St. Louis Teen Finally Comes Clean About Viral Fight That Caused Brain Damage Of White Student
Maurnice Declue will be placed on supervised probation after her charges were lessened.
A St. Louis teen has admitted to the viral fight with Kaylee Gain. Maurnice Declue will be charged with second-degree assault for the March 8 altercation that left Gain with brain damage.
Declue was originally detained as a suspect in the incident, which allegedly occurred between the two students near Hazelwood East High School. With her charges downgraded from first-degree assault, Declue admitted to her involvement. KSDKfirst covered the assault that made national headlines.
In the video, the teen was seen allegedly slamming Gain’s head into concrete, resulting in seizures. Declue’s lawyer, Greg Smith, expressed how the 15-year-old “accepted responsibility” for her actions.
“I think she understood the situation; she understood and accepted responsibility for her own conduct,” Smith shared. “We never believed she was guilty of assault in the first degree. That’s knowingly causing serious physical injury, suggesting that was her intent all along to cause those serious injuries. Under the situation she found herself in, she was acting under the influence of sudden passion.”
Declue spent three months in juvenile detention but has since been released. She is now under court-supervised probation. Smith suspects the appointed juvenile officer will supervise the high schooler for up to a year. She expects to return to school this fall.
As for Gain, the teenager will need another surgery to reinsert a piece of the skull initially removed. She also continues physical and mental therapy.
Given the nature of the fight, Gain’s lawyer and state politicians originally called for Declue to be tried as an adult. The attorney used a now-debunked social media post of Declue allegedly mocking the incident as the basis for the charge. Since its retraction, the attorney apologized. Moreover, a court hearing in May confirmed Gain threw the first punch.
Declue’s family, who identified her in the video, also maintains that the frequent bullying led to her intense fighting.
Simply Pure Trenton is Reportedly the First Black-Owned Multistate Dispensary
In addition to giving Black-owned businesses prime real estate in their shop, Simply Pure also partnered with ButACake, a Black-owned concentrates company, to build out marketing displays at its stores.
According to MJ Biz Daily, Simply Pure is believed to be the first Black-owned multistate retail operator. The business scaled up using outside investors and debt and equity deals, which Johnson described as the route that made the most sense to the outlet.
“I had bigger companies with deeper pockets that wanted to partner, but that wouldn’t have made sense. Not only am I part of the brand, but I get Wanda, herself, as a mentor.”
Johnson, also the president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and a member of MJBiz Daily’s Advisory Council, described the business’ practice of dedicating shelf space to other Black-owned cannabis products to the outlet. “It’s right in the center of the floor, in the most prominent area in the dispensary, so those brands get the most attention.”
In addition to giving Black-owned businesses prime real estate in their shop, Simply Pure also partnered with ButACake, a Black-owned concentrates company, to build out marketing displays at its stores.
ButACake CEO Matha Figaro told MJ Biz via email that the initiative is important and models a path for collectivism and collaboration between minority-owned brands.
“This opportunity represents the strength in collaboration for minority-owned brands striving for visibility in the competitive cannabis market,” Figaro wrote.
Figaro continued, “The exposure from being on Simply Pure’s shelves not only amplifies our reach but also underscores the importance of equitable shelf placement.”
For James’s part, she believes that Simply Pure’s reception at its grand opening weekend late in July portends a bright future for a collaboration that the two described as a passion project.
“It was a heartfelt turnout. This one held so much weight. Everyone was just ready for this. The industry was a passion for both of us,” James told MJ Biz Daily, “and we both had a lot of the same feelings about business, what the plant stood for, and what it could mean for the community.”
Did Tennis GOAT Serena Williams Mistakenly Call Out The Peninsula Restaurant In Paris?
The restaurant responded.
While enjoying the festivities of this year’s Summer Olympic Games, Serena Williams called out a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris after the tennis legend claimed she and her children were denied entry.
On Aug. 5, in a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Olympic champion expressed her frustration, stating that she and her family were not allowed into the rooftop restaurant L’Oiseau Blanc at The Peninsula. Williams noted that this was the first time her side had denied her access to her family.
Yikes, @peninsulaparis, I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in [an] empty restaurant of nicer places, but never with my kids. Always a first. #Olympic2024
Paris restaurants typically only book to capacity and they don’t expect to turn tables multiple times each evening. So if a booking is made for 8pm, they will not seat someone at that table at 7. So at 7pm a restaurant may look empty at the moment, but every table is actually…
The Peninsula responded to Williams with an apology, explaining that the establishment hadn’t slighted her and her children– it was merely booked with no availability.
“Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked, and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved,” the restaurant penned from its X account.
Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.
Mike Tyson Hilariously Recalls Giving Away 2 Bentleys To Avoid Trouble
When Tyson was heavyweight champion, he had owned seven Bentleys while making several millions
When former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was on top of the world, knocking out fighters and making millions per fight, the money flowed so much that he was known to give out Bentleys just because he could afford to.
According to Finaruh, the Brooklyn-bred cannabis enthusiast and legendary boxer admitted to giving away an expensive Bentley or two over the years to keep himself out of trouble. In a video filmed in 2019, while speaking to comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan, Tyson relayed a story about giving a Bentley to someone who got into a car accident with his then-wife, Robin Givens.
Tyson was asked about owning several Bentleys, and he admitted to having many but also confessed to giving away a few of them. He explained that he did so because of Givens at the time.
“I was married at the time to Robin Givens, and we were in some fast food joint where we ordered food, and she went in my pocket, I guess, to get some money out my pocket to pay for it, and she saw some condoms come out. She was mad so she got in the car. Boom! She crashed the car into another that was just parked there. Boom. She hit somebody. She hurt their arm, and the cops came.”
He then explains that the cops arrived and questioned what took place. He said he didn’t have a license and didn’t want Givens to get in trouble for hitting the guy, so he told the officers that “nothing happened.”
He said that the guy had a broken arm, and he just offered to give the Bentley to the guy to avoid him and Givens being arrested. He told Rogan that the guy accepted it, which was the end.
In another interview, posted several years ago on DJ Vlad’s channel, Ed Lover told a story of hanging out with Tyson, and due to being with him, he was given a Bentley after chilling with him at a club in Queens, New York. He tells how Tyson buys the bar out, has fun, and chills with women. After hanging out for a few hours, Ed said that since he had rode with Tyson to Queens from Manhattan and had to return to the city to get his car, Tyson gave him the Bentley. After Ed had driven the car around for several weeks, Tyson’s manager contacted Ed and told him he was coming to pick up the vehicle. Ed made arrangements, and the manager retrieved the car.
Ed said that 15 years later, he ran into Tyson, and while they were talking, Tyson told him that he didn’t want the car back, and he gifted it to Ed, but the manager was jealous that Ed had the car, so he went and got the car back. Ed acknowledged that he never knew the car was gifted to him, but, at the time, he drove it like it was his.
Battleground State Polls Show VP Kamala Harris Tied With Trump But Outperforming With Black Voters
Things are looking up for the Vice President!
New polls show Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are neck and neck in the battleground states, but Harris is winning Black voters over by a landslide, The Hill reports.
The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed roughly 3,100 registered voters between July 30 and Aug. 2. Both candidates are tied with 50% support from each of the battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. However, Harris leads Trump 50% to 49% nationally in a head-to-head race. Trump has a small one-point lead in Wisconsin and a three-point lead in Georgia and North Carolina, while Harris is two points ahead in Nevada.
With third-party candidates added, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee holds a 2-point lead over the GOP candidate.
According to the outlet, the major key boost in numbers for Harris comes from Black voters, a critical demographic for the vice president, with 74% guaranteeing their support of Harris compared to when President Joe Biden was the nominee, with 58%. In total, Harris has 81% support from Black voters, compared to 73% support for Biden. The gap comes as no surprise to Democratic strategists who issued a warning that the president was losing ground with the key demographic for months.
According to CBS News, Black voters feel Harris will cater to all Americans, including them. However, GOP voters and lawmakers worry she will only help the interests of Black people over white people. For Harris’ voters, they are confident she will look out for everyone — regardless of gender or race.
Overall, voters on both sides of the aisle are now seemingly excited about Harris’ nomination and November 2024 voting. Even for Trump supporters, one-third of GOP voters are seemingly more motivated to vote with Harris on the ballot now. When it comes to candidate qualities, voters feel confident in Harris’ ability to match up more closely with Trump.
The vice president’s advantage over Trump touches on having the mental and cognitive capacity to serve, a key issue for Democrats when Biden was the nominee. Her energy rate is 69% over Trump’s 61% and 56% to Trump’s 52% regarding being focused.
Harris’ race entrance has also widened the gender gap between the candidates, with the vice president winning 54% of women’s votes, while Trump has won 54% of men.
