Abortion, Arizona State Supreme Court Building
by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

Arizona Supreme Court Upholds 1864 Law Banning Most Abortions

America...America has a problem!

Arizona’s Supreme Court has ruled to uphold a 160-year-old law to prohibit almost all abortions in the state. 

The law, dating back to 1864, will make performing an abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a person obtain one – unless with the exception of “when it is necessary” to save a pregnant person’s life.

In a 4-2 decision on Apr. 9, the high court looked past arguments that the current 15-week abortion ban should stay in place. Instead, judges enforced the Civil War-era law – before women could vote – to be passed. The court also ruled to lift a stay on the law, as it won’t go into effect until Apr. 23. 

With the ruling, Arizona is now added to a list of 16 other states where abortion is effectively banned. However, the state justices sent the case back to a lower trial court in order to sort through questions regarding the law’s constitutionality. 

Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes said the law puts the lives of Arizonans at risk. “The decision made by the Arizona Supreme Court today is unconscionable and an affront to freedom,” Mayes said. 

“Make no mistake, by effectively striking down a law passed this century and replacing it with one from 160 years ago, the Court has risked the health and lives of Arizonans.”  

The law would ultimately affect the remaining abortion clinics in the state, forcing people who are seeking abortions to travel hundreds of miles away for abortions in California. 

Following the ruling, Vice President Kamala Harris released a video condemning the new legislation, saying, “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“Understand to stop bans like this, we need a United States Congress that will restore the protections of Roe v. Wade. And when they do, President Joe Biden will sign it into law,” she said.

She is planning to travel to Tucson on Apr. 12 for her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” rally, where, according to ABC News, Harris plans to push blame on former President Donald Trump for his role in the 2022 overturning of the legislation. Trump appointed three of the justices who voted to restrict national guarantees to abortion access. 

Biden shared similar sentiments, blasting Arizona’s ban. In a statement, he called the restrictions a failure to “protect women when their health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.” “And it’s back because of Republican elected officials committed to ripping away women’s freedom,” he wrote on Twitter. 

After celebrating Roe v. Wade’s ruling, GOP lawmakers seem to be jumping the line to opposing Arizona’s ban. Rep. Juan Ciscomani called Tuesday’s ruling “a disaster for women and providers” – after confirming his support of a 15-week preexisting prohibition.

“In Arizona, our 15-week law protected the rights of women and new life. It respected women and the difficult decision of ending a pregnancy – one I will never personally experience and won’t pretend to understand,” Ciscomani said. 

“I oppose a national abortion ban. The territorial law is archaic. We must do better for women and I call on our state policymakers to immediately address this in a bipartisan manner.”

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover thinks the ruling confuses physicians about whether or not they will be arrested for performing abortions. However, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Mayes said they do not plan on prosecuting any abortion providers under the new legislation.

Brian Kemp, givernor, Georgia, Pineview, mayor
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 12, 2024

Georgia Governor Suspends Pineview Mayor After Allegations Of Theft

Brandon Holt has been accused of stealing nearly $65,000 from the town.

The governor of Georgia suspended a mayor after he was indicted on charges of stealing nearly $65,000 from the town.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the mayor of Pineview, Georgia, Brandon Holt, was given the suspension by Gov. Brian Kemp on April 9. He will not be able to govern until his criminal charges are resolved. Along with the suspension, he will not receive pay while this is being determined.

Holt was accused of taking $64,455 from Pineview’s bank account between June 2023 and October 2023. He allegedly used Cash App to transfer the funds into his banking account 75 times. He was arrested in January and indicted last month as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) charged him with 75 counts of theft by taking. He is currently free on bail.

The GBI announced the arrest in a press release stating that the 34-year-old Holt was taken into custody and booked on January 16 at the Wilcox County Jail. Wilcox County Sheriff Steve Mauldin and District Attorney Brad Rigby requested that the agency look into allegations that the mayor had misappropriated City of Pineview funds.

