Kanye, west, lawsuit, Racism, antisemitic, antisemite, trevor phillips

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.

Marshall University, Dr. Carter G. Woodson

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.

Made in America festival, Jay-Z, canceled, 2024, Pennsylvania

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.”

pic.twitter.com/j7Kj9fmxLP
— Made In America Festival (@MIAFestival) April 3, 2024

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.”

Warren Sapp, University of Colorado Boulder

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 4, 2024

Warren Sapp Hired As Graduate Assistant At University of Colorado Boulder

The NFL Hall of Famer joins Deion Sanders' coaching staff.

Legendary coach Deion Sanders officially hired NFL Hall of Fame defensive specialist Warren Sapp to the University of Colorado Boulder’s coaching staff. USA Today reported that he is now a graduate assistant who will earn $150,000 for the year.

That’s a big step down from the almost $60 million the former football player made in 13 years playing in the NFL, but it’s still a great start for someone getting his first employment as a coach on any level. Sanders kept his promise to hire Sapp when he obtained his college degree from Texas Seminary Christian University.

According to BuffZone, the graduate assistant was introduced to the team on March 31 and is enrolled in graduate classes at the CU Boulder Graduate School.

“Warren Sapp successfully completed all of the necessary steps required of anyone who is employed at CU Boulder, including a background check,” BuffZone was told by CU in a written statement. “Furthermore, Athletic Director Rick George personally met with Warren to clearly articulate the department’s standards and expectations, to which he acknowledged and agreed.”

Thee Pregame Show released a video that shows Sapp introducing himself to the football team at a recent meeting.

Sapp had previously expressed an interest in joining Sanders’ staff when he appeared on The Rich Eisen Show.

“I want to be there next year,” he said. “I’m going to get everything, the paperwork, and I’m going to go to work. Because sitting on my couch watching tape, making ‘Sapp in the Lab.’ I’m gonna go Sapp into class. I’m gonna go Sapp online. I’m finna go get this degree. Then we’re gonna go out and teach these kids these five steps to the quarterback.”

After Sapp graduated from Texas Seminary Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian sports management, Sanders announced that the Hall of Famer would be a coach for the Buffaloes football team.

“March is when I’m coming”

Warren Sapp will be joining the staff in Boulder soon 👀 pic.twitter.com/aPjF3tPyPu

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) February 8, 2024

Cam’ron And Ma$e ‘It Is What It Is’ Nominated For Best Sports Podcast At 2024 Webby Awards

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 4, 2024

Cam’ron And Ma$e ‘It Is What It Is’ Nominated For Best Sports Podcast At 2024 Webby Awards

Rappers turned sports podcasters Cam'ron and Ma$e are seeing their hard work pay off with their 2024 Webby Award nomination.

Rappers turned sports podcasters Cam’ron and Ma$e are seeing their hard work pay off with their 2024 Webby Award nomination.

The official nominations for the 28th annual Webby Awards were announced April 2, and Cam’ron Giles, Mason “Ma$e” Betha, and Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson were among the nominees for Best Sports Podcast for their hit show It Is What It Is. The show will face off against ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts: Bag Game, Apple News’ After the Whistle with Brendan Hunt and Rebecca Lowe, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, and Nightcap with Unc and Ocho.

“Excited to be nominated,” Stat Baby said. “I’m sure our fans will bring us home the win.”

It comes one year after Cam’ron and Ma$e launched the sports show in February 2023 under Cam’s Come And Talk To Me network. The show has served as a public nod to the rappers’ rekindled friendship after decades of being at odds. The two Harlem natives have a history dating back to playing basketball together on their high school basketball team at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics before finding fame as solo rap acts.

In addition to re-popularizing the term “pause” since launching their show, It Is What It Is has amassed over 551K subscribers on YouTube, 489K followers on Instagram, and 12.9K followers on X, formerly known as Twitter. In December, the show’s hosts came in 6th on Complex’s “Top 25 Most Entertaining Sports Media Personalities Right Now” list.

As part of their nomination, It Is What It Is also has a chance to win a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is voted online by fans across the globe. Fans have until April 18th, to cast their votes at www.webbyawards.com.

“Nominees like Cam’ron, Ma$e, and Stat Baby on It Is What It Is are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” Nick Borenstein, General Manager of The Webby Awards said.

Winners will be announced on April 23, and honored in a star-studded show at Cipriani Wall Street on May 13.

Black Health Matters, Summit, Washington DC

by Jameelah Mullen

April 4, 2024

Black Health Matters To Host Its Annual Spring Summit And Expo In The Nation’s Capital

The free event will be held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University.

Black Health Matters is hosting its annual Black Health Matters Spring Health Summit and Expo in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 13. The one-day event will provide free health screenings, panels, and workshops with healthcare and fitness professionals. The summit will be hosted by actor Lamman Rucker and meteorologist and television personality Jessica Faith of NBC 4 Washington.

Panelists will include industry leaders such as Dr. Margaret Alabi, pharmacist and founder of the Pivot Consulting Group; and Dr. JaBari D. Swain, cardiovascular surgeon and scholar; and Dr