to lead Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, shared her journey of overcoming gender pay gaps and institutional bias. “Early on in my career, I saw many capable women delivering excellent work, but the first few were in the room where decisions were made. Our job is to train women to be board-ready so they actually won’t have an excuse. We need them to be able to say, ‘I am ready.’”
Melu recounted a searing experience in which she was promoted to a senior role in the U.S., only to discover that her male predecessor was being paid more to “reassure” him. “I just swelled and shied away,” she admitted.
“Years later, I’m like, no man should ever speak to you like that. If they do, you should take them on on the spot and tell them it’s because I deserve it. If you’re not paying me the same, you should pass.”
The forum highlighted the stark contrast in market sizes—between Zambia’s 20 million people and Nigeria’s 200 million—and emphasized the need for U.S. collaboration to provide technical assistance and support financial inclusion.
Anna McCoy, founder of Anna McCoy Global Venture and co-owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton at Sea World, challenged the audience to look beyond inspiration and toward infrastructure. Drawing on her experience raising $800 million in private equity, McCoy announced the 2026 launch of the $1M Africa Earth AI Micro-Lending Fund.
“Find the policy, girl. Find the policy,” McCoy urged the attendees. “The company was built on policy, not just an idea. When they create laws and policies, they have to actually implement them in our states and communities. Somewhere along the line, you get in there and start to build that opportunity.”
McCoy emphasized that impact is personal: “I have been in the halls of presidents… when I walk in, I’m Anna McCoy; when I walk out, I’m ‘Mama.’ I came to serve, to love, and to care. If you want to make an impact at the highest level, connect your daughters with people in other nations.”
Amplifying Voices Through Storytelling
The event also focused on the “commercialization of culture.” Irene Kakooza, Brand Director for Range Rover USA, detailed how Jaguar’s #GiveHerACrown campaign successfully transitioned African fashion designers to the global stage at New York Fashion Week.
“It’s about the triple storytelling,” Kakooza explained. “First, who are you? And as important is who you are not. I recognize I am Irene; I’m not going to try to copy someone else because I’ll never be a good version of them. I’ll be a great version of myself. We tapped into the expertise of like-minded people so that the capital meets the lived experience. That is how brands gain longevity.”
Systems of Support and Generational Wealth
Valerie White, the head of National Housing Strategic Initiatives and senior executive director at LISC, captivated the room with her expertise in affordable housing and impact investing. Drawing on her leadership of LISC’s $30.4 billion investment portfolio, White spoke passionately about the necessity of building generational wealth through community stabilization.
She mesmerized the audience with the history of Itemba, a project built by a visionary emerging from a major town, using it as a case study for how local economies can be revitalized through intentional capital placement.
“We are ramping up efforts to deliver more capital and community-based support to address the housing crisis,” White stated. “It is about more than just buildings; it is about creating the financial foundations where women and families can finally close long-standing wealth gaps and stabilize their local economies for the long term.”
However, the event was shadowed by the complexities of the modern era.
While the forum celebrated connection, the organizers noted that one invited speaker opted to attend virtually, citing the current “political climate in America.”
Happy Ralinlala’s absence served as a sobering reminder of the hurdles still facing international diplomacy and the safe exchange of ideas in a polarized landscape.
To further solidify the forum’s commitment to tangible outcomes, Ralinala, board director at African Bank Holdings and former Managing Executive at Barclays Africa, emphasized the necessity of creating robust ecosystems for those just beginning their journey.
Ralinala, a recipient of the Global Barclays Women of the Year Award, has long been a proponent of moving beyond dialogue to direct action. During the forum’s strategic sessions, she highlighted the critical intersection of networking and capital:
“I am actively involved in driving the creation of platforms and opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed,” Ralinala stated. “It is through the intentional sharing of knowledge, the strengthening of global networks, and the provision of diverse financing options that we truly empower the next generation to thrive.”
The forum follows in the footsteps of legendary figures such as Zora Neale Hurston and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister. His daughter, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, a former chairperson of Access Bank Group, emphasized that collaboration is the only way to strengthen the U.S.-Africa economic bridge.
