Andrea Campbell defeated her Republican opponent Tuesday night to become the first Black attorney general in Massachusetts history.

WBUR reports Campbell’s win continues a swift rise for the Black woman in the state. Campbell was a former Boston city councilor who finished third in the city’s mayoral primary last year.

According to The New York Times, Campbell won 62.3% of the vote, receiving more than one million votes in her favor. Campbell’s opponent, Trump-backed Jay McMahon, who ran on a tough-on-crime and anti-immigration agenda, received less than 40% of the vote.

In her victory speech, Campbell said her election victory belongs to the residents of Massachusetts and added that she is just getting started.

“This moment, this win, our win, is a culmination of hard work, purpose-driven work and I am so ready to go to work on behalf of the commonwealth and on behalf of all of you as the next attorney general.”

Campbell campaigned on a promise to protect abortion rights in the state and enforce strong oversight over the police, using the story of her own life to connect with Massachusetts voters.

The Princeton and UCLA graduate’s father cycled through the revolving doors of prison, and her mother died in a car accident on her way to visit their father in prison when she and her brother Andre were eight months old.

At the time, Campbell’s father was serving eight years, meaning she and Andre were cared for by family members and spent time in foster homes. Andre died in police custody awaiting trial in 2012 at 29.

“Growing up, I would just often look at my brothers and say, get it together and go to school,” the Massachusetts resident said in 2019, according to MassInc. “I almost felt as if I was a mother figure. Do your work. It was more complex than that, and you don’t see that until you gain some level of maturity.

“I no longer blame individual people. I look at systems as a whole” and “how they don’t show up for the most vulnerable, and the inequities in those systems. And I try to peel that apart a little bit, using not just my story but the stories of many others in the communities I serve.”

Rihanna is back outside after welcoming her first child back in May and Mami-Anna is all about her baby boy.

The pop star opened up while on the red carpet for her Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 and expressed her excitement for motherhood.

“Oh my god, the mornings, like, seeing his morning face!” Rihanna told ET. “Seeing a baby with, like, little bags and waking up and they’re just, like, startled. They’re trying to figure out where they’re at.

“It’s the cutest, it’s my favorite part of the day,” the singer said of her baby boy.

“He’s amazing, he’s a happy baby.”

Rihanna loves the “cherished” moments with her six-month-old son. The Barbados native also creates little “freestyle” songs for her baby.

She even likened having a baby to getting a high.

“The beginning is like you’re tripping acid every day,” she said. “It’s wild, trippy as hell.”

Rihanna responded to an interviewer by saying, “you won’t know that because you’ll never have the opportunity to give birth, you will never have those hormones weirding you out like that and telling you ‘wait, I have a baby, that’s crazy.”

The first-time mama added, “You look at him, he’s yours, but he’s a stranger, and he’s new, and you’re learning him as he’s learning you and learning the world. It’s an amazing experience, honestly.”

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their son in May. It’s the first child for the happy celebrity couple that went public with their romance in 2020.

Now that she has a little one in her life, Rihanna is thinking about expanding her clothing line to include pieces for kids.

“You know, I always thought doing kid stuff would be cliche and the obvious thing to do when you have a baby. It’s, like, the obvious next step,” she explained.

“But when I went shopping, that’s when I realized like, OK, maybe I need to start making the stuff that I want my kids to wear because it’s hard! I got my own ideas.”

For now, fans can dig into Rih’s new Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 collection available on Amazon Fashion and Savage X Fenty. The show is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and features a star-studded lineup that includes performances by Anitta, Burna Boy, Don Toliver, and Maxwell.

Special guest appearances are made by Snowfall star Damson Idris, Joan Smalls, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kornbread, actress Marsai Martin, social media star Rickey Thompson, Emmy award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, actress Taraji P. Henson, Black Panther star Winston Duke, and many more.

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

November 9, 2022

Black-Owned Grocery Store In Mississippi Opens For Business To Service Small Delta Community

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A majority-Black community in Mississippi has gone decades without close access to a grocery store that sells fresh meat and produce until this October.

Marquitrice Mangham, the owner of Farmacy Marketplace in Webb, Mississippi, runs the only grocery store in the small Delta town.

According to Mississippi Today, the neighborhood grocer’s mission is to help solve the town’s long-struggling food system by providing small-scale farmers access to sell their crops and shoppers fresh meat and produce.

“A huge amount of food waste goes on in the Delta because everything is so sparsely populated,” said Mangham, who heads the nonprofit that runs the new Tallahatchie County grocery store. “No supermarket business is going to contract you to buy 20 pounds of tomatoes every couple weeks.”

