Afrika Bambaataa Has ‘Healing Moment’ With Accuser Who Refutes Assault Claims
One of Afrika Bambaataa's accusers is taking back his initial claims of being sexually abused by the hip-hop pioneer as a teenager.
One of Afrika Bambaataa’s accusers is taking back his initial claims of being sexually abused by the hip-hop pioneer as a teenager.
Ronald “Bee-Stinger” Savage, 59, made media headlines in 2016 when he came forward with accusations of being sexually assaulted by the Universal Zulu Nation founder when he was a teenager in the 1980s. Eight years later, Savage addresses his claims to clear up any misinformation after posing for a photo with Bambaataa (real name Lance Taylor) at a recent Zulu Nation event.
“Never underestimate the power of God when he intervenes in an affair; he sets everything straight,” Savage told AllHipHop.
According to Savage, Bambaataa never took advantage of him as a teenager. The highly regarded hip-hop figure was under the impression that Savage was of age during their “consensual” sexual encounter.
“Bambaataa is not a pedophile and, in my eyes, he was doing something that was consensual with someone that he thought was of age.”
Savage continued:
“I wish, back in 2016, I remembered about the fake ID. I wasn’t thinking about that; I had forgot about that. I was in deep depression and still dealing with the trauma as an adult. I want to apologize for the little kid that didn’t know anybody and just wanted to be down with this thing called hip-hop so I pretended to be older.”
Savage was among seven men who came forward to accuse Bambaataa of sexual misconduct. Since publicly accusing Bambaataa, Savage has become an advocate for sexual abuse victims, with a focus on those within the hip-hop community. Now, he’s using his experience to bring “healing” to those with similar experiences.
“This is something that took place 35 to over 40 years ago. This man has never been convicted of anything. Let it go. I needed to set the record straight [and get] my closure,” he says.
“I just hope this brings healing to people around the world. If I can have forgiveness and healing, so can you.”
Afrika Bambaataa is recognized for playing a crucial role in establishing hip-hop culture in the 1970s by transforming it from gang affiliations into a movement centered on peace, which he dubbed the Universal Zulu Nation. Modeled on “peace, unity, love, and having fun,” Bambaataa became notable for releasing genre-defining electro tracks in the 1980s that influenced the development of hip-hop culture. As one of the originators of breakbeat DJing, Bambaataa helped set the stage for what’s become known as breakdancing.
13-Year-Old Girl Dead Following Severe Allergic Reaction To One Sip Of Hot Chocolate
The victim’s mother said she informed the barista of her daughter’s allergies before ordering the drink.
Hannah Jacobs, a 13-year-old with severe allergies to dairy, fish, and eggs, died within hours of drinking a hot chocolate beverage from the Costa Coffee shop in London.
Abimbola Duyile, the victim’s mother, told an East London Coroner’s Court that she told the staff about her daughter’s severe allergy to dairy products and requested that they clean the equipment to avoid cross-contamination. Duyile said she was being “extra picky” because of the severity of her daughter’s allergies.
“I made sure the staff were aware that this was not a joke,” the mother said, according to The Telegraph.
Costa’s policy states that when customers disclose their dietary restrictions, workers should show them a book that includes ingredients and details about how the drink is made. Urmi Akter, the worker who took the order, said she did not show the book to Duyile.
“I did not show the mother the book as she told me washing the jug was fine. I thought she, as the mother, would know more about [it]”, Akter said, according to BBC News.
Reports show that Akter was told she did not have to answer questions if she felt they would incriminate her. As she testified, she had a Bengali interpreter with her. She declined to answer whether she was trained in her native language or if she received refresher courses. When asked if she knew what an allergen was, Akter declined to answer.
Akter claims that the mother ordered one extra hot and one normal hot chocolate and didn’t ask for soy milk. She only asked that the milk jug be cleaned between making drinks.
Forensic analysis of the coffee cups found no traces of soy milk but “’substantial levels” of milk proteins.
