white women, BIPOC, conversation, be quiet, Black women, Kamala Harris, HR

by Kandiss Edwards

November 21, 2024

AI Tech Startup Founder Accused Of Scamming And Conflating Numbers To Investors

AllHere Education CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin charged with fraud and identity theft.

Joanna Smith-Griffin, 33, CEO of AI education startup AllHere Education, Inc., has been charged with defrauding investors.

Southern District of New York charged Smith-Griffin with securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The Grand Jury indictment alleges that Smith-Griffin lied about the educational platform’s financials and masqueraded as a financial consultant to feed false information to Investors. Acting as the financial consultant of AllHere Education, Smith-Griffin is accused of falsifying company financial records to mislead potential investors and inflate the value of her company and its revenue.

AllHere Education is an Artificial Intelligence educational platform used in K-12 schools. Smith-Griffin secured minor success in integrating the K-12 platform into individual school districts in California and Georgia. The CEO, however, did not secure long-term contracts with the school districts. She used these short-term partnerships to misrepresent the reach and financial success of AllHere Education to investors.

Smith-Griffin told potential AllHere investors that AllHere had generated approximately $3.7 million in revenue in 2020, approximately $2.5 million in cash on hand, and had major school district customers like the New York City Department of Education (“NYC DOE”) and Atlanta Public Schools. In reality, AllHere generated approximately $11,000 in revenue in 2020, had roughly $494,000 in cash, and did not have contracts with many of the customers it represented, including the NYC DOE and Atlanta Public Schools.

Smith-Griffin continued to raise capital to support the startup, garnering another $10 million in funds. As the company collapsed financially, Smith-Griffin allegedly used the cash infusion to pay for an extravagant three-day wedding in Florida and a North Carolina mansion.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy commented on Smith-Griffin’s decision to prioritize her personal aspirations over the educational platform’s needs.

“Her alleged actions impacted the potential for improved learning environments across major school districts by selfishly prioritizing personal expenses,” he said.

Smith-Griffin faces a mandatory two years in prison for the identity theft charge and a maximum of 20 years for each fraud charge. AllHere Education is now in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Spike Lee Heads To Saudi Arabia To Preside Over Red Sea International Film Festival

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2024

Spike Lee Heads To Saudi Arabia To Preside Over Red Sea International Film Festival

During the festival, Lee will be in conversation with Viola Davis.

The 2024 Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia will take place in Jeddah’s Old Town of Al Balad from Dec. 5–14. The festival announced that famed director and producer Spike Lee would preside over the jury of films.

According to Variety, the festival, in its fourth year, will have Lee preside over the features competition jury, which will showcase 16 films.

We are excited to announce that Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Spike Lee will preside over the Red Sea International Film Festival’s Red Sea: Features Competition Jury this year.#RedSeaIFF24 returns from December 5 to 14.#TheNewHomeOfFilm pic.twitter.com/gRWW6G5BCf

— RedSeaFilm (@RedSeaFilm) November 21, 2024

In a written statement, Lee said: “Having been lucky enough to experience first-hand the incredible filmmaking, atmosphere, and creativity at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2022, it’s a privilege to be returning this year as president of the jury. Alongside creating a melting pot for cultures to come together in celebration of our important art-form, it’s vital to continue to platform young and emerging filmmakers who are finding their voice in the industry, and it’s exciting to see first-time directors from across the Arab region, Asia and Africa as part of the competition lineup this year. I’m looking forward to diving into the program and making what I’m sure will be some very tough decisions alongside the leading luminaries on the jury.”

The Red Sea Film Festival features the world premiere showing of Egyptian director Karim Shenawy’s musical drama “The Tale of Daye’s Family.” The film festival will end with a screening of Michael Gracey’s profile of British pop star Robbie Williams, “Better Man.”

During the festival, Lee will be in conversation with Viola Davis.