Before having access to Farmacy, Webb, some residents reportedly drove between 18 and 25 miles to stores like Walmart in Clarksdale or to SuperValu in Charleston to purchase poultry, steak, fresh fruit, and veggies.

“It saves people money, and instead of investing in gas, they are able to purchase more groceries,” said Webb Mayor Michael Plez.

The grocery’s location is in the heart of the town’s Main Street, allowing most citizens within walking distance to run their shopping errands.

“It’s a symbolism of growth and rebuilding the community,” resident Demetrice Starks said. “It’s helping bring some type of stability.”

According to Feeding America, a 2021 U.S. Department of Agriculture report found nearly 20% of Black individuals lived in food-insecure households. With an approximate population of under 400 people, Black people make up 97% of Webb’s community.

“Since the day it opened it has been a blessing to the community,” said Plez.

Mississippi Today reported that Farmacy Marketplace is open seven days a week. As of Nov. 1, the store began accepting Electronic Benefit Transfers, or EBT payments, for those on food benefits.

• Beauty

by Stacy Jackson

November 9, 2022

Black Woman-Owned Memphis Beauty Supply Store Works To Reclaim $9 Billion Black Beauty Industry

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Black women have been shopping in beauty supply stores all their lives but make up a small percentage of the industry’s store owners.

Chasity Monroe, the owner of Pink Noire Beauty Supply and Cosmetics, one of the few Black-owned beauty supply stores in Memphis, Tennessee, hopes to reclaim the Black beauty industry through her corporate and consumer perspectives.

According to Memphis Flyer, estimates from The Black Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA) show the Black haircare and cosmetics industry is worth about $9 billion. However, less than 5% of the beauty supply stores in the United States are Black-owned, which presents Black shoppers with an issue; they purchase products from non-Black communities that do not understand Black hair.

@pink_noire

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“If we’re not driving the decisions, that just suggests to us further discrimination. Just really being on the short end of the stick,” Monroe said.

“Obviously folks who look like us tend to understand what our needs are,” said Monroe.

“A lot of the time those products are also really great quality versus some of those bigger company brands that are just trying to get a profit.”

In observance of what the market currently had for beauty supply stores, Monroe wanted to reflect a grocery store layout in her store, where customers could have a shopping experience. “I felt it was important to have a place, even if it was just for a few minutes, where you feel important, and you feel valued, and you know we got your back,” she said.

• Food

by Stacy Jackson

November 9, 2022

Cloudy Donut Co., First Black-Owned Business in Brooklyn Heights Will Have Your Tastebuds On Cloud Nine

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Cloudy Donut Co. is a new vegan doughnut shop that made history as the first Black-owned business in New York’s Brooklyn Heights.

According to VegNews, the food and beverage business was founded in 2020 by restaurateur Derrick Faulcon, and it produces over 40 vegan doughnut flavors, including classics such as Chocolate Glaze, Boston Cream, and Powdered Jelly.

“[Being the first] means a great deal to us, and we’re proud of it, but it’s just the first step,” Zewiditu Ruffin, Cloudy Donut Co.‘s partnerships director and Brooklyn Heights shop operator, told VegNews.

 

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A post shared by Zewiditu Jewel (@zewiditu)

Faulcon was inspired to get into the business after frequenting Donut Alliance, another vegan doughnut shop near his brunch spot, Home Maid. After inquiring about entering a partnership with the owners, he was approached with an unexpected response when they offered to sell the business and move on.

“There was already a small, built-in audience with Donut Alliance,” Ruffin said.

“While our brunch [at Home Maid] is not vegan, our customers trusted that if we could make a quality brunch, of course, they would try the doughnuts.”

Ruffin, who has been with the business since the beginning, shared that reverse gentrification is an important element of their business model.

“Reverse gentrification is this ideology that we bring out Black-owned businesses into predominantly white, affluent neighborhoods in order to bring visibility, diversity, and awareness,” Ruffin explained.

“We’re bringing quality products, connecting with the local community, and hiring a [diverse group] of people who don’t have to have a culinary background.”

“We knew Cloudy Donut Co. was going to be a sensation, there were going to be lines, and we wanted the community to have the first bite,” Ruffin said, noting the exclusive neighborhood event that took place before the business opened officially.

“We didn’t want to come in and say, ‘We just work here.'”

“[Faulcon] and I have a goal to uplift and provide education to Black and people of color that are interested in the culinary space,” Ruffin said.

“We want to provide specific systems and education to people and create a conversation that isn’t being had.”

