by Sharelle Burt

November 5, 2024

Here’s Why The Results Of The 2024 Election Could Take Days To Finalize

Is anyone else anxious??

As thousands of voters travel to the polls for 2024 Election Day, a number of factors could delay finalizing the results.

The race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is tighter than in past elections, so the results could take longer to determine. Voters expect the winner to be declared within hours of poll closure, but several determining factors could cause delays.

Most polls close at 7:30 pm ET, and with the race being neck and neck for weeks now, media outlets may delay announcing the winner longer. If the results show narrow margins, a recount could be granted. Something similar happened during the 2020 election cycle. A recount may be required in Pennsylvania if there is a half-percentage-point difference between the candidate votes to determine the winner.

The margin was just over 1.1 percentage points in 2020. President Joe Biden wasn’t declared the official winner until four days after Election Day when Pennsylvania results became more apparent.

Legal measures also get in the way of determining the winner at a crucial time. During the 2024 election period, over 100 pre-election lawsuits have already been filed by members of the Republican Party, with some being geared toward voter eligibility and voter roll management. According to WDSU, rules against mail-in ballots play a significant role in result delays, especially in swing states. “Election officials have to process all absentee ballots –- in Milwaukee, Green Bay -– all the ballots are sent to a central location, and then processed,” Common Cause Wisconsin member Jay Heck said.

“Election results will not be known until after midnight.”

Following past issues with voter fraud, both election and state officials have issued statements prepared to defend the results on their own turf and nationwide. “I stand ready to defend the results of the election with election officials all across the states,” Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said. Michigan’s Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson followed suit, saying, “We’ll be there to make sure accuracy and security is prioritized over efficiency.”

Voter turnout has been high in most states due to early voting and mail-in ballots. However, election poll workers will be busy on Election Night, especially in battleground states. Top election officials in Georgia anticipate close to 75% of votes will be counted within the first two hours of polls closing. In Nevada, results could take days to determine. The state allows mail-in ballots to be counted if they were sent on Election Day and don’t arrive after Nov. 9.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 5, 2024

Philly Rapper Freeway Was All Of Us When He Belted ‘Reading Rainbow’ Theme Song To The Iconic LeVar Burton

The 'State Property' rapper was impressed when standing face-to-face with the 'Roots' actor

A consequential presidential election is taking place, and as people were encouraged to vote, a Philadelphia rapper got the chance of a lifetime when he met a legendary actor while seemingly getting out the vote.

Former Roc-A-Fella recording artist Leslie Edward Pridgen, better known to hip-hop fans as Freeway, posted a video clip showing him with Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton to his social media account. In the light-hearted clip, Freeway is seemingly impressed with connecting with the Star Trek: The Next Generation star as he breaks into song while talking to Burton. He told the former host he grew up on Reading Rainbow before belting out the TV show’s tune.

“I got a chance to meet the guy from Reading Rainbow today!!! 💪🏾🔥💙💯💯 @levar.burton
PS, that R&B album is on the way! 😫😫😂💪🏾🔥💯”

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Freeway, who hails from Philadelphia and was part of the city’s collective hip-hop group, State Property, took the stage at Vice President Kamala Harris’ Vote for Freedom Rally in his hometown to support the Democratic nominee. He announced on his Instagram account on Nov. 4 that he’ll be in attendance.

“We’re hitting the stage tonight in Philly at the Harris Campaign’s Vote for Freedom Rally! This is bigger than music – it’s about our future, our rights, and our voices. Every vote matters, so we’re coming together to remind everyone just how powerful showing up can be. 💪🏾💙💯
#fta”

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The “Roc the Mic” rapper is a featured artist on a just-released project titled “Vote or Else.” The EP also features recording artists The Roots’ Black Thought, Jay Electronica, Benny the Butcher, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, The Lox’s Styles P, Smoke DZA, Beanie Sigel, and Bun B. The project was put together by Marvin Bing, who stated in an Instagram post that the EP connects “the religious community and the streets.”