“Looking towards our fourth edition, we’re honored to welcome the legendary Spike Lee as our president of jury for the festival this year,” said Jomana Al Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

Lee, who is known to be a big New York Knicks fan, was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a superfan for his devotion to the Knicks. He, along with Billy Crystal, Alan Horwitz, and Jack Nicholson, was enshrined in the James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery in October.

by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2024

Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Controversial Attorney General Nomination Amid Public Backlash

Welp...who is taking his place?

Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz is withdrawing from President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general nomination following heavy backlash.

In a statement issued on Nov. 21 via X, Gaetz backed away from the nomination, claiming his confirmation is a “distraction.” “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” he wrote.

“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle. Thus, I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.”

I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024

Knowing the appointed attorney general must be ready to serve on day one of the incoming Trump-Vance administration, pending litigation would make it difficult for Gaetz to honor that commitment. The former lawmaker is under federal investigation for allegedly paying two women to have sex and watch his appearance on Fox News. Both women claim in 2019, Gaetz also paid them to accompany him to a showing of the Broadway show Pretty Woman. During testimony in front of the bipartisan House Ethics Committee, the women alleged that Gaetz paid for them to travel across state lines to have sex on close to two occasions.

At the time of the alleged encounters, the women were between ages 19 and 21. They testified where there were times that the disgraced congressman would pay for them to travel to the Bahamas with other young women – including one who has pressed allegations she had sex with Gaetz when she was a minor.

After Trump announced his appointment to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ), the spotlight was turned to the dated allegations, prompting the release of the report from the Ethics committee’s investigation.

As committee members failed to come to a decision to release the findings in the report, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) labeled a potential Gaetz confirmation as “Kavanaugh on steroids” in reference to the 2018 hearings of racial and sexual misconduct for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. “He’s a smart guy, I’m sure he realizes that,” Cornyn said, according to The Hill.

The senior member of the Judiciary Committee warned that all the details of the FBI’s investigation and the committee’s report — both good and bad — will eventually become public. “It’s going to come to us one way or the other. There are no secrets around here,” Cornyn said.

Prior to withdrawing, Gaetz met with Cornyn, as well as Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and John Kennedy (R-La.). Vice President-elect JD Vance also attended the meetings. He encouraged the lawmakers to give their former colleague a chance to highlight his vision of the DOJ’s reform and pause on issuing judgment regarding his ability to serve.

At the time of Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump has yet to make a statement.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2024

NFL Hall Of Famer Terrell Owens Signs With Michael Strahan’s Talent Agency

Terrell Owens is making moves post-retirement.

NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver and podcast host Terrell Owens has signed with a talent agency to further stake his claim in the entertainment game.

According to Variety, Owens was signed by SMAC Entertainment, which is headed by Good Morning America host and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and his business partner, Constance Schwartz-Morini.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz has also joined SMAC Entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to add T.O. and Jordan to the SMAC family. They’re both at the top of their game and are setting the standards in their industry,” Schwartz-Morini said in a written statement. “T.O. and Jordan have already brought contagious energy to our team, and we’re excited to help them bring their visions for their careers in media, business and branding to life.”

Owens, a five-time First-Team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, played for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills, and the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2018, he was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Owens finished his career with 1,078 catches for 15,934 yards, 14.8 yards per catch and 153 touchdowns, ranking third in all-time receiving yards and touchdowns.

Owens has already made several moves since retiring from pro fotball in 2012. He has appeared in several movies and television shows including Any Given Sunday, Dysfunctional Friends, and About Last Night. He has also had his own reality TV show, T.O. Show, on VH1.

Currently, he is a co-host, along with former NFL player and sports analyst, Shannon Sharpe of the Nightcap podcast.

SMAC Entertainment is home to such celebrities as rapper-actor Common, Wiz Khalifa, Strahan, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and current NFL players such as Stefon Diggs and DK Metcalf.

Micheal Jordan, Brightness In Black,storyCorp, Jordan Bran

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2024

Michael Jordan Invests In VC Fund, Courtside Ventures

The VC fund focuses on sports, lifestyle, and gaming.

After adding more than $2 billion to his personal fortune after selling the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, basketball legend Michael Jordan has placed some of his money into a sports fund to raise $100 million.