According to WGXA, the suspended mayor addressed the allegations at a Pineview City Council meeting in February: “What I think most people want to know is about the charges against me. Those are just what I stated; those are allegations,” Holt said.

13 WMAZ reported that this is not his first robbery accusation and arrest.

In 2022, Holt was arrested in Bibb County and charged with two counts of felony theft by deception charges and nine counts of financial identity fraud.

An indictment revealed that Holt was accused of “fraudulently” using the bank account number of a Macon construction company, Macon Asphalt, and the owner, Willy Buckland, to send money to Holt’s William & Fudge and Bridgecrest Financial accounts. He was accused of stealing $22,196 from the company. The alleged thefts were linked back to transactions from 2018.

Richneck Elementary school
by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

Former Virginia Elementary School Assistant Principal Faces Eight Felony Charges After Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old 

This could have been avoided....

A former Virginia elementary school assistant principal faces eight felony counts after a 6-year-old student brought a gun to school and shot his teacher in 2023. 

On Mar. 11, Ebony Parker, former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary in Newport News, was indicted and charged with child abuse and disregard for life by a Special Grand Jury. Court documents labeled Parker as “responsible for the care of students at Richneck Elementary” and committed “a willful act or omission in the care of such students, in a manner so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.” 

In Virginia, each felony count holds a sentence of up to five years in prison.

The Special Grand Jury released the 31-page report into the shooting that occurred on Jan. 6, 2023. According to WAVY, the legal team of Abby Zwerner – the teacher shot by the minor – released a statement saying they are “grateful” for the work of the special jury.

“The grand jury report reveals a systemic failure that led to the shooting of Abby Zwerner. Most shocking is the apparent cover-up of disciplinary records before and after the shooting,” attorneys Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit wrote. 

“We are grateful for the work of the special grand jury and the answers they have provided this community.”

In a $40 million lawsuit against the school board and administrators filed in 2023, lawyers claim the shooting could have been avoided with proper intervention from the school and administrators, including Parker. In March 2023, it was confirmed that the lawsuit was scheduled for trial. 

Toscano alleged that teachers and employees gave notice to administrators three times on the day of the shooting, raising concerns that the student had a gun and was issuing threats to people. Parker is accused of failing to call 911, putting the school on lockdown, or having a security guard on duty.

“These charges are very serious and underscore the failure of the school district to act to prevent the tragic shooting of Abby Zwerner,” Toscano, Biniazan and Breit wrote in a statement. 

“The school board continues to deny their responsibility to Abby, and this indictment is just another brick in the wall of mounting failures and gross negligence in their case.”

Zwerner was shot while reading to her class. She survived her injuries and was released from the hospital weeks after the shooting. Parker resigned from her assistant principal position 19 days after the teacher was shot.

Several families of Richneck students have filed lawsuits, each seeking $3 million in damages. According to their attorney, Emily Mapp Brannon, Parker’s charges suggest that there is evidence the students were placed in grave danger by the people put in place to protect them.

“I remain optimistic that our criminal justice system will provide answers to the Richneck community,” Brannon said. “For the first time in over a year, the families may find comfort in knowing that the administration is being held accountable.”

MUSE Mentorship Program
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

Trina Happy To Share Her ‘Wisdom’ As Part Of Femme It Forward’s New MUSE Mentorship Program

Heather Lowery's Femme It Forward launched a new mentorship program that amplifies the next generation of female creatives in music.

Heather Lowery’s Femme It Forward (FIF) has launched a new mentorship program that’s all about amplifying the next generation of female creatives in music.

On Wednesday, April 10, Lowery announced the launch of “MUSE” (Musicians Uplifting Stars Everyday), her organization’s new mentorship program aimed at guiding emerging female artists and creatives in the music industry. Rappers Trina, Rapsody, and singer/actress Amber Riley will serve as MUSE Mentors alongside the program’s Advisors, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, and Teyana Taylor.