Carolyn Freeman, arrest, Atlanta Falcons

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2024

Police Arrest ‘BirdLady’ For Theft While At Atlanta Falcons Game

Freeman allegedly scammed football fans out of $14,000 for an event she never put on.

Atlanta police have officially arrested the controversial “BirdLady” while at an Atlanta Falcons game. The superfan has been charged with a felony count of theft by deception.

According to Atlanta News First, Carolyn Freeman initially denied allegations that she used money given to her by NFL fans for non-football-related expenses. Despite this, she still had a warrant out for her arrest issued on Oct. 30. Police finally caught up with Freeman during the Falcons game against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 3.

In her interview with ANF, conducted hours before her arrest, Freeman addressed the allegations. She asserted that she had her own funds and did not use the money designated for tailgates and Super Bowl events to pay for her car repairs and a personal seat license at the Mercedes-Benz stadium.

“I don’t need that money,” declared Freeman. “I’ve never had a problem with money. I have money; my family has money.”

Freeman had garnered fame as the “BirdLady,” appearing at games in a flamboyant costume complete with red wings to match the Falcon’s colors. Prior to the allegations going public, her image had been featured on an Equifax billboard inside the stadium. It has now been removed following the claims.

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A post shared by Carolyn BirdLady Freeman (@atlantafalconsbirdlady)

ANF uncovered Freeman’s alleged scam. A South Georgia chapter of the Kansas City Chiefs fan club paid $14,500 to Freeman’s nonprofit, BirdLady Cares Inc., to host a tailgate ahead of the Chiefs-Falcons game on Sept. 22. However, when the over 300 paid attendees showed up to the event, nothing was set up. Tammy Southwood, the organizer of the event, contacted Freeman, who claimed she went to the hospital and got pulled over by police.

The event never came to fruition. Instead, Southwood claims that they obtained photos of Freeman at the game. Freeman defended herself, stating that by the time she arrived, all the participants had left. She also stated that her handyman went to the hospital following a fall.

Moreover, the fan club thought some proceeds from the ticket sales would go toward her nonprofit. BirdLady Cares Inc. has been registered as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping children impacted by abuse, domestic violence, and bullying.

However, Freeman declared that she had used more money than granted to her, leaving nothing left for her organization. Freeman’s social media pages do include past photos of her hosting events for children.

As she remains detained, the BirdLady’s court date has been scheduled for Nov. 5.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2024

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Is Spending Election Day Abroad In Spain

The Mayor's office announced her expected whereabouts in a press release sent the night before Election Day.

New Orleans’ mayor, LaToya Cantrell, will not be in town, or the country, as America votes for a new president. Instead, the elected official will spend Election Day abroad in Spain.

The Mayor’s office announced her expected whereabouts in a press release sent the night before Election Day. Cantrell has ventured to Barcelona, Spain to attend the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress. According to Fox 8, she will not return to New Orleans until later this week.

The Congress is supposed to engage worldly cities and progress urban innovation. Its goal remains “to collectivise urban innovation across the globe and empower cities to face the critical challenges the world faces today.”

Its description added, “Every year, they gather leaders from global companies, governments and organizations to move cities towards a better future.”

As for Cantrell’s attendance, her office shared that “conference consultants say information about managing New Orleans’ active weather climate will serve as a model to benefit other cities.” The mayor will also participate in panels as a “lead voice” at the three-day event.

However, the mayor’s constituents have questioned why she would leaving during this critical moment in U.S. politics. Moreover, her international trips on tax-payers’ dime is not a one-off occurrence. Since May 2023, she has been to at least seven destinations, including South Korea, France, Dubai, and Qatar. Some political analysts are suspicious of the value these trips hold to the city.

“I think what we’re seeing now is genuine questions being asked, with the frequency of travel, regarding what’s the purpose and is it absolutely necessary and in the city’s best interest,” relayed political analyst Mike Sherman in May of this year.

The trips are especially concerning given the federal investigation looming around her administration. Her former bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie, was indicted on charges of wire fraud and lying to investigators in July. Vappie and Cantrell have also faced accusations of an alleged romantic relationship between the two.