As voters consider the country’s climate, most voters — both Harris supporters and beyond — feel America is ready for a Black woman to be president, taking into account 75% of independent voters and close to half of Republicans. Such viewpoints have shifted over the years. In 2000, almost more than one-third of the country supported the idea of a Black president-elect. The numbers increased in 2008 when former President Barack Obama was the Democratic nominee, and most of the country supported the narrative.
Actor Akili McDowell Charged With Murder In Houston
McDowell, who starred in an OWN Network show, “David Makes Man,” at 16-years-old and was considered a rising star in the film and TV industry, is accused by the Harris County Sheriff’s office of shooting Peralta and fleeing the scene.
According to ABC-13, the 21-year-old McDowell, who starred in the OWN Network show David Makes Man at 16 years old, attended North Shore High School, and was considered a rising star in the film and TV industry, is accused by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office of shooting Peralta and fleeing the scene.
On July 20, Harris County sheriff deputies responded to calls about a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a man, identified as Peralta, unresponsive from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS workers pronounced Peralta dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Peralta is believed to have gone to the apartments to purchase marijuana from McDowell, who neighbors allege was known as “the weed man.”
In McDowell’s first court appearance, prosecutors argued, “This defendant was seen talking to the complainant. They had a fistfight. The defendant pulled out a pistol and shot him once. When the complainant went to his car, he shot him again and again.”
According to a witness who declined to be identified, McDowell sped off after gunshots were fired. McDowell is currently held on a $400,000 bond but informed the court that he can’t afford a lawyer and has been assigned a public defender.
According to TheNew York Times, McDowell is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 9. Jonell Whitt, McDowell’s manager, offered prayers to both McDowell and the family of the victim in a statement but declined any further comments.
“This is an unfortunate situation and I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy,” Whitt told the Associated Press.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, “On July 20, 2024, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an incident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 13503 North Thorntree, near Wallisville and Uvalde (East Harris County). An adult male (possibly in his 20s) sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Suspect(s) fled the scene.”
The sheriff’s office continued, updating their initial report, “Arrest update: Homicide Investigators charged Akili McDowell (21) with murder in the shooting death of Cesar Peralta (20). McDowell was recently taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with info to contact the Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.”
The approximate value of the 2024 gold medal is higher than the all-time high value of the gold medal for the 2012 London Olympics.
It was recently revealed on a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe and Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson‘s Nightcap that gold medal winners from the United States take home $37,000 when they win in their sport.
But what is the actual worth of that gold medal?
According to Forbes, based on the current price of gold as of July 24, the precious gold medal Olympian athletes take home is worth approximately $950. That also includes materials that are used for the medal. The media outlet states that, due to record-high prices for the precious metal, this is the most that the top medal has been worth.
The approximate value of $950 beats the value of the $708 of the gold medal for the 2012 London Olympics.
Although it’s labeled as gold, more than 95% of the medal is actually made of silver. The price of the top medal, if it were made purely of gold, would substantially raise the value of the medal to approximately $41,161.50. The last time that Olympic medals were 100% gold was in 1912.
In terms of how much the medal weighs, it is 529 grams. Silver makes up 505 grams, while six grams consists of pure gold, which serves as the plating for the medal. The remaining 18 grams are iron.
In comparison, the silver medal comes in just at 525 grams. The medal is made with 507 grams of silver and 18 grams of iron. The current value of the silver medal is approximately $486. The bronze medal weighs 455 grams. No silver is incorporated in the bronze, but its makeup is 415.15 grams of copper, 21.85 grams of zinc, and 18 grams of iron. The value of a bronze medal? A paltry $13.
The iron included in the medals is no ordinary iron. According to the outlet, the iron is specifically made from the iron from the Eiffel Tower, the universally recognized symbol of Paris and France.
All the medals are 85 millimeters across and 9.2 millimeters thick.
21 Savage Releases ‘Master Your Money’ Guide To Put Ms In Your Bank Account
The rapper gave away copies of the financial literacy workbook at his annual back-to-school drive in Atlanta.
21 Savage is a man of many trades, from rap music to financial empowerment. The hip-hop artist has released a guide to teach youth about managing their pockets.
The free digital booklet, titled Master Your Money: Financial Success 101 Guide With 21 Savage, begins with an explanation of the rapper’s hit song “Bank Account.”