After purchasing the drinks, the mother and daughter visited a nearby dentist’s office. The 13-year-old took a sip of the drink and had an immediate allergic reaction.
Hannah then went to a pharmacy and received a 150mcg adrenaline Auto-Injector epi pen—a dosage recommended for children aged six and under. Hannah’s doctor said it was hard to predict if she would have survived if she had been given the recommended dosage of 300 mcg.
“150mcg was certainly too small a dose to be given,” he told the court, according to The Herald.
HeadCount And Xceleader Lead Massive Voter Registration Drive For HBCU Students
Through the Vote HBCU Program, 3,000 students have been registered on campuses as it aims to grow leadership.
According to a press release shared with Black Enterprise, HeadCount, the country’s leading nonpartisan youth voter registration initiative, and Xceleader, an HBCU alum organization, are collaborating to register thousands of students to vote through the Vote HBCU Program.
The program’s reach has reached new heights, aiming to teach the next generation of Black leaders. The 2024 program will host the “Say It Louder” tour, a series of block party events on the campuses of 40 historically Black colleges and universities to educate, mobilize, and get student hype about voting in November; the tour will consist of panel discussions on the core issues students are facing.
A significant part of the campaign includes a new fellowship program that will provide student organizers with a stipend to participate in a two-day training seminar to prepare for the Vote HBCU roles on their assigned campus. The program is designed to encourage student organizers to work within leadership and advocacy workshops that will also provide access to mentorship opportunities.
HeadCount’s Executive Director Lucille Wenegieme says programs like this are created at a vital time, as young voices need to be heard, and our democracy is under attack. “We are at a pivotal moment where the voices of young voters, especially from historically underrepresented communities, can shape the future of our democracy,” she said.
“The Vote HBCU program is about voter registration and so much more. It’s about empowering students to become advocates for their communities and to understand the power they hold. By expanding outreach and resources, we aim to inspire and mobilize the next generation of leaders.”
Since the program’s pilot launch in 2020, 3,000 voters have been registered through Vote HBCU, and we hope to register thousands more with the program expanding. Xceleader’s co-founder Tevon Blair described what it means to be an HBCU student: to be civically engaged. “HBCU students and alumni have always played a powerful role in historic movements that have moved our nation forward,” Blair said.
“We believe that to be an HBCU student means to be a civically engaged student, and Vote HBCU will ensure HBCU students across the country are educated, mobilized, and empowered to make informed decisions that will have an impact on their communities.”
With 40 HBCUs, both groups will need some help with student engagement. According to Queen City News, Divine Nine fraternity and sorority chapters of HBCUs are also mobilizing to heighten voter registration. The president of the Rock Hill chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Tiffany Hefney, says this is an ongoing effort regardless of how important the 2024 election is. “As we know, that voter registration is a critical first step in our democratic process,” Hefney said.
“That wasn’t a response to our current events. That was more of saying, ‘Just do what you’ve been doing for the past years.’ And that’s again: engage in our communities, making sure that whether you’re in the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, our communities have the information.”
The “Say It Louder” tour will launch on Aug. 16 at Virginia State University and end on Sept. 17 at Fort Valley State University.
2 Chainz Sues For $1.5M Over Failed Cannabis Investment
The Atlanta rapper filed a lawsuit against Pineapple Ventures Inc. after an investment deal didn't work out.
Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz has filed a lawsuit against a cannabis company after an investment deal didn’t work out.
According to The Green Market Report, a group called the Pineapple Express Antimatter Series 1, which the “I’m Different” rapper is a part of, has sued Pineapple Ventures Inc. (PVI) owners for $1.5 million. In the lawsuit, which was filed in a Los Angeles court, they accuse Vincent Mehdizadeh, also known as Vincent Zadeh, and Pineapple Ventures Inc. of allegedly scamming 2 Chainz after promising big returns on his investment with no intention to make good on their promise.
They state that the company has a long history of defrauding investors.