Moreover, a city inspector was indicted in September for wire fraud and bribery conspiracy, which involves multiple city officials such as Cantrell. Cantrell has yet to face any charges, but the backlash against her travel continues to grow.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 5, 2024

Legendary Rapper Buckshot Reportedly Beaten In Brooklyn

The Duck Down label owner was attacked in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn

A legendary Brooklyn recording artist and entrepreneur was allegedly beaten in his hometown of Brooklyn in an attack that reportedly left him beaten “half to death.”

According to AllHipHop, Kenyatta Blake, better known as Buckshot (Shorty) of the Brooklyn-bred hip-hop group Black Moon, was beaten in the Flatbush section of the borough on Oct. 31. A Facebook user named Sista Asia Wildenboar alerted the world about the news when she left a message on her page. In a now-deleted post, she had a picture with Buckshot and the caption, “Please pray for BUCKSHOT OF BOOT CAMP CLIK WAS BEATEN HALF TO DEATH IN FLATBUSH NYC. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIM.”

A video floating around on social media showed the aftermath of the attack. He was seen on the ground bloodied and bruised. He was eventually taken to the hospital where he was reportedly treated and released. No one, at least publicly, has identified his assailant nor does anyone know what led to the beating.

Black Moon group member, DJ Evil Dee has confirmed to BLACK ENTERPRISE that Buckshot is at home and resting.

The rapper, who was one of the first recording artists in hip-hop to not only start his own label but incorporate a roster of other talented rappers, started his career/business after releasing the single and video, “Who Got da Props” in 1992. The three-member group, which consisted of DJ Evil Dee and 5ft, is seen as possibly the rappers to start the trend of backpack rappers after being seen in their first video with the backpacks worn throughout the video.

They released their debut album the next year, Enta da Stage and with manager, Dru Ha, Buckshot started the management company, Duck Down, which also became a record label and marketing company and started incorporating other recording artists, Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, and O.G.C. to form the Boot Camp Clik. Over the years, Duck Down released albums from KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, Pete Rock, and Torae along with many other artists.

Buckshot’s Black Moon released four albums, 1993’s Enta da Stage,” 1999’s War Zone, 2003’s Total Eclipse, and 2019’s Rise of da Moon.

Fat Joe, Power To The Patients, Healthcare. rap, femininity

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 5, 2024

Fat Joe Claims Puerto Ricans Voting For Donald Trump Suffer ‘House N——a Mentality’

The Puerto Rican rapper takes issue with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's calling Puerto Rico garbage

The fallout continues from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s “joke” comparing the island of Puerto Rico to garbage at a Trump rally that took place in New York City at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27. Bronx rapper Fat Joe spoke on the controversy surrounding the comedian’s joke and lambasted Puerto Ricans who still say they support the former president for the Nov. 5 presidential election.

On Nov. 1, Breakbeat Media News posted a video clip of a conversation with Fat Joe about Puerto Ricans who still support Trump after Hinchcliffe’s rhetoric regarding not only Puerto Ricans but also Black people. The discussion was part of its special, “Us: A Summit on Black & Brown Men & The Vote.”

“It breaks my heart. If any of you guys got Puerto Rican friends, when you go over there and you go visit, the first thing they tell you is, ‘My island, my island. Yo, you went to my island.’ How the hell are they gonna call Puerto Rico an island of garbage and when I post on my Instagram, ‘These the guys you voting for?’ I see Puerto Ricans saying, ‘No, we’re still for Trump 2024.’ That’s that house n**ga mentality. That’s the Latino that wish he was white. Those the guys in the comments, you know? [They] change they voice up [and] try to sound white, trying to fit in. Those the guys I’ve been fighting my whole life because they look at me like, you know, what I am.”

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Although Fat Joe took a stand against those supporting the former president, people in the comments reacted to Joe saying “N**ga mentality” due to the recording artist being of Puerto Rican descent. Some feel he isn’t allowed to use the word even though he grew up in the South Bronx, mostly around Blacks. A similar controversy ensued several years ago when another Bronx native, Jennifer Lopez, used the word in one of her songs.

