by Jameelah Mullen

April 4, 2024

With A Surge In Gang Violence, Americans In Haiti Are Struggling To Find Ways To Escape

U.S. Citizens in Haiti weigh their options in efforts to escape gang violence.

---

Amid ongoing politically motivated violence and civil unrest in Haiti, rescue efforts are underway to help Americans escape from the small Caribbean nation, according to NBC News. At least 450 United States nationals have been evacuated from Port Au Prince since March. 

While some evacuations have been successful, there are some Americans who are left to make a difficult choice. Erika Charles, an American citizen living in Haiti, said that she is unwilling to leave her Haitian husband and three children behind. 

“I’ve spent weeks trying to find ways that we could evacuate our whole family,” she said. “The problem I’m running into is I am the only American citizen in my family, and so the U.S. embassy has had occasional helicopters to evacuate U.S. citizens, but I would have to go and leave my family behind. And that’s something I can’t do,” she told NBC News. 

As of the end of March, at least 1,600 Americans petitioned the State Department for help in fleeing the country. The State Department has chartered private helicopters to help get Americans from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. Citizens are then responsible for their transportation from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. They are also required to reimburse the U.S. government for the helicopter flights out of Haiti. Private organizations are stepping in to help rescue Americans. Project Dynamo, an international search-and-rescue non-profit group, has rescued 51 people so far.

In February, violence erupted in Haiti when a coalition of armed groups launched an attack against Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government. The group, which consists of former members of the military and police force, raided prisons, hospitals, banks, and other government buildings. Although Henry agreed to resign on March 12, the violence has continued. 

The. U.N. reported that  1,500 people have been killed in gang violence in Haiti this year.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

April 4, 2024

Saturday Night Live’s Joke About Biden’s Black Support Falls Flat With Audience

Michael Che looked like he was taken aback at the audience's lukewarm response, remarking at one point that he thought they should read the polls.

---

Saturday Night Live attempted to make a joke about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, tying the disintegrated bridge to the disintegrating support of President Joe Biden from the Black community. However, the audience did not respond to the joke as comedian Michael Che had expected. 

Che looked like he was taken aback at the audience’s lukewarm response, remarking at one point that he thought they should read the polls. 

Conservatives and outlets like Fox News seemed to take pleasure in the segment, with Fox News’s headline declaring that SNL torched Biden with the joke, which, notably, was not well-received by the studio audience. By contrast, other jokes in the Weekend Update segment targeting his opposition, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, and troubled aviation company Boeing seemed to draw raucous laughter and applause.

By comparison, comedian Ramy Youssef’s opening monologue, where he joked that his prayers are complicated before calling for freedom for the people of Palestine, received a full ten seconds of loud applause and cheers, a signal of how deeply unpopular Biden’s support of Israel is. 

In a conversation with Vox’s Noel King on an episode of the outlet’s Today Explained podcast, Charlamagne tha God pushed back on the idea that Black voters are the only group Biden struggles with, telling King, “When you look at Joe Biden’s approval ratings, he’s getting his ass kicked everywhere. It’s not just Black people. So I think that in order to really get that campaign on the right track, they’ve got to start looking at the totality of what’s happening with that campaign and how different groups of people feel about him.”

Charlamagne also took the time to explain what he believes a Trump re-election could mean.

“You’ve got some pretty good examples of what [Trump is] capable of. January 6, 2021, was a pretty cut-and-dry situation. That was an attempted coup in this country. And then you also have a man who doesn’t believe in the Constitution. Like when you say you should suspend the Constitution, to overthrow the results of an election. You have his lawyer saying he didn’t sign up to say he was gonna support the Constitution. That kind of tells you where we’re going.”

Angela Rye, who was also part of the conversation, said that in her belief, placing the burden of saving Democracy on the backs of Black voters was an unfair thing to assign Black people. “But I think that it is one of those things where we end up talking about this, and then Black voters are to blame in November if that’s what ends up happening. So I don’t think that that’s fair. We’ve carried this country long enough.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Conservatives Push Back Against Biden’s Recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 4, 2024

Cassie Reportedly Cooperating With Federal Probe Of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Sources have revealed that Cassie had been talking to federal investigators for weeks, before the raid at Combs's homes in Miami and Los Angeles.