“Over the years, they have used several different entities and investment instruments, but the outcome is always the same. Their typical pattern is to invite potential investors to glamorous events, often with celebrity guests. They promise lucrative returns on investments, which never materialize.”
In January 2021, 2 Chainz was approached about investing with PVI. After the promise of significant dividends, he was told that the store would open in three months, which didn’t happen. He was allegedly told that he had “put rights,” which means that after one year, he could request his entire investment repurchased for 110% of what he paid.
Investors were told in December 2021 that they would get double the dividends due to the dispensary not opening when promised. After the store finally opened in February 2022, the investors expected to begin receiving double dividends but only received one dividend payment in March 2022. The investors decided in May 2022 to exercise the put option and receive the return on their investment. By December 2022, Zadeh told 2 Chainz that they were no longer honoring the put options.
In a report by Law360, co-founder and director of investor relations for PVI, Matthew Feinstein, stated that the lawsuit was one of several “cookie-cutter” claims from minority shareholders in the dispensary. He said other claims would be handled in arbitration, as the stock purchase agreements contain an arbitration provision.
The program, launched in late 2022, is a $2 million investment with Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) that promotes financial stability for underserved residents in Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. Designated LISC Financial Opportunity Centers assist clients with enhancing emergency fund management, building credit, and accumulating generational wealth.
The program helped Johnson gain a $500 savings match, buy a new car, and build a budget for the future.
“I feel unstoppable. I’m more secure in my financial stability if an emergency arises,” Johnson said.
“It made me see that new goals are possible. Why not work to get a house next?”
Michael T. Pugh, president and CEO of LISC, shared that more than 2,400 people accessed financial coaching focused on building emergency savings and saving for a home, among other topics.
Pugh added, “The Rocket Wealth Accelerator matched savings program has already unlocked $280,000 for community members. And Rocket’s commitment to financial inclusion and well-being syncs perfectly with LISC’s mission and dedication to closing wealth and opportunity gaps—we are deeply grateful for this catalytic partnership.”
The accelerator is among a wide range of programs backed by the Fund to help underserved communities overcome systemic challenges in building and transferring wealth.
MISSION INCLUDES VOW TO SIMPLIFY INEQUITABLE SYSTEMS
The Fund aims to simplify complex and inequitable systems to ensure every American can access stable, healthy housing. It focuses on four national investment pillars: ending homelessness, preventing displacement, building wealth through homeownership, and bridging the digital divide. A fifth investment pillar, shared with the Gilbert Family Foundation, centers on building opportunity in Detroit. Since 2010, Rocket Community Fund has committed more than $230 million to community organizations and programs.
The foundation of the Fund’s work is Neighbor to Neighbor, a door-to-door canvassing campaign to connect residents with resources while also collecting information to inform future investments. The program was launched in 2017 in Detroit to reduce tax foreclosure. It has since expanded to Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.
“The access to housing resources and information, combined with the connectivity that happens during Neighbor to Neighbor, is the secret sauce of the program,” said Rob Lockett, national team leader for Housing Stability at Rocket Community Fund.
“Community members become stronger and better advocates for themselves through the process.”
Through Neighbor to Neighbor, Lockett explains, “Residents are encouraged to get out and talk to each other about housing-related issues affecting their community, which are felt the most at the neighborhood level.”
ADDRESSING A FULL SPECTRUM OF HOUSING ISSUES
Rocket Community Fund
In 2018, Rocket Community Fund became a lead sponsor of Built for Zero, a national movement of more than 100 communities focused on ending homelessness. More than 176,000 people have been housed by Built for Zero communities since 2015.
“Our support for Built for Zero is about helping communities across the country develop a better system to respond to the challenge of homelessness,” said Rocket Community Fund Executive Director Laura Grannemann.
“Data shows that providing housing with supportive services is not only more effective in reducing homelessness, but significantly reduces expenses incurred through emergency services like hospitalizations, incarcerations, and shelters.”