“Every day is a journey of growth and evolution, and I approach it with an open heart, taking each moment as it comes. I work every day to make a meaningful impact beyond my music,” Trina told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Through Heather’s MUSE program, I’m thrilled to share the wisdom and experience I’ve gained over the years with a new generation of artists who are eager to leave their mark on this world. True success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about the lives you inspire and uplift along the way.”

Led by FIF’s Founder and President, Live Nation Partner Heather Lowery, MUSE will seamlessly integrate FIF’s ongoing Next Gem Femme mentorship program to support women of color executives and entrepreneurs on successful paths into the entertainment sector.

“I am elated to expand Femme It Forward’s mentorship endeavors with the launch of “MUSE” (Musicians Uplifting Stars Everyday), a new Mentorship Program specifically created to guide and advise emerging female artists and creatives in the music industry,” Lowery said.

“This is yet another impactful way to pass the torch to the next generation of women in music so we can continue to rise together.”

Lowery recruited the group of female powerhouses in music to guide MUSE mentees through moderated conversation, unique Q&A sessions, and hands-on mentorship opportunities. Badu praises the initiative for serving as the starting foundation for a growing circle of sisters in music.

“Heather’s MUSE is creating a powerful circle of women from different backgrounds and across multiple generations,” Badu said. “I am choosing to share my legacy by becoming a MUSE advisor to encourage and educate this circle and help the next generation become an improvement on the design that precedes them.”

Adding to the advisory team is a group of acclaimed artists and creatives, including the producer and songwriter duo Nova Wav; singer, songwriter, and producer Nija; songwriter and artist Jozzy; and four-time Grammy-winning engineer Ann Mincieli. The MUSE mentors will work in pairs, with rapper Rapsody being matched with Brittany Carter, Trina working alongside Kaliii, and Amber Riley paired with Jane Handcock.

Music created from Femme It Forward’s MUSE Labs will be included in the organization’s second Big Femme Energy music compilation album coming later this year.

RELATED CONTENT: Trina Announced As the Brand Ambassador of NYAK Cognac

Gun, firearm, teacher
by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

New Bill Allows Tennessee K-12 Educators To Carry Guns At School 

Guns in schools now?

The GOP-controlled Tennessee state Senate approved legislation permitting teachers and staff in K-12 public schools to carry concealed handguns on school premises. 

The approval of S.B. 1325 – with a 26-5 senator vote – was met by protesters on Apr. 9, shouting, “No more silence, end gun violence” and “Kill the bill, not the kids.”

The bill comes close to one year after the state suffered a mass shooting at The Covenant School, resulting in the death of three 9-year-old children and three staff members. Before heading to the state House for an official vote, the bill has already received pushback from anti-gun advocates and Democratic lawmakers. Tennessee chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action released a statement condemning the legislation.

“We should be listening to Tennessee law enforcement, teachers, superintendents and more who have spoken out against arming teachers,” organization volunteer Linda McFadyen-Ketchum said.

“And, most importantly, we should be listening to Tennesseans, who worry their children won’t come home from school every day.”

If signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, SB 1325 would no require employees to disclose to parents or other teachers that they had concealed firearms. If passed, school employees will be allowed to carry the weapons if they meet designated requirements—having an enhanced carry permit and being authorized by the school’s director, principal, and chief of the local law enforcement department. 

Educators would also be required to complete 40 hours of basic training in school policing, complete a background check, undergo a psychological exam by a licensed Tennessee health care provider, and attend 40 hours of Peace Officers Standards and Training that targets school policing every year at the teacher’s expense. 

Since parents wouldn’t need to be notified if their child’s teacher is armed under the bill, Sen. London Lamar (D) said her child is now “at risk.” “This bill is dangerous, and teachers don’t want it. Nobody wants it,” she said.

Sen. Raumesh Akbari touched on how backwards the state is when it comes to the safety of children in schools.

“A teacher is not allowed to put a rainbow flag on her desk, but she’s allowed to carry a gun in this state,” Akbari argued on the senate floor before voting against the bill. 