Massachusetts, rideshare drivers, Uber, Lyft

by Mitti Hicks

November 5, 2024

Election Day Rides: Uber, Lyft Offer Half-Off Rides To Voting Polls

Lyft and Uber have cut prices in half on Election Day for rides up to $10.

Two of the largest rideshare companies are helping people make their voices heard in this election by offering discounts to and from voting polls. Lyft and Uber have cut prices in half on Election Day for rides up to $10.

Uber riders will see a “Go Vote” tile in the app, as shown by the “Ride” and “Reserve” tiles. Uber users can book a ride to their nearest voting poll with its discount from 4 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. local time on Election Day. Unfortunately, the discount isn’t available in all states. Riders in California and Georgia will not be able to use Uber’s 50% discount to the polls, USA Today reports.

“At Uber, we believe transportation shouldn’t be a barrier for any eligible citizen to vote,” the company stated in a news release. The company adds, “We’ve developed a series of in-app features and promotions to help voters find and get to their polling locations this Election Day.”

For people who want to stay up and watch the results, Uber is also offering 25% discounts on food orders over $25.

“We know you’ll be up late watching as results trickle in. That’s why we’re offering folks across the country 25% off their orders,” the company stated.

Lyft Is Offering 50% Discount To Voting Polls

Meanwhile, Lyft is also making it easier for people to get to voting polls by offering 50% off rides as a part of its “Voting Access Program.”

Lyft riders must preload the code VOTE24 on Election Day for rideshares, bike shares, and scooter rides. The code is valid between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. in riders’ time zones.

“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” said Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden in a statement.

“Our Voting Access Program reflects our commitment to being a force for good, and we’re proud to encourage riders and drivers to exercise their fundamental right to vote, regardless of income, zip code, or political affiliation.”

by Sharelle Burt

November 5, 2024

‘Eff Around and Find Out’: Philadelphia DA Issues Warning On Voter Interference

DA Krasner is not the one to play with......

During a press conference, Philadelphia’s Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a bold warning to those thinking about pushing voter interference during Election Day, The Hill reported

The press conference took place Nov. 4 where he expressed that Philly citizens have no reason to be scared to vote at the polls, reassuring that safety measures are in place for people to place their vote.

“I want people to be reassured that, when they get up tomorrow to go vote — if they have not voted already — that everybody in this city is working and has been working for months to make sure that there will be nothing tough about that experience and nothing to fear in that experience,” Krasner said.

“But I also want to be clear. Anybody who thinks it’s time to play militia: Eff around and find out,” he continued. “Anybody who thinks it’s time to insult, to deride, to mistreat, to threaten people: Eff around and find out. We do have the cuffs, we do have the jail cells, we do have the Philly juries and we have the state prisons.”

Philadelphia DA issues warning to anyone who wants to "play militia" or engage in voter intimidation tomorrow:

"We do have the cuffs. We do have the jail cells. We do have the Philly juries. … F around and find out." pic.twitter.com/dAv0lafwPb
— Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) November 5, 2024

His warning comes as the largest city in the battleground state of Pennsylvania is prepared to be the determining factor in the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates have been campaigning hard in the state, with its 19 electoral votes, to clench the White House. A recent poll shows Trump has a minor lead over Harris in the Keystone State with 0.7 percentage points.

Krasner has proven that he is very serious about the severity surrounding voter interference and fraud. In late October 2024, he sued Elon Musk and his pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC, over its $1 million giveaways to swing state voters. The DA claimed it was “unfair trade practices” and is “charged with protecting the public from interference with the integrity of elections.”

According to Fox News, the City of Brotherly Love isn’t the only major city preparing for interference at the polls and overall Election Day violence. The Secret Service confirmed that barriers have been put up around the nation’s capital tourist sites including the White House and the vice president’s residence in the U.S. Naval Observatory. Howard University, where the Vice President will be spending her election watch night, will also have heightened security measures.

Private businesses in Portland, Oregon and New York City are also on high alert as well as additional police expected to be deployed to polling sites in Massachusetts. While people are pleased at the extra measures, others have highlighted that the moves aren’t normal.