According to Sportico, Jordan is investing in a venture capital fund, Courtside Ventures, which focuses on sports, lifestyle, and gaming.

The media outlet received a text message from one of the business partners of Courtside Ventures, Curtis Polk, confirming the information about Jordan investing. The amount he invested was not disclosed.

Polk is Jordan’s business partner and co-owner of the NASCAR outfit 23XI Racing.

The company’s website lists The Athletic, 100 Thieves, and Jackpot.com as part of its portfolio. According to the LinkedIn profile for Courtside Ventures, it was started in 2015 and is headquartered in New York.

Deepen Parikh, Vasu Kulkarni, and Kai Bond are the partners. Former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and former DraftKings executive Sean Hurley are among the group’s advisors.

In June, the company filed a Form D with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission outlining Courtside Ventures’ intentions to raise $100 million for its fourth round of funds. A total of $190 million was raised through the first three rounds.

Jordan is playing the part of a power player. According to Private Jet Clubs, he recently became the owner of a new private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, valued at approximately $65 million.

Jordan has been an astute businessman since retiring from basketball, investing in many ventures that add to his bottom line.

He and Polk, along with their 23XI Racing partner, race car driver Denny Hamlin, recently filed an antitrust lawsuit with another car owner, Front Row Motorsports, against NASCAR and CEO Jim France, stating that it has used anticompetitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.

Allison, Botham Jean, AMber Guyger, Dallas

by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2024

Jury Awards Botham Jean’s Family $98M Six Years After Former Dallas Police Officer Shot Him In His Home

Botham's legacy will forever live on....

Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was ordered by a jury to pay the family of Botham Jean $98 million after finding she used excessive force in 2018, resulting in Jean being killed in his home.

Guyger’s penalty and civil verdict came five years after she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The jury of her peers found the former officer acted with “malice, willfulness, or callous and reckless indifference” to the victim’s safety and rights, resulting in a $60 million award in punitive damages. Thirty-eight million was added on for compensatory damages for mental anguish, loss of earnings, and other claims.

Initially, Jean’s family fought for $54 million in damages; however, they called the new verdict a “powerful testament to Botham’s life and the profound injustice of his death. This case laid bare critical issues of racial bias and police accountability that cannot be ignored,” the family said in the statement.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that law enforcement officers who commit crimes cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”

The case made national headlines after Guyger mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment, believing it was hers, which was one floor below after working a 13 ½ hour shift on Sept. 6. Jean was sitting in his living room eating a bowl of vanilla ice cream when Guyger ordered him to raise his hands. During her criminal trial, she testified that he began to move toward her and started yelling. “I never wanted to take an innocent person’s life. I’m so sorry,” Guyger testified at the time.

“This is not about hate — it’s about being scared.”

According to Kera News, Guyger was not present at the civil hearing. She claimed she was limited on funds to afford an attorney and waived her right to be there. The decision did not go over too well with Jean’s family or their legal representatives, as attorney Daryl Washington called her absence an “insult.” Guyger’s attorneys failed to explain how their client would pay for damages while she rides out the rest of her sentence, but the family says it’s more about accountability than money. “We want to make sure when Amber Guyger is released from prison that Amber Guyger is not going to have a life,” Washington said.

“She’s not going to have a normal life. She’s not going to be able to capitalize on any fame that she may have gotten from this case.”

Jean established a home in Dallas after coming from the island of St. Lucia. He worked as an accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers with aspirations of becoming a partner in the future. His mother, Allison Jean, says his legacy will live on through a foundation in his name. “He came to Dallas, a city which he loved, but Dallas was unkind to him,” his mother said.

“And so what I would like to leave with you is find out from your city how valuable each and every one of you is because they need to demonstrate that value by the laws that they have, how they treat their people.”

by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2024

Trump Team Allegedly Stalling Transition Process By Not Signing Required Ethics Agreement

Can he be forced to sign it?

Campaign Legal reports that President-elect Donald Trump is putting the presidential transition process on hold by refusing to sign the ethics pledge, which is legally required for every sitting president.