Bill supporter and Republican state Sen. Ken Yager recognized that the legislation is “emotionally charged” but feels it will assist some of the rural counties he represents. With some only having two deputies on shift, Yager thinks the bill would fix delays in law enforcement’s response time to campus gunfire.

The bill puts the issue of arming educators back in the limelight as mass shootings continue to happen in schools, parades, places of worship and more. On Apr. 10, as the Muslim community ended the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, three people were shot as gunfire erupted at a park in Philadelphia.

In 2024, so far, more than 300 children under 18 have been killed due to gun violence, the leading killer of youth in the United States.

Xavier University of Louisiana, $100M Fundraising, HBCU
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Xavier University Surpasses $100M Fundraising Milestone

Xavier University has achieved a significant fundraising milestone, raising over $100 million as part of its ambitious Centennial Campaign.

Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s sole Black Catholic historically Black college and university (HBCU), has achieved a significant fundraising milestone, raising over $100 million as part of its ambitious Centennial Campaign, which has a goal of raising $500 million, according to ESSENCE. The university’s achievement is a testament to its commitment to excellence and its enduring impact on producing future leaders.

The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of chronic underfunding faced by HBCUs nationwide, amounting to an estimated $12.6 billion deficit. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona underscored the urgency of addressing these funding inequities, urging state leaders to fulfill their obligations to historically Black institutions.

Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana, expressed pride in the milestone, highlighting the university’s role in nurturing thoughtful and intelligent leaders prepared to tackle society’s challenges. “An investment in Xavier is not only an investment in our current students, but it’s an investment in social justice, racial justice, and the future of our communities,” Verret said, emphasizing the broader significance of the university’s success.

Xavier University’s fundraising success reflects its commitment to providing quality education and resources for its students. With aspirations to lead the way for future trailblazers, the university aims to leverage its financial support to drive excellence and innovation in education.

Recently, a $100 million donation was made to Spelman College by billionaire philanthropists Ronda Stryker and William Johnston, which has drawn significant attention. The substantial contribution will support scholarships, academic programs focusing on public policy and democracy, and improvements to student housing, highlighting a trend of increased philanthropic support for HBCUs following the racial justice protests sparked by George Floyd’s killing in 2020.

Despite their crucial role in fostering excellence and social mobility within Black America, HBCUs continue to face stark financial disparities compared to their wealthier, predominantly white counterparts. The overall endowments of all HBCUs combined amount to less than a tenth of Harvard University’s endowment, underscoring the vast financial divide.

However, despite these positive developments, overall donations to HBCUs still lag far behind those received by other prestigious institutions. In 2019, HBCUs received a mere fraction of the funding from foundations compared to Ivy League schools, emphasizing the persistent financial challenges they face.

Indiana State University, White Student, Racism
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 11, 2024

Indiana State University Criticized For ‘Weak’ Response to White Student Who Believes Black People Are ‘Not Country’

Indiana University is under fire for how it responded to one white student's racist video post about Black people in country music.

Indiana State University is under fire for how it responded to one white student’s racist video post about Black people in country music.

Protests ignited on the school’s campus this week after one student took to Yik Yak, a social media app for college students, to tell Black people they “are not country.” A Twitter repost of the racist rant identified the student as Asa Blanton, a nursing major at the school who had no issue putting her unfiltered racist views on display.

“I’m sorry, but if you’re Black, you’re not country. I don’t care,” the student said. “I wish I meant that in the nicest way, but babe, I know you were raised in the country or your grandparents were … but they was picking, OK?”

She added, “They wasn’t planting. Just keep that in mind. They wasn’t making money. They were getting sold for money. You ain’t country.”

Blanton’s tirade appeared to be in response to the success of Beyoncé’s record-breaking country album, Cowboy Carter, which became the first album by a Black woman to top the country charts. She also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the biggest sales for an album in 2024.

On Monday, April 8, Indiana State University released a statement responding to the video that sparked outrage on the school’s campus.