“The main focus of the song is on wealth, success, and the lifestyle that comes with financial prosperity,” according to an explainer found in the booklet. “In the track, 21 Savage raps about having a large amount of money in his bank account and the luxurious lifestyle that his wealth enables him to enjoy. The song highlights themes of financial success, the rewards of hard work, and the contrast between his past struggles and his current status.
The booklet then includes a list of short- and long-term goals to be financially savvy. Eliminating small debts or growing an emergency fund can also coincide with years-long endeavors, such as buying a home. The workbook, in collaboration with Wealthy Habits, also teaches readers about wise spending, from budgeting for a trip to the differences between savings accounts.
Moreover, the comprehensive book touches on credit scores and investments. It encourages readers to not only understand loans but also build wealth. This financially-focused document aims to address concerns regarding wealth-building and financial literary for the youth, especially in the Black community. While Black wealth is on the rise, the racial wealth gap persists. Through this booklet, 21 Savage hopes to contribute to the trend of financial awareness.
21 Savage is continuing the work through his Leading By Example foundation. On Aug. 4, the Atlanta native hosted his eighth annual “Issa Back-to-School Drive” in the city. According to Complex, over 3,000 people participated in the charitable event. They took home school supplies and copies of “Master Your Money,” all provided by the rapper.
For the 31-year-old’s ongoing work to better the Atlanta community, Congressman Hank Johnson and Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson declared Aug. 4 as “21 Savage Leading By Example Day.” Despite his tough lyrics, 21 Savage has proven himself as an advocate for education and financial literacy nationwide.
How Texas Attorney Kevin Kelley Is Raising the Bar For Southern Dining, Hospitality, and Opportunities For Minorities
Kitchen + Kocktails is Kevin Kelley's latest endeavor.
Kevin Kelley is a Dallas-based trailblazer and tastemaker, creating countless opportunities and hospitable destinations across America considerate of people of color. The sole owner of the rising national hospitality group Kevin Kelley Concepts, Kelley has successfully implemented a vision in his concepts that strives for nationwide expansion.
Kelley is an attorney, entrepreneur, restaurateur and progressive visionary, Kevin Kelley Concepts has seen substantial success due to Mr. Kelley’s drive, passion for service, ability to inspire the best from those around him, and his selflessness. His love for serving the community and equipping the “underdogs” can be credited to the success of Kevin Kelley Concepts.
The wrongful death, serious injury, and business litigation law firm Kelley Law Firm, P.C., represents clients internationally who have been wronged or harmed due to the actions of others. Over 17 years. the firm has recovered over half of a billion dollars for its clients.
As for Kevin Kelley Concepts, it consists of three hospitality brands across six nationwide locations: Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley (Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, NC), Club VIVO, and KANVAS Sports + Social. Within the group, Kelley employs over 800 employees of color, emblematic of his commitment to creating opportunity for those who otherwise would struggle to have it recognized.
Every menu item, crafted cocktail, and dessert is carefully created, tasted, and selected by Kelley. He prides himself on the time, attention, and quality that goes into each plate served; the core of what the restaurant provides is built on great service, delicious Southern comfort food, creative hand-crafted cocktails, and memorable experiences.
Club VIVO is Dallas’ #1 Latin nightclub, operating out of 19,000 square feet at 1930 Pacific Ave. Club VIVO’s main staff is primarily Latino, thoughtfully addressing the needs of the customer base.
The most recent addition to Kevin Kelley Concepts’ body of work is an elevated sports viewing destination in the heart of downtown Dallas, Kanvas Sports + Social. Located on 2823 Main Street, Kanvas Sports + Social boasts 10,000 square feet of space, two floor-level dining areas, and a connected upper-level lounge, bar, and kitchen that makes up Dallas’ next vibrant double-decker sports lounge. Plus, there’s fantastic food and first-rate cocktails.
Taking pride in his ability to lead through principles and goal-oriented action, Kelley has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs and next-generation professionals. Many first-time professionals, including paralegals, attorneys, and restaurant general managers, have gotten their start through opportunities provided by Kevin Kelley Concepts.
Thompson Hospitality CEO Leads Through Diversification
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Thompson offers sage advice: 'Get knowledge and experience in the business before you launch out on your own.'
Source: Thompson Hospitality CEO Warren Thompson (Photo provided by Thompson Hospitality)
Restaurant sales are projected to surpass $1.1 trillion this year, setting a new record for the industry. By the end of 2024, it is anticipated that over 15.7 million individuals will be employed in this sector in the United States, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 “State of the Restaurant Industry” report.