Under the Presidential Transition Act, Trump and his transition team must sign a document guaranteeing they will dodge any conflicts of interest once sworn into office. Only once the document is signed and sent to the General Services Administration (GSA) can the incoming administration access federal agencies.

The transition, which President Joe Biden promised would be “orderly and peaceful,” sets a tone for the Trump-Vance administration’s approach to transparency, accountability and gaining trust from Americans, something deemed as vital to ensure their duties are carried out with the American people in mind.

The reasons behind Trump’s document stalling aren’t known, but some speculate it’s due to his most recent financial disclosure reports and one reason specifically. Many of his holdings can be considered red flags of conflict of interest, such as his new cryptocurrency business, a majority stake in his Truth Social social media platform, real estate properties, books, and licensing deals.

It’s not just the GSA that the President-elect is dodging. According to Variety, Trump also declined to use the State Department’s secure telephone lines and interpreters and abstained from the FBI’s security clearance system. Because of this, House Democrats issued new legislation on Nov. 19 requiring Executive Office employees to receive FBI security clearances. If not, Congress would be alerted.

Democratic lawmakers and strong Trump opponents like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are aghast at his transition team’s refusal to sign the ethics agreemen.

“Donald Trump and his transition team are already breaking the law. I would know because I wrote the law,” Warren wrote on X on Nov. 11. “Incoming presidents are required to prevent conflicts of interest and sign an ethics agreement. This is what illegal corruption looks like.”

Donald Trump and his transition team are already breaking the law.

I would know because I wrote the law.

Incoming presidents are required to prevent conflicts of interest and sign an ethics agreement.

This is what illegal corruption looks like. https://t.co/JJjJ59DgB5
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 11, 2024

Skepticism of the bill, introduced by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA), persists. The imminent GOP-controlled Congress seemingly leans in Trump’s favor. Once Trump is inaugurated back into office, he can give security clearances to whomever he wants, regardless of the FBI’s objections or if the person faces legal charges. The latter is the case with two of Trump’s Cabinet picks, Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, who both face sexual misconduct allegations.

Shannon Sharpe, RenderATL Tech Conference

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 21, 2024

Shannon Sharpe Salutes HBCU Wide Receiver Who Broke His Record At Savannah State

The football legend gave props to Da'Shun Mitchell during his podcast.

Shannon Sharpe praised the wide receiver at his HBCU alma mater for breaking his record for catching yards.

The football legend gave props to Da’Shun Mitchell during his Nightcap podcast. In Savannah State’s last game of the 2024 season against fellow HBCU Benedict College, Mitchell had a memorable game with 227 yards on 12 catches. Despite the Tigers losing 35-27, Mitchell still claimed his throne by beating Sharpe’s 221-yard record set in 1989.

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A post shared by Nightcap (@nightcapshow_)

While the collegiate athlete did not appear on the episode, Sharpe spoke to his co-host, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, about the record-breaking performance. However, Sharpe seemed happy that HBCU senior’s performance surpassed his, stating he was glad to set the bar.

“Da’Shun Mitchell had a hell of a game,” Sharpe began, as reported by HBCU Gameday. “Twelve catches, 227 yards, and two touchdowns. Why is that important? The 227 yards in a single game set the record by a Savannah State receiver—breaking the record held by Shannon Sharpe–of seven catches, 221 yards, and two touchdowns.”

After Johnson jokingly told him to beat the new record, Sharpe emphasized his support of the young man.

“No, Ocho, I’m glad,” the Hall of Famer continued. “Hopefully, I inspired him. When I was there, I didn’t have anybody to look up to. There weren’t many numbers to chase. I just wanted to set the bar. And after 35 years, he broke it. Salute the young bull.”

Mitchell’s performance throughout the season made him a First-Team All-Conference player. His stats could also result in an NFL future for the all-star player, just as it once did for Sharpe. Since his career shift from athlete to media personality, Sharpe has often joined fellow HBCU alum and “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith in public support and outreach to historically Black schools.