“As stated in our University Mission Statement, Indiana State University has a long history of valuing diversity and inclusiveness on our campus. We are aware and continue to monitor the situation involving comments published online by an Indiana State University student,” officials said, as captured by The Terre Haute Tribune-Star.

“The student’s comments do not align with our institutional values. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. ISU takes incidents of this nature seriously and is committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.”

That same day, students took to the pavement to rally against the school’s response to Blanton’s video. Many think more action should be taken considering Blanton studying to be a nurse and the possibility of her racial bias adding to the disparities already plaguing Black people in the healthcare industry.

A member of the school’s Black Alumni Network wants the university to be more transparent about its stance against racism and hate speech.

“What I would like to see is ISU come out and define their policy on hate speech. It should be defined,” Darrell Morton Jr., president of the university’s Black Alumni Network, said.

‘Hip-Hop’s Greatest Day’ Exhibit To Be On Display At City Hall In NYC
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 11, 2024

‘Hip-Hop’s Greatest Day’ Exhibit To Be On Display At City Hall In NYC

A photo exhibit of pictures taken from that 1998 shoot that featured 177 hip-hop artists will be on display in New York at City Hall in lower Manhattan.

In 1998, XXL Magazine did a photo shoot in remembrance of jazz musicians who got together on a stoop at a brownstone in Harlem 30 years earlier in 1958. But, they were replaced with hip-hop artists. Now, there will be a photo exhibit of pictures taken from that 1998 shoot on display in New York at City Hall in lower Manhattan.

According to Spectrum News NY 1, the main photograph from the iconic Hip-Hop shoot was taken by famed photographer, Gordon Parks. During the shoot, there were many photos taken around the main picture, which featured 177 Hip-Hop artists who came to Harlem just for the shot. The original photograph taken in 1958 featured jazz musicians like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and 53 others and was titled, “A Great Day in Harlem” and was shot by Art Kane for Esquire magazine.

Parks was commissioned to shoot this for XXL Magazine for their interpretation of the cover but using Hip-Hop luminaries like Fat Joe, Slick Rick, Da Brat, Common, Busta Rhymes, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Common, Questlove, along with 168 other figures in hip-hop. It was labeled “Hip Hop’s Greatest Day.”

RELATED CONTENT: KRS-One Talks 50 Years Of Hip-Hop And Moving The Culture Forward With Essence Festival Performance

Jonathan Rheingold, a former executive publisher and a co-founder of XXL was a part of the staff that rounded the artists up for the historic shoot. He is also the curator of the exhibit.

“At the time as we know it, the largest gathering of musicians for one photo,” he stated.

While he was at the shoot in a different capacity, Rheingold brought a camera and took several flicks to capture the historic moment.

“Several years ago, I reached out to other individuals I knew who had taken photos and aggregated a behind-the-scenes archive, if you will, of the making of that day and of that photo,” Rheingold said.

Since the photos he gathered and compiled didn’t have a home, Rheingold stated that he’s “thrilled” that the rest of the city now has a chance to see the pics on display at City Hall.

“We are so thrilled to have the mayor’s office and Department of Cultural Affairs really give us a venue to share this with the rest of the city,” Rheingold said.

“Hip-hop is part of the fabric of New York history, so of course it belongs in City Hall.”

The photos will be on display at City Hall through June 2024.

RELATED CONTENT: Gordon Parks Foundation Raises $1.3 Million, Honors Kareem Abdul-Jabbar And Kehinde Wiley

Tia Mowry, Tv Show, Black, woman, identify
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 11, 2024

‘The Secret Is Out’ On Tia Mowry’s New WeTV Reality Series ‘My Next Chapter’

As Tia Mowry adjusts to life as a divorced mom of two, she is allowing the cameras to capture her journey in a new reality series.

As Tia Mowry adjusts to life as a divorced mom of two, she is allowing the cameras to capture her journey in a new reality series.