---

The latest news regarding former Revolt owner Sean “Diddy” Combs is that his former girlfriend and ex-Bad Boy artist, Cassie, is allegedly talking to federal investigators about the allegations against the music mogul.

According to TMZ, sources have told the media outlet that Cassie Ventura, the first of several people to file a lawsuit against Diddy, had been talking to investigators for several weeks before the raid at his homes in Miami and Los Angeles. She is one of many alleged witnesses contacted by the government since several bombshell lawsuits were filed against Diddy alleging, among other things, sex trafficking.

There is speculation that her assistance, along with that of other alleged victims, may have allowed the feds to establish probable cause to get a search warrant. The accusations she listed in her lawsuit are what the investigators are probing into, presumably.

Cassie filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Manhattan on Nov. 16, 2023. In the suit, she alleged that Diddy started abusing and controlling her when she signed to Bad Boy as an artist when she was 19. She claimed that he plied her with drugs, physically beat her, and forced her to have sex with a group of male prostitutes while he filmed the encounters.

After immediately denying the charges against him, Diddy quickly settled the lawsuit within 24 hours.

In a written statement, Cassie said, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

“We have decided to resolve this matter amicably,” Combs said. “I wish Cassie and her family all the best.”

On March 25, Homeland Security raided several properties in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles that Diddy owns. The raid came after several lawsuits were filed alleging sexual assault and harassment by the “No Way Out” music producer. The agency put out a statement after news of the raids were reported.

In response to the raids, Diddy’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, released a statement calling the raids a “witch hunt.”

“This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name,” he continued.

by Stacy Jackson

April 4, 2024

South Carolina House Passes Bill To Construct Robert Smalls Monument

The bill proposes a commission to raise funds and determine details for the monument of the late congressman.

---

A monument of former South Carolina Rep. Robert Smalls is one step closer to becoming the first on the grounds of the State House dedicated to an individual African American.

On March 21, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill proposed by a Republican legislator from Berkeley County, Brandon Cox, to construct the monument honoring the late congressman, WIS10 reported.

The bill tasks a commission with determining the specifics, such as the monument’s location, type, size, and materials for what may become the first monument: “I just can’t think of anybody else that I would go and say, ‘Hey, let’s put a statue of this person on the grounds,’” Cox told WIS10 about Smalls, who he referred to as a “South Carolina hero.”

Born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Smalls achieved an extraordinary feat during the Civil War. According to PBS, in 1862, Smalls navigated a Confederate ship to freedom, carrying himself, his crew, and their families from slavery to freedom in fewer than four hours. The article by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. noted that the 17 black passengers included nine men, five women, and three children. Smalls later served in the South Carolina legislature and five non-consecutive terms with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, the longest-serving current House member, supports the idea of the monument and emphasizes the importance of public input. “It’s extremely important that we get monuments on the grounds that represent the full experience, especially in this climate, where there is an effort to whitewash history, to eliminate history,” she said.

A House Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs (3-M) subcommittee advanced Cox’s bill in early March, which must be approved by both chambers and gain the governor’s signature.

Cox intends for the commission to raise private funds and accept gifts and grants for the monument, which is awaiting approval by the South Carolina Senate.

• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 4, 2024

Serena Williams Would Rather Volunteer At Her Daughter’s School Than Win Wimbledon

Serena Williams has seven Wimbledon titles under her belt but says she'd rather volunteer at her daughter's school than score another win.

---

After retiring from playing professional tennis, Serena Williams has fully immersed herself in motherhood. The decorated tennis champion who has seven Wimbledon titles under her belt says she’d rather volunteer at her daughter’s school than score another win.

The mother of two graces the latest digital cover for Byrdie where she gushed about volunteering at her 6-year-old daughter Olympia’s school.