Black-owned businesses play a crucial role in the American economy, significantly driving growth and development across numerous industries. About 9% of restaurant firms are owned by Black people, below the total U.S. representation of 13.6% reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Despite the challenges many face in the restaurant industry, Warren Thompson, CEO of Thompson Hospitality, founded in 1992, leads the nation’s largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Thompson’s success story exemplifies the potential for growth and excellence within Black-owned businesses, showcasing their ability to thrive and innovate even in competitive markets.
BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Thompson to gather his insights on the changing landscape of the restaurant business, diversification, and his philosophy about leadership.
Delivering Success Through Diversification
Thompson attributes much of his success to a profoundly ingrained entrepreneurial spirit. “I was a consummate entrepreneur as a kid,” he recalls. “I had multiple businesses, from raising hogs to cutting grass to selling produce from an old school bus.” This entrepreneurial mindset has been a cornerstone of Thompson Hospitality’s culture. From its inception as a restaurant company, the business quickly diversified into contract food service and hotels, allowing it to navigate economic fluctuations and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve done that with an entrepreneurial culture,” Thompson explains. “People we attract and retain are entrepreneurial. In every interview, I ask if they see themselves as more of a corporate person or an entrepreneur. I want the answer to be entrepreneurial.”
Leadership, for Thompson, is about taking calculated risks and evolving with experience.
“When I started this company 32 years ago, I took crazy risks,” he admits. “I started with $100,000, heavily leveraged transactions. I’ve become more conservative as we’ve grown, but I still believe in taking appropriate risks to grow the company.” His leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the company’s guiding principles, the last of which is “Do the right thing, treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” This principle, he says, is the essence of the company’s culture and drives decisions at all levels.
Power in Partnerships
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly in the context of racial issues. Starting Thompson Hospitality in 1992, Thompson recalls, “was a time when our country was going through racial challenges similar to what we are experiencing now.” His first major deal, franchising 27 Shoney’s restaurants, came on the heels of a significant discrimination lawsuit against Shoney’s.
“Even though they were required to have a certain number of African American franchisees, they were having a hard time. When I approached them, they were anxious to do the deal.” To navigate the racial tensions and business hurdles, Thompson assembled an influential advisory board, including prominent figures like Martin Luther King III and Dr. Dorothy Height, who provided crucial support and guidance.
Thompson’s commitment to diversity and community is unwavering. “Diversity equals income,” he asserts. “It’s been a fundamental part of our company from day one.” This commitment extends to substantial contributions to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“We provide about $4 million a year in scholarships and financial support to HBCUs,” Thompson says, highlighting his deep personal connection to these institutions as both his parents were HBCU graduates. This focus on giving back and fostering diversity has strengthened the company and created opportunities for future generations.
Hen Quarter Prime: A Recipe for Success
Hen Quarter Prime, the latest addition to the Thompson Hospitality portfolio, has quickly become a standout in the competitive Washington, D.C. restaurant scene. According to Alex Brown, director of operations, its success lies in a robust marketing strategy and deep community engagement.
“If you’re joining us for dinner, we’ll talk to you about brunch, and vice versa,” Brown says. “We also cross-market with brands like Makers Union and Milk and Honey at the Wharf.” This integrated approach helps maximize visibility and draw a diverse crowd to Hen Quarter Prime, enhancing its reputation as a destination for various dining experiences.
Adaptation and innovation are also crucial to Hen Quarter Prime’s success. Brown notes that the restaurant continually evolves its menu to cater to customer preferences and market conditions. “We offer everything from a casual dinner with chicken and waffles to a more elevated experience with table-side carved Tomahawk and Porterhouse steaks,” he says. The beverage program is equally versatile, featuring entry-level cocktails and a large selection of rare bourbons and whiskies.
Hen Quarter Prime’s blend of innovative marketing, strategic cross-promotions, adaptive offerings, and community engagement is a model for success in the competitive restaurant industry. It thrives under the Thompson Hospitality Group’s umbrella, bringing a unique and elevated dining experience to the heart of Washington, D.C.
Entrepreneurial Advice
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Thompson offers sage advice. “Get knowledge and experience in the business before you launch out on your own,” he recommends, drawing from his nine years at Marriott.
He also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships.
“Five years into this company, we partnered with Compass Group, the global food service company. This partnership allowed us to grow our business exponentially.” Thompson encourages young entrepreneurs to be financially conservative and seek proper funding, noting that many businesses fail due to being underfunded.