“It is completely ridiculous that we have to do this,” D.C. resident, Ebony Boger, said. “It’s very precautionary, and I see why because I was here four years ago, and it was crazy down here. It’s not shocking. I’m kind of used to it. I think they should do it.”

The precautions come following a series of bulletins issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to state and local election officials, warning of “election-related grievances” that could result in the motivation of domestic extremists “to engage in violence.”

Smokey Robinson And Halle Bailey Set To Host NBC Holiday Special ‘A Motown Christmas’

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 5, 2024

Smokey Robinson And Halle Bailey Set To Host NBC Holiday Special ‘A Motown Christmas’

Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey will host "A Motown Christmas" on NBC.

Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey are joining forces to host NBC’s holiday special, A Motown Christmas, featuring a star-studded lineup.

The two-hour special will feature Motown icons like Robinson and current stars like Bailey, performing more than 25 of the label’s classic hits alongside holiday favorites, Billboard reported. The holiday special will treat viewers to performances by Motown legends like Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. Contemporary artists, including Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, MGK, October London, and Pentatonix, will also take the stage.

Among the special’s musical highlights include chart-topping Motown classics like “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “ABC”; and tributes to the legendary label’s icons like Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Additional performances include a fresh rendition of “Last Christmas” by MGK; a salute to Motown founder Berry Gordy led by Andra Day; and an exclusive performance from the Broadway cast of MJ the Musical.

“Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades,” NBCUniversal Entertainment’s executive VP of live events & specials Jen Neal said in a statement. “NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”

A Motown Christmas is executive produced by actress, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen, former Motown Productions president Suzanne de Passe, and Madison Jones of De Passe Jones Entertainment. The telecast is produced by SpringHill, with Rickey Minor serving as musical director.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring to the world this much-needed holiday family special,” Allen said. “The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”

“We’re excited to usher in the holiday spirit by bringing nostalgic performances and fresh renditions of Motown hits to homes across the world,” SpringHill CCO Jamal Henderson added.

A Motown Christmas follows in the footsteps of two previous Motown specials — Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, and Motown Returns to the Apollo—both of which received Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music or Comedy Program.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 5, 2024

Beyoncé Prompts People To ‘Vote’ In New ‘Beywatch’ Video

The singer released the "Beywatch" visual to remind people to vote ahead of Election day.

Beyoncé is getting people in formation to vote as she channels Pamela Anderson in a new “Beywatch” video.

Ahead of Election Day, the singer posted the visual to Instagram, singing along to her Cowboy Carter track, “Bodyguard.” It shows Beyoncé taking on different looks made famous by Anderson, each complete by her famous beach blonde hair. However, Beyoncé had more intentions behind the “Beylloween” look, encouraging her fanbase to vote throughout the video.

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Fans especially savored the “Beywatch” clip, as Beyoncé opted to not release visuals for her last two albums. Despite this, Beyoncé has pulled out all the stops to ensure the BeyHive heads to the polls in this historic election.

She recently appeared, alongside her mom Tina Knowles and former Destiny child member Kelly Rowland, at Kamala Harris’ rally in Houston. During the Oct. 25 event, Beyoncé spoke about how she is urging everyone to vote as a mother, not a celebrity.

“Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right,” she told the crowd.

Beyoncé has subtly supported Harris since the beginning of her campaign, clearing the use of her song “Freedom” for the Democratic nominee’s event entrances. However, Queen Bey is not the only superstar mom encouraging people to exercise their voting rights.

Rihanna also hopped on social media to remind people to cast their votes. Although the Barbados-born singer is not a U.S. citizen and thus cannot vote, she still made mention of the election by poking fun at her situation.

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“POV: me trying to sneak into the polls with my son’s passport #votecauseicant,” joked the Fenty Beauty founder, referencing one of the two children she shares with New York rapper, A$AP Rocky.

Rihanna got even more cheeky about the election in her caption. She alluded to the issue of reproductive rights and firing those who are not up to the job.

“When protecting p-ssies and firing p-ssies can happen all in one vote,” wrote the provocative star.

With the election still in a tight race, both women continue to do their part to get everyone to participate.