She added, “By identifying broader trends, we can also work to get upstream of the problem so we’re preventing more people from becoming homeless in the first place.”
An example of this upstream approach is Rocket Community Fund’s recent investments in Atlanta. In March 2024, the organization announced $250,000 in new funding to protect legacy and senior Atlanta homeowners from displacement by paying past property balances. This followed a 2022 investment of $500,000 into the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership’s Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP), which stabilizes property tax levels for income-qualified residents into 2030.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens applauded the effort to prevent the displacement of longtime residents.
“Our vision of ‘one city with one bright future’ can only be achieved through collaborative partnerships that prioritize our most critical needs, like stable and secure housing. I am grateful to Rocket Community Fund for their commitment to fostering the equity and economic inclusion of Atlantans.”
The Rocket Community Fund understands renters’ important role in a healthy housing market. In Atlanta, the organization made a $300,000 investment with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation to strengthen its eviction defense services. It also invested $1.25 million to launch the Cleveland Eviction Defense Fund program.
I feel unstoppable. I feel as though my destiny is written by me. I’m more secure in my financial stability because if an emergency does arise, I now have the flexibility.”
While protecting renters from eviction prevents instability, Rocket Community Fund works to help renters become homeowners through programs like Make It Home.
Started in Detroit, the program allows eligible renters occupying tax-foreclosed houses to become homeowners instead of facing eviction. The program leverages the city’s “right of refusal,” allowing it to buy properties before the tax foreclosure auction for the value of the back taxes owed. The properties are then purchased by a nonprofit partner with funding from the Rocket Community Fund and sold to the renter on a land contract for the cost of taxes owed. Altogether, 1,500 families have become homeowners through the program.
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH
Rocket Community Fund
The Rocket Community Fund aims to ensure that more Americans enjoy the benefits of homeownership and can pass on generational wealth. That is especially true for Black Americans who have faced systemic barriers to homeownership.
Since 2010, the wealth disparity between Black and white families has expanded. With the rising cost of homeownership nationwide, significant effort and focus will be required to help stop the trend.
While the scope of the challenge may seem overwhelming, the Rocket Community Fund team leverages its core philosophies or ISMs to identify solutions.
“One of our ISMs is ‘You’ll See It When You Believe It,” says Grannemann. “This means that we lead with positivity and the belief that we can overcome big challenges. Rather than sitting on the sidelines and waiting for change to happen, we’re working with community partners to make it happen.”
Young Thug’s Prosecution Witness Lil Woody Releases Single, ‘I Don’t Recall’
He has released a single based on the phrase he has used the most in the trial.
Kenneth Copeland, the most compelling witness in the YSL/Young Thug RICO trial, has taken advantage of his newfound fame by releasing a song.
According to Atlanta News First, Copeland, who goes by the nickname Lil Woody, has released a single based on the phrase he has used the most in this trial, “I Don’t Recall.” Lil Woody has been on the stand as a protection witness against his fellow cohort, Young Thug, since June 10 and has been appearing in memes and news reports based on the testimony he has been giving at the RICO trial in Atlanta.
With each appearance on the stand, he has used the phrase “I don’t recall.”
He announced on his social media account the debut of the single.
The longest-running criminal court case in Atlanta history does not look like it will be ending anytime soon.
The latest twist in the trial took place August 13 when Lil Woody’s attorney, John Melnick, was suspended for six months by the Supreme Court of Georgia for violating two rules of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Specifically, in a 2017 Rockdale County paternity case, the attorney did not reimburse his client for attorney fees.
In court on August 13, Lil Woody told Judge Paige Reese Whitaker that because Melnick was suspended, he did not want to testify with an attorney.
He requested the court for one so he could testify. The case was placed on hold. Later that day, an attorney was found.
¡AZÚCAR! 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter Is Now Available For Purchase
The Afro-Latina singer is honored in the American Women Quarter Program for leaving her cultural stamp in the music industry.