“I can’t say that a Wimbledon trophy holds a candle to volunteering at my kid’s school,” she said.

She explained how her bonding time with Olympia is helping to shape both of them for the better.

“Motherhood has allowed me to look at beauty through the eyes of my daughter, Olympia,” Williams said. “We’re always experimenting with makeup together, and I think about how these moments will be part of both of our beauty journeys.”

As an all-time tennis great who continues to show off her woman power through entrepreneurial endeavors, investments, and empowering initiatives, Williams aims to show her two daughters the importance of putting your best foot forward.

“I want my daughters to look at my career and learn that being authentic to themselves is really the most important thing,” she said. “You don’t have to be the best as long as you do your best.”

After 30 years of professional tennis which garnered 23 Grand Slam wins, seven Wimbledon wins, and being ranked world No.1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks, Williams knows firsthand the time and dedication it takes to be considered the best. However, flexing her skill on the court is nothing compared to the hard work she puts into being a full-time mom.

“As a mom, I’m actually way more active than what I was during tennis,” she shared on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on Thursday, April 4. “Obviously, (with) tennis, I was playing Wimbledon and stuff. But, as a mom, I’m gone all day.”

Her competitive spirit still runs deep even after trading in her title wins for school volunteer work.

“I’m really competitive about it, too. I sign my name up whenever I can, whenever there’s a spot open,” Williams said.

RELATED CONTENT: Serena Williams Serves Up Gym Selfie Realness: ‘All of Us’ Can Relate

• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 4, 2024

Lil Durk Collabs With STARRY Fizz Fest For HBCU Scholarships

Lil Durk joins STARRY Fizz Fest for its basketball skills competitions to offer scholarships to HBCU students.

---

Lil Durk gives back to the HBCU community with the help of Starry. The soft drink brand’s Fizz Fest offers scholarships for students participating in its basketball skills competitions.

STARRY Fizz Fest will hit four HBCUs this spring, including Norfolk State, Hampton, Jackson State, and Morgan State. Students will bring their A-game as Starry and the PepsiCo Foundation gift over $333,000 in scholarships and prizes. PepsiCo and Starry will expressly grant $20,000 to a student at each university for their academic futures.

During Fizz Fest, participants will showcase their skills in classic games like 3-point Knockout and a revised version of H-O-R-S-E. Aptly retitled S-T-A-R-R-Y instead, the game will challenge players to make specific shots in the fastest time on campus. Lil Durk will appear at one school to celebrate the festivities as the competitions kick off.

Lil Durk also spoke exclusively to BLACK ENTERPRISE on this opportunity to champion HBCUs for a greater cause with Starry.

“I’m just excited to team with Starry. And I think sports is a good foundation to start it off with,” says the 31-year-old. “It’s on and off the court, with the kids and HBCUs. I think it was the perfect match-up for me and who I am, especially for where I come from.”

Hailing from Chicago, a city known for NBA legends like Michael Jordan, the “All My Life” rapper views the basketball-focused initiative as especially personal.

He added, “Outside of music, I feel like I would’ve been in the NBA. When you ride around Chicago, and you see the kids hooping in the parks, there’s a lot of talent but no avenue to grow. I always keep that in the back of my mind. I can always be there for them to help in any way I can. They can count on me. “

On his purpose with HBCUs, Lil Durk is all about creating new opportunities for underserved communities.

“I wanted to give back to the Black community as much as possible. And give them the same chances that every other college has. I want to spread my light to them.”

As the rapper hopes to continue this mission to uplift students, one lucky winner will also receive a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Deal with Starry. In the deal typically reserved for all-star student-athletes, they will be featured on the promotion materials for STARRY Fizz Fest 2.0. While the games began at Norfolk State on March 29, its final tip-off will be at Morgan State on April 26. More information on the accompanying scholarship can be found on its website.

by Stacy Jackson

April 4, 2024

Studio Museum In Harlem Launches ‘Arts Leadership Praxis’ Professional Development Program

The Arts Leadership Praxis is an annual six-month professional development initiative designed for curators of color in the museum space.