Along with other signature flavors like Grapefruit Mimosa, Mango Chili Lime, and Sweet Potato, the shop offers two dog-friendly doughnut options for customers with furry companions.

Cloudy Donut Co. operates from three locations, including one in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood.

• Politics

by Derek Major

November 9, 2022

Wes Moore Becomes Maryland’s First Black Governor, Third Black Governor in US History

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Wes Moore has made history, becoming the first Black governor in Maryland and just the third Black governor in U.S. history, easily defeating Republican Dan Cox.

NPR reported that Moore received nearly 60% of the vote, getting more than 900,000 votes in the state, while Cox, a Trump-backed Republican, didn’t crack the 40% margin.

Moore, an Army veteran, Rhodes Scholar, and newcomer to politics, ran on a platform of eliminating childhood poverty in Maryland and protecting abortion rights. Moore quickly received endorsements from many notable political figures, including Oprah Winfrey, former President Barack Obama, and current President Joe Biden.

In his victory speech, Moore was quick to thank his supporters in Maryland and those who worked during his victory party.

“I want to take a moment to thank those of you who made tonight happen,” Moore said.

“The volunteers, the super volunteers who went out and knocked on doors, text banked, you put signs in your yard, you put signs in your neighbor’s yard, even if they didn’t ask for it, but you all worked, you worked and took this election personally.”

Moore did not shy away from the historical significance of his win, joining former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder as the only Black governors in U.S. history. Moore’s running mate, Aruna Miller, also made history as the first immigrant in Maryland to hold a statewide office.

However, Moore said that he and Miller want to be known for more than breaking the glass ceiling; they want to be known as the people who brought true change and equality to Maryland.

“We’re not in this race to make history. We’re in this race because we have a unique opportunity to make child poverty history […] We have a unique opportunity to make the racial wealth gap history,” Moore said last month, according to NPR.

“Now is our time.”

Many could be looking at Moore as the next Democratic candidate for president if Joe Biden decides not to run for reelection. However, Moore said he is committed to the state of Maryland for the next four years.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 9, 2022

NBA Hall of Famer Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving Says Kyrie Irving Won’t Lose Basketball Career Over Antisemitism Controversy

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Philadelphia 76ers legendary player Julius “Dr. J” Erving rarely speaks out, but he offered his thoughts on Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving and the public lashing he’s received after tweeting a link to a controversial antisemitic video.

While Irving found himself in a predicament after refusing to disavow antisemitism after sharing a link to Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America! and drawing widespread criticism, Dr. J said Irving would still have skin in the game after it’s all said and done and his career will stand the test of this tumultuous time.

“The owners are greedy,” Dr. J said. “He’s going to end up in the league playing for somebody, no matter how toxic he is.”

“As long as he’s young enough to score those buckets, and do what he does, be Kyrie, he’s going have a job,”

The legendary Philadelphia 76ers player said he just wants Irving to respect the game more and count his blessing to be able to play in the NBA.

“I always thought it was a privilege, an honor, and a blessing to be able to be an NBA player. So, if he could respect that a little bit more, I’d be happy with him sharing my name.”

by Eric Moody

November 9, 2022

Caught on Camera: Black Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing, Dragging Body of Victim at Arizona Apartment Complex

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One Arizona man tried to cover up a crime by moving a dead body to a different location.

Officials in Arizona are investigating after camera footage allegedly caught a 30-year-old man moving a body through a Mesa apartment complex.

Authorities say Michael Binion-Jones was taken into custody Monday on suspicion of killing 36-year-old Deangelo Tye.

According to NBC affiliate KPNX, authorities discovered Tye’s body Sunday near University Drive and Sossaman Road. The Mesa Police Department (MPD) issued a news release that Tye’s body was located in the landscaping area of the complex.

Police were called around 6 a.m. Sunday to a home near the 7500 block of E. Billings Street after someone reported that they found their friend dead. At least two people reported to officers that they heard shots fired in the complex around 3:00 a.m., according to MPD.

MPD stated that after locating Tye’s body, drag marks were spotted that led to a blood trail, which they followed to an upstairs apartment. Authorities later located personal surveillance video that captured key evidence for their investigation.

KPNX reported that the personal camera footage caught the man, identified as Binion-Jones, walking up to an apartment.

According to Mesa police, “At least two people reported to officers that they heard shots fired in the complex around 3:00 a.m. During the investigation, officers located a personal surveillance camera, which captured Deangelo and 30-year-old Michael Binion-Jones, walking to an upstairs apartment. Ten minutes later, the camera captured a lifeless Deangelo being dragged down the stairs and out of view by Binion-Jones.”