Sharpe added, “When a Savannah State Tiger does something great—especially as a receiver—I’m proud. That’s what we do… Congratulations, on everything you’ve accomplished. Savannah State — that’s what we do.”

Diddy, Kim porter sons, Quincy brown, Christian

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2024

Diddy’s Sons Issue Cease-And-Desist Letter To Nix Sale Of Kim Porter Book Allegedly Based On Her Diary

The book's author, Courtney Burgess, claims he has a copy of Kim Porter's diary/memoir.

Sons of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the late Kim Porter have fired off a cease-and-desist to prevent the continued sale of a tell-all book about their mom.

Quincy Brown and Christian Combs are threatening legal action against Courtney Burgess and his attorney, Ariel Mitchell, over a book titled Kim Porter Tell It All (“Tell It All”), which Burgess has been selling online under the pseudonym Jamal Millwood.

According to a legal filing obtained by TMZ, Brown and Combs assert that they inherited Kim Porter’s intellectual property rights after her death in November 2018, and any alleged diary entries referenced in the book are legally theirs, not Burgess’s.

The brothers highlight Burgess’s multiple interviews in which he claims to have obtained the “original unedited” copy of Porter’s diary/memoir, along with a flash drive from those close to Porter. He says that he printed the book without making any edits. Quincy and Christian argue that the claims about the flash drive are “patently false” and designed to mislead the public. They assert that, if such a flash drive existed, it would belong to them, not Burgess.

Diddy’s sons are giving Burgess five days to cease the online sale of the book, stop making interviews with false claims, and return any of Porter’s possessions he alleges to have. They are also demanding an accounting of any profits he has already made from the book.

This is the latest action taken by Diddy’s children as the embattled hip-hop mogul remains incarcerated at MDC-Brooklyn on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Recently, Diddy’s kids shared a video on Instagram of their birthday phone call with him. His trial is slated to start in May 2025.

Diddy’s children have been seen attending his court hearings, standing by him as a united front amid the growing attention surrounding the high-profile case.

The Bad Boy mogul has been in jail since September and continues to maintain his innocence. Meanwhile, he faces ongoing lawsuits from individuals accusing him and others of sexual abuse.

Ural Glanville, young thug, juror, photos, YSL, Truly humbled under god,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2024

Young Thug Co-Defendants In YSL RICO Trial Granted Acquittals On 3 Charges

Yak Gotti's attorney filed a motion for a directed verdict on all charges against him, the judge denied it for some charges, but granted the acquittal for three of them.

Although recording artist Young Thug is no longer on trial, his co-defendants’ cases are still before an Atlanta judge. The judge has granted two of Thug’s co-defendants, Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, acquittals on three charges against the pair.

According to Newsweek, Kendrick’s legal team recently filed a motion for a directed verdict on all charges against him on Nov. 20. Kendrick, who was also known as Yak Gotti, and Stillwell, known as SB, were charged with multiple counts related to racketeering conspiracy and participation in criminal street gang activity, as well as murder and drug and gun violations.

Kendrick’s attorneys asked for the directed verdict, arguing that there is no legally sufficient evidence for a jury to reach a verdict that would find him guilty.

“The State has simply presented no evidence of Mr. Kendrick’s possession, custody, or control of the weapons or drugs found. Without possession, there can be no conviction on these counts,” the defense stated to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.

Judge Whitaker denied the motion for most of the counts but did grant it for three others that are related to guns and drugs found when police officers searched Thug’s residence.

“I do not believe that even viewing in the light most favorable to the prosecution, there’s evidence upon a rational trier of fact could find the essential elements of possession of those particular items,” Whitaker said.

Prosecutors stated that Kendrick and Stillwell were part of the Young Slime Life, or YSL, gang. They were indicted in 2022, along with Thug (real name Jeffery Williams) and 25 other people associated with YSL, under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

After hearing testimony for almost a year, the prosecution rested its case on Nov. 19. The defense did not call any witnesses. Closing arguments will take place on Nov. 21.