“Collaboration is the only way to strengthen the U.S.-Africa economic bridge,” Dr. Awosika emphasized during the AAWEF. “We must find the answers in the room and commit to the spirit of asking the right questions to ensure our shared success.”
As the AAWEF concluded with a call for academic and corporate partnerships, specifically exploring connections between Rollins College and the University of Zambia Business School to foster a new generation of “board-ready” female leaders.
Metro Atlanta Student Says High School Suspended Her For Anti-ICE Walkout
The girl says she became suspended shortly after returning to the school.
A Metro Atlanta student claims that she faced retaliation from her high school after participating in the nationwide anti-ICE walkout.
The student, who wished to remain unidentified, told WSB-TV that Charles Drew High School suspended her shortly after she left the building in solidarity with other anti-ICE advocates across the country. As she tried to walk back to class, administrators informed her that she would face repercussions for her participation in the civil demonstration.
The school in Clayton County reportedly suspended the teenager for two days. However, the high schooler believes administrators unjustly punished her for the moment of social action.
“We all decided to collectively leave school and decided to protest like all the other students in Georgia,” she told the local news outlet.
The nationwide protest, dubbed the National Shutdown, took place on Jan. 30 in response to ongoing ICE raids in Minnesota and other U.S. cities. The shutdown aimed to enable participants to leave schools, work, and shopping activities to stage an economic blackout across the nation.
The student hoped to participate in the nationwide event, despite being a younger demonstrator.
“I feel like anybody has the right to speak on what they feel is right, and we can’t just be shut down because we’re students,” she added.
The student was among the thousands of fellow young Georgians who participated in the anti-ICE walkout, but who also faced apparent disciplinary action if they chose to participate in the shutdown. However, the scholar denies knowing of this possibility.
Despite retracting the suspension, the school district issued a statement regarding those who participated in the shutdown. The statement urged students to engage in “such activities” in line with the “district’s code of conduct.”
“Clayton County Public Schools remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of every student entrusted to our care. We acknowledge our students’ desire to express their concerns and will continue to ensure that such activities occur safely and respectfully, consistent with the school district’s code of conduct.”
However, how exactly the student violated this code remains unknown. One immigration attorney says the walking out itself constituted a violation, with the school potentially facing lawsuits if a student is injured after leaving the establishment to protest.
While she can still head back to class this week, the scholar still worries about the consequences she could face if she decides to participate in the next act of civil disobedience.
Google Kicks Off Black History Month With Doodle Of Detroit’s Own J Dilla
"The Art of Hip-Hop Beat Making" features the Detroit mainstay
To celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month, Google is spotlighting Black creators, developers, and businesses. To kick it off, the company is focusing on hip-hop with a short video featuring Detroit’s own Illa J.
The video, titled “The Art of Hip-Hop Beat Making,” features the sounds of Illa J, the younger brother of the hip-hop and producing legend J Dilla (Slum Village), and opens with a caricature of the Detroit native laying down the beginnings of a track. As headphones hang from his neck, he composes a song using what appears to be a drum machine and/or sampler, using the equipment to piece together the perfect sounds for his project.
As he looks for the song’s required instrumentation, he checks the vinyl record for the required sounds, then programs the drums and plays some piano sounds. Effectively showing the viewer “The Art of Hip-Hop Beat Making,” especially for those who have never seen the process.
The company also stated that it will not only celebrate with Google Doodles, but will also provide additional recognition of Black developers and creators on Google Play, where you can discover a hub featuring curated collections of apps, games, and books, including special events for Black History Month. You can also explore some collections from Black creatives that honor Black genius and strength. Some of those will include historical icons and Afrofuturist sci-fi, as well as free live TV channels. People can also check out YouTube to celebrate with creators and artists through their social channels.
These acknowledgements across Google channels build on the company’s ongoing work, such as artwork featured in the Chrome Black Artists Series, and coincide with the relaunch of the annual Black History Month background on Google Meet, which makes it easier to find Black-owned businesses in Search and Maps. Stories on Black History and Culture are available on Google Arts & Culture.