Binion-Jones denied it was him on the camera footage, saying it was “someone else” during an interview, according to court records obtained by KPNX.

He was arrested in Tempe, Arizona, on Monday, according to KSAZ. The Mesa Police Department has charged Binion-Jones with second-degree murder. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond set by a judge.

Not motive has been released as to what led up to Tye’s death.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

November 9, 2022

3 Black Friends Found Dead in Mexico Airbnb; Autopsy Cites Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Three American friends found dead last week at their Mexico City Airbnb, were likely killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to autopsy reports.

Bloomberg reported Wednesday that security guards at the complex in the La Rosita neighborhood mentioned the smell of gas to officials after the bodies of two men and one woman were discovered on Sunday, Oct. 30.

The travelers have since been identified as Virginia entrepreneur Kandace Florence, 28; Virginia educator Jordan Marshall, 28; and New Orleans teacher, Courtez Hall, 33. The trio were vacationing in Mexico‘s capital city for “Día de Los Muertos,” a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2.

The autopsy reports cited carbon monoxide poisoning as the possible cause of death, per Bloomberg, though a further investigation is underway.

“We can confirm the death of three U.S. citizens in Mexico. We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death,” a statement from a spokesperson with the U.S.Department of State read, per WTKR.

On October 30, Florence told her boyfriend over the phone that she was feeling ill, Norfolk, Virginia-based news station Wavy.com reported Tuesday. She told him something was off before the were disconnected. After failed attempts to get a hold of her, Florence’s boyfriend contacted the Airbnb host to check on the three tourists. Local authorities arrived and found Florence, Marshall, and Hall dead.

Before the release of the autopsy, the travelers’ families had been in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and traveled to Mexico City. Marshall’s mother, Jennifer Marshall, said the families were not informed about how her son and his friends died, telling WTKR, “The Mexican police were not very forthcoming with information. Also, the language barrier was incredibly difficult as well.”

The Marshall family confirmed that Jennifer Marshall’s body was returned home.

Hall’s mother told New Orleans NBC affiliate WDSU that he was a social studies teacher at KIPP Memorial School in New Orleans. “It’s been so hard,” she said.

“We tried calling back over there for the funeral homes. Because of the language barrier and stuff you cannot get anything through or really understand.”

Florence’s mother described her daughter as a “dreamer” who started a candle-making business, Glo Through It, to empower others. Her family is planning to hold a candlelight vigil on Thursday, what would have been her 29th birthday.

Fans of Saturday Night Live are taking aim at comedian Dave Chappelle.

A wave of complaints rolled in criticizing the move given that the controversial comedian used insensitive jokes about the trans community in his 2021 comedy special. Now they want NBC to cancel Chappelle’s appearance this Saturday.

The news of Chappelle’s appearance immediately caused many social media users to express their concerns. That included Terra Field, who worked for Netflix at the time of Chappelle’s 2021 Netflix show, The Closer.

According to Newsweek, while working at Netflix, Field held the title of co-vice president of Netflix’s transgender employee resource group. She resigned last November in protest over Chappelle’s special, which aired in October, and led several other employees in a walkout at the company last year.

“Wait I thought I cancelled him. Is it possible cancel culture isn’t a real thing??”

next week’s show! pic.twitter.com/yyWCsszXDw

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) November 6, 2022

Other Twitter users posted against the casting.

Having Dave Chappelle host SNL again is a slap in the face to trans people, including one of their own new cast members. What the hell Lorne?!

— Kara🏳️‍⚧️ (@Runningactor) November 6, 2022

we will not be watching. this is really disgusting. you literally have a nonbinary cast member

— ًbee ✡︎ JONI DAY (@filmlamet) November 6, 2022

There was also a stream of users who tweeted a photo actor and former SNL host Don Cheadle wearing a brown shirt that stated: “Protect Trans Kids”

pic.twitter.com/V9yRMsFsP3

— Jeremy Wein is in NYC (@thismyshow) November 6, 2022

Although there were initial protests from the trans community and its allies, the comedian’s momentum never slowed. He has performed countless shows across the world, even pairing with other comedians like Chris Rock and Kevin Hart. There have been a number of people speaking out against his upcoming appearance, but he also has many supporters.

Chappelle is set to appear with musical guests, hip-hop group, Black Star, which consists of Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def).

The announcement of the comic’s appearance was made via the show’s Twitter page:

next week’s show! pic.twitter.com/yyWCsszXDw

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) November 6, 2022