“Tia Mowry: My Next Chapter” is set to premiere on WeTV and will see Mowry navigate life for the first time on her own after years of working alongside her twin sister, Tamera Mowry-Housley, and being married to her ex-husband Cory Hardrict, Deadline reports. It’s her first reality series on her own after starring in The Style Network’s “Tia & Tamera” with her sister.

The new show was announced on Thursday, April 11, as part of AMC Networks’ 2024 Upfronts Presentation in New York City. It will give fans a chance to go behind the veil of Mowry’s life as she adjusts to co-parenting her two children with Hardrict and maintaining her career and business endeavors.

Following the announcement, Mowry, 45, took to Instagram to confirm that “the secret is out” on her return to television. She explained what fans can expect from the new series as she prepares to let the public in on the “ups and downs” in her private life.

“Lately, I’ve been taking my power back. I’m so lucky to have a community – YOU ALL – that are so close to my life, the ups and downs, my wins and my struggles,” she wrote.

“An intention I set this year is to embrace ALL that I’m experiencing, so I’m removing the filter like never before.”

Mowry noted her new show’s highlights which include her dating life, entrepreneurial growth, motherhood journey, and reclaiming her independence post-divorce.

“I’m ready to date, take my multiple businesses to the next level, and discover what makes me happy,” she shared. “With this exciting new chapter comes profound changes and adjustments to the roles I play in my everyday life and my next act.”

The “Sister Sister” star finalized her divorce from Hardrict in April 2023 after 14 years of marriage. It took the pair six months to dissolve the marriage after announcing their separation in October 2022. They share a son Cree, 12, and daughter Cairo, 5.

Last month, Mowry and Hardrict had a friendly run-in on the red carpet while attending Essence Black Women in Hollywood. The divorced pair were last seen enjoying Thanksgiving together with their children.

Side Hustles, Businesses
by Rafael Pena

April 11, 2024

Side Hustles Surge: Entrepreneurs Are Launching Businesses Alongside Full-Time Jobs

A significant rise in the number of entrepreneurs initiating small businesses while holding down other employment commitments.

A recent report by Entrepreneur revealed a significant rise in the number of entrepreneurs initiating small businesses while holding down other employment commitments.

According to a survey conducted by payroll company Gusto, the prevalence of new businesses originating as side hustles nearly doubled from 2022 to the following year. Gusto’s principal economist, Liz Wilke, attributed this surge in side hustles to economic uncertainty, stating to Bloomberg, “Uncertainty around which way the economy’s going made people a little skittish to give up something they’ve got to go for something that they want.”

Wilke also highlighted the impact of hybrid and remote work arrangements, suggesting that the flexibility afforded by these setups gave individuals the time and space to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations.

“I don’t think [AI is] accounting for all of the jump,” Wilke stated to FOX Business. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if side hustlers weren’t really using some generative AI tools to cut a lot of the time commitment that’s required at the very start of a business when they’re really just trying to their brand out, get a reputation, build some revenue streams.”

The survey, which included 1,345 business owners, unveiled that 44% of new ventures in the United States commenced as side projects in 2023, marking a substantial increase from the 27% reported in 2022. A notable portion of respondents, 25%, indicated that they were maintaining full-time positions while embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys, while 19% were balancing part-time employment alongside their new ventures.

The emergence of generative AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has further facilitated starting businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to expedite product development and streamline operations. The survey revealed that over 20% of new companies leverage generative AI tools, primarily for marketing.

As recently reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Atlanta was voted the top city for starting a business in 2024.

According to Jaime Seale, author of “2024 Data: What Are the Best Cities to Start a Business?” Atlanta has notably improved its standing as an entrepreneurial hub in recent years. Seale indicated that Atlanta ascended from its previous No. 5 ranking, trailing behind Las Vegas, to a more prominent position.

Home Bay, which conducted the study, cited Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Tampa (all in Florida), and Austin, Texas, as the top-ranking cities for business startups. Conversely, the study identified Providence, Rhode Island; Hartford, Connecticut; Buffalo, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Louisville, Kentucky, as the least conducive environments for new businesses.

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