The 14th quarter of the American Women Quarters Program, featuring the late Cuban singer Celia Cruz, is now available for purchase. This officially marks the legendary “Queen of Salsa” as the first Afro-Latina featured on U.S. currency.
As one of the five honorees of the program’s 2024 release, the U.S. Mint recognizes her as “one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century.” Cruz, whose full name is Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, is shown smiling on the reverse side of the new coin as she dons a guajira-style dress beside her motto, “¡AZÚCAR!” According to the National Museum of African American History, her signature catchphrase, “sugar,” describes how she liked to drink her coffee and is a gesture of remembrance of theenslaved Africans who worked on Cuban sugar plantations.
“To have been honored by the U.S. Mint in this way would have surprised her greatly since she was a simple and humble woman,” said artistic representative and the executor of her estate, Omer Pardillo-Cid, in an Aug. 12 announcement of the quarter.
The cultural icon was born in Havana, Cuba, on October 21, 1925. Influenced by her exposure to diverse music in her Santos Suárez neighborhood, a young Cruz discovered her passion to become a singer, leading her to study at Havana’s National Conservatory of Music. As previously highlighted by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the international sensation is known for her Spanish-language global hits that are a celebration of culture. Cruz has contributed significantly to the development of salsa music, a genre she helped popularize and innovate, as one of the few women to thrive in the male-dominated genre. Her impactful works earned her three Grammy awards, four Latin Grammy awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into Billboard’s Latin Music Hall of Fame and the International Latin Music Hall of Fame and honored with a Presidential Medal of Arts.
Cruz died on July 16, 2003, which BE previously noted was due to cancer complications. Her debut on the U.S. Quarter comes ahead of her centennial in 2025. The honor follows the June release of Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar(Celia Cruz Live: 100 Years of Azúcar), a commemorative album produced by Loud And Live Studios. The Celia Cruz Estate has partnered with South Florida-based healthcare provider Leon Medical Centers (LMC) for an exclusive giveaway of the singer’s coin that fans can register to receive in commemorative packaging from LMC.
The four-year American Women Quarters Program began in 2022 and runs throughout 2025.
By honoring the Greensboro Six, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts ensures that their story is not forgotten and that the lessons learned from their bravery continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Source: Whyndham Championship Honors the Legacy of the Greenboro Six. Photo Credit: Wyndham Rewards
The Wyndham Championship, a prestigious event held annually on the Donald Ross-designed course at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., was founded in 1938 and is the seventh-oldest event on the PGA TOUR, excluding the Majors. As the tournament marks its 86th renewal in 2025, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has made a significant decision to honor the legacy of the Greensboro Six. These were a group of courageous Black men whose defiance against racial segregation helped reshape history. Through artistic and cultural initiatives, the tournament not only celebrates the intersection of sports, civil rights, and community but also proudly honors the Greensboro Six, a part of our shared history.
This year, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts commissioned Brooklyn-based street artist Vincent Ballentine to create a mural at the historic Gillespie Golf Course in honor of the Greensboro Six. Unveiled just before the start of the 2025 tournament, the mural stands as a vibrant tribute to these men and their contributions to the sport of golf and the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Black Enterprise had the opportunity to discuss the significance of the Greensboro Six, Wyndham’s commitment to community, and the creation of opportunities for young black and brown golfers.
Bravery and Resistance
The story of the Greensboro Six is one of bravery and resistance. Six days after Rosa Parks’ defiance on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, a group of men made their statement at a whites-only Gillespie golf course. These men, now remembered as the “Greensboro Six,” were Phillip Cooke, Samuel Murray, Elijah Herring, Joseph Studivent, George Simkins Jr., and Leon Wolfe. In the face of institutionalized racism, these six men made a bold statement by playing a round of golf at the whites-only Gillespie Golf Course. Their act of defiance in the 1950s was not just about playing golf; it was a decisive stance against the racial segregation that permeated every aspect of life in the South. Chris Simkins, son of Greensboro Six member George Simkins Jr., reflected on their legacy, saying, “I never read about the Greensboro Six and did not hear about it in school because it is not in history books. The mural is great because it sheds light on a story many people don’t know about.”
This courageous act eventually led to the desegregation of Gillespie Golf Course, which later became the venue for the Wyndham Championship. The tournament holds historical significance as it was the first PGA Tour event in the South to welcome a Black player, the legendary Charlie Sifford. Today, Gillespie Golf Course is home to First Tee – Central Carolina, a program dedicated to empowering local youth through golf, continuing the legacy of breaking barriers and creating opportunities.
Honoring History
Multiple accounts of targeted actions to rewrite history have occurred throughout the country. Some of these attempts have already seen success. In Florida, revised curriculum standards now prevent students from learning the accurate history of slavery. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley recently reinterpreted her state’s history by claiming that the Civil War was about “the role of government.” Additionally, a Republican lawmaker in Colorado opposed Black History Month, arguing that it promotes “false history.”
This mural project is a testament to Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company’s initiatives, including BOLD, which aims to advance Black entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry, are part of a larger vision for a more inclusive future. By supporting projects like this, Wyndham is not just celebrating the past but also paving the way for a more diverse and equitable future.
Ballentine and his close friend, fellow artist Andre Trenier, completed the mural in two weeks. “To see it and be able to touch the same ground that they walked on, and see the greens they saw when it was unacceptable for everyone is powerful,” remarks Ballentine.
They worked side by side using scissor lifts and ladders, wielding a vibrant selection of spray paint cans to transform the expansive wall on the side of the First Tee-Central Carolina building at Gillespie Park Golf Club into a historical masterpiece.
In addition to the mural, Wyndham Rewards has commissioned a short-form documentary directed by Eternal Polk, a two-time Emmy-nominated director and writer. Polk, known for his work on documentaries, music videos, and branded content, brings a unique perspective to the story of the Greensboro Six.
This story is pivotal in black history, which I did not know about,” shares Polk. “So when I first discovered this happened, I wondered how I did not know about it. Bringing this story to life, especially in a community where black people do not often see our accomplishments seen, displayed, recognized, and honored, says you cannot erase our history and stories.”
The documentary, a labor of love and respect, seeks to preserve the memory of the Greensboro Six. By highlighting the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of individual actions. It is a tribute to the Greensboro Six and an inspiration for future generations to continue the fight for equality.
“Murals and visual stories are where we cement our history so people can see it.”
A Call To Action
The efforts to honor the Greensboro Six through art and film are more than just a celebration of the past; they are a call to action for the present and future. Ryan Wilson, CEO and Executive Director of First Tee – Central Carolina, emphasizes the importance of carrying on this legacy: “The game of golf is this powerful tool that can create opportunities, especially for Black and brown youth,” he said. “The Greensboro Six created opportunities for everybody else to follow, and now the best thing we can do to carry on their legacy is continue to use the game of golf to create new opportunities.”
By commemorating these men and their legacy, Wyndham recognizes the historical significance of the Greensboro Six and reinforces its commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers in both the sports and hospitality industries. The mural and documentary serve as poignant reminders that the fight for equality is ongoing and that the actions of individuals can have a profound and lasting impact on society.
As the Wyndham Championship continues to play a crucial role in determining the fate of PGA TOUR players each August, it also stands as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for change. By honoring the Greensboro Six, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts ensures that their story is not forgotten and that the lessons learned from their bravery continue to inspire and guide future generations. The Wyndham Championship is not just about golf; it’s about celebrating the progress made and recognizing the work still in pursuing equality and justice.
Former NFL Player Cierre Wood Gets Life Sentence For Forcing 5-Year-Old Girl To Exercise To Death
Wood described La'Rayah Davis as "chunky" and put her through a workout that caused her death
Former NFL running back Cierre Wood, who pleaded guilty to killing a 5-year-old girl, was sentenced to life in prison August 13.
According to The Associated Press, Wood was given prison time for the April 2019 death of his girlfriend’s daughter. Along with the life sentence, Clark County District Court Judge Jacqueline Bluth said Wood, 33, has to serve between 28 months and six years for a charge of child abuse.
The sentences must be served consecutively. Wood is eligible for parole in 10 years.
He pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder and felony child abuse, according to court records. The plea agreement he made with prosecutors stipulated that the remaining felony counts of child abuse initially filed were dismissed. He took an Alford plea, which means it’s a formal admission of guilt in criminal court that allows a defendant to still claim innocence.
La’Rayah Davis died on April 9, 2019. The Las Vegas Coroner’s Office said it was due to blunt force injuries.
Newsweek reported that Wood, who described Davis as “chunky,” put her through a workout that caused her death. After he was arrested on April 10, 2019, he reportedly told police officers that he punished her by making her run sprints in the apartment. He also made her do sit-ups and wall squats, allegedly describing the punishment as “learning through fun.”
Davis reportedly could not finish the sit-ups and fell back, hitting her head on the floor. In addition, days before she died, Davis complained of chest pains after Taylor allegedly sat on her chest and stomach as punishment.
Davis’ mother, Amy Taylor, 31, admitted to police that she “popped” her daughter the day she died for bad behavior. She pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder and felony child abuse as part of a deal with prosecutors.
Low Housing Costs And Safety Rank Among Most Desirable For Black Americans
Atlanta ranked No.1 among cities by Black Americas as the most desireable to live and for the best food.
Low living and housing costs, as well as safe and low crime rates, are among the qualities Black Americans cite as making a place desirable to reside.
New research shows those elements respectively ranked No. 1 and No. 2 with Blacks on ideal living conditions. Those pluses were followed by lots of things to do, good weather, high-quality education and good school districts.
Overall, 1,000 American adults were quizzed by Clever Real Estate to learn where people want to live this year and grasp what U.S. areas they prefer. Some 128 of the respondents (12%) included in the study were Black.
The report produced many fascinating discoveries. For instance, most Americans have accepted to live with the ups and downs. A robust 84% report they could be convinced to move to another city or state. Americans are more inclined to move there is an increase in crime (58%), the cost of living rises (52% ), or due to taxes (47%). Those three factors contribute to why people would want to depart those areas to find a better quality of life.
For Black Americans, high crime/unsafe (59%), high cost of living, expensive homes, and high rent prices (51%) were the top factors making a place undesirable. Interestingly, affordable housing ranked as the No. 1 consideration overall for moving to a new location.
When it comes to the most desirable cities to live for Blacks, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami, both in Florida, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Los Angeles topped the list in that order. Conversely, St. Louis, Missouri, Washington, Tampa, Florida, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Seattle ranked sequentially by Blacks as the least desirable cities.
Jaime Dunaway-Seale, author of The Best (and Worst) Places to Live in 2024, According to Americans, told BLACK ENTERPRISE by email, “It makes sense that Atlanta would rank No. 1 among Black Americans because it’s been called a “Black Mecca” since the 1970s. Atlanta has a rich history and culture. It’s considered the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and is known for its arts and music (especially hip-hop) culture.”
She added, “It’s been home to the National Black Arts Festival since the late 1980s. The city also has the largest collection of HBCUs in the country, whose graduates have gone on to open many Black-owned businesses in the city.”
When it comes to cities with the best food, Black Americans ranked Atlanta first. It was followed by New York, New Orleans, Chicago, and Austin, Texas.
On the state level, Black Americans ranked California, Florida, New York, Georgia, and Hawaii as the most desirable places to live. In contrast, Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas got the least desirable ranking.
The report included some noteworthy findings on other categories, including the most underrated cities and states, those areas with the nicest and rudest residents, and the ugliest and prettiest cities.