---

The Studio Museum in Harlem has announced the launch of its Arts Leadership Praxis, an annual six-month initiative poised to empower cultural professionals of color and those invested in amplifying Black cultural narratives.

According to a press release, the groundbreaking program, meticulously crafted for early- to mid-career professionals, offers a supportive approach to professional growth and community-building. It underscores the museum’s unwavering commitment to redressing systemic inequities within arts institutions.

Throughout its 55 years, “The Studio Museum has long been committed to identifying and fulfilling educational and programmatic needs across the arts,” stated Thelma Golden, the museum’s director and chief curator, who was the 2023 recipient of the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. “I am especially thrilled to welcome this program on the heels of CCL/Studio Museum in Harlem CCurators’Forum,” shared Golden, noting the lack of representation of people of color in museum leadership nationwide.

The museum-initiated endeavor seamlessly aligns with the Studio Museum Institute’s multifaceted offerings of internships, fellowships, educational practicums, and professional seminars. The Arts Leadership Praxis is specifically designed to nurture the prowess of those with five to seven years of museum experience in curatorial, education, or public programming roles.

The pioneering 2024 cohort comprises eight exceptional New York-based professionals selected through a rigorous nomination and application process. Inaugural participants include:

• Deja Belardo, Assistant Curator, The Shed
• Meredith Breech, Associate Director of Exhibitions, Fotografiska
• Carla Forbes, Curatorial Assistant, Brooklyn Museum
• Margarita Lila Rosa, Independent Curator
• Jenée-Daria Strand, Assistant Curator, Public Art Fund
• Tsige Tafesse, Curatorial Fellow, The Kitchen; Program Manager, Processing Foundation
• Gee Wesley, Curatorial Assistant, MoMA
• Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant, Brooklyn Museum

By 2025, the transformative initiative will expand its reach nationwide, fostering a diverse tapestry of visionaries poised to shape the program’s landscape.

Since its initial meeting in late January, the trailblazing collective has immersed itself in enriching experiences, including thought-provoking dialogues with esteemed curators, an exploratory sojourn to Los Angeles to engage with various arts organizations, studio visits with renowned artists, and intensive, immersive workshops.

As the first Arts Leadership Praxis program, funded in part by the Ford Foundation, approaches its conclusion in June 2024, participants will convene for a networking event with esteemed Studio Museum Institute alums.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 4, 2024

Latest Lawsuit Against Ye Accuses Producer Of Racism And Antisemitism

Trevor Phillips, a former Donda Academy Staffer and Yeezy worker, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles

---

Another lawsuit has been filed against Ye, the recording artist formerly known as Kanye West. A former employee of both the Donda Academy and Yeezy has accused him of threatening staff and students at the school, as well as racism, homophobia, antisemitism, and harassment.

According to Entertainment Weekly, former staffer Trevor Phillips filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles on April 2. He was initially hired to work at Yeezy in 2022 but eventually went to work at Donda Academy later that year. He claimed that the G.O.O.D. Music artists treated the Black workers worse than they treated the white employees.

“From the start of Phillips’ tenure working at Yeezy and Donda, it was immediately apparent to him, and others, that Kanye treated the Black staff considerably worse than white employees,” the lawsuit states. “Even when class was in session, Kanye would scream and berate Black employees, while never even as much raising his tone at the white staff.”

The former employee also alleges that Ye threatened members of the LGBTQ+ community, spread hate and antisemitic tropes and lies, and even threatened to shave the heads of students who attended Donda Academy and lock them in cages.

Phillips also detailed several incidents to showcase Ye’s behavior.

During one meeting with Donda Academy staff with two students present, the lawsuit states, “Kanye started to openly discuss how he only likes to date white women. Then, addressing the two school children, Kanye told them that he wanted them to shave their heads and that he intended to put a jail at the school — and that they could be locked in cages. The staff quickly distracted the children and escorted them out of the room.”

According to Business Insider, during a dinner at Nobu, Phillips alleged that Ye simulated masturbating and discussed his sex life. He also said the Chicago music producer continued dissing Jewish people and went after gay people as well.

“Hundreds of dollars in sushi was served, and while Kanye indulged in his food he could not resist indulging in his favorite topic: ‘The Jews are GREEDY and they keep trying to take MY MONEY,'” the complaint reads. “In addition to other repeated attacks on Jewish people, Kanye then began threatening the LGBTQ community. ‘Yeah, I am going for the Gays! FIRST the Jews, THEN the Gays.'”

Phillips is requesting to be awarded $35,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Ye from owning and operating any educational school for children under 18 in California.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Reportedly Stripped Of Met Gala Invite Amid Federal Investigation

• Education

by Lauren Nutall

April 4, 2024

Marshall University Announces Celebration Of Black History

The Huntington-located university is honoring the late Carter G. Woodson's commitment to preserving Black history.

---

Marshall University has announced plans to host a celebration of Negro History Week and Black History Month, according to a recent press release from the public research institution. 

The project, which is a collaborative initiative involving the West Virginia city of Huntington and Marshall Health Network, will honor the achievements that Black Americans have made throughout history and the success of the annual Negro History Week and Black History Month. The celebration honors Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s legacy, who is credited as the “Father of Black History.”

“A century has passed since what started as Negro History Week developed into Black History Month, telling an essential part of this country’s story – and Marshall University is honored to join in the nationwide centennial celebrations that uphold Dr. Woodson’s enduring legacy,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “By looking back, we are better prepared to face forward. Our stories are intertwined. Our histories are shared.” 

Through partnership with local and national institutions such as the Library of Congress and Cabell County School, there will be scheduled ceremonies as part of a series titled “Celebrating an American Milestone: The Negro History Week/Black History Month Centennial, 1926-2026.”. 

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams discussed the lasting impact that Black history has had on the nation. “When we celebrate the historical achievements of the Black citizens of our community and beyond, it inspires endeavors that create opportunities for individuals of all races and ethnicities to enable prosperity for our city, region, state, and country,” he said.

Williams will serve as part of the Negro History Week/Black History Month Centennial Committee alongside Smith and several other prominent community members and experts. The complete list of members and co-chairs can be viewed here. More information about what the event will entail will be shared in the future. 

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 4, 2024

Jay-Z Cancels Made In America Festival For Second Year In A Row

Jay-Z's popular Made In America festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania won't be taking place again this year.

---

Jay-Z’s popular Made In America festival in Philadelphia won’t be taking place again this year.

On Wednesday, April 3, the official website and social media pages for the Jay-Z-curated festival announced the live show would be taking a break ahead of a reimagined festival set to return in the future.

“Since its inception, this groundbreaking festival has celebrated music and community — from creating a space for fans to connect, to uplifting local small businesses and shining a light on important causes. It has strived for accessibility, eliminating barriers through affordable tickets and location,” the statement read.

“As purveyors of change, the Made In America executive production team is reimagining a live music experience that affirms our love and dedication to music and the work we do. We promise an exciting return to the festival.”

This comes after the hip-hop mogul decided to cancel the 2023 festival that typically takes place during Labor Day weekend, The Associated Press reported. Last year’s show had Sza and Lizzo slated to headline but was canceled just one month before it was scheduled to take place. Organizers claimed the cancellation was “due to severe circumstances outside of production control,” according to a statement at the time.

“This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation,” organizers said. They teased their return in 2024 but the current announcement axes that claim.

Jay-Z launched the Made In America festival in 2012 and hosted a star-studded lineup each year up until 2023, except for 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The festival has been credited with boosting Philadelphia’s economy with Michael Barnes, president of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8, crowning it the largest annual event generating about $1 million a year.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his disappointment when the festival was canceled last year but said the city would “look forward to bringing Made in America back and bigger than ever to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next year.”

RELATED CONTENT: Made In America Concert Cancelled Amid Lizzo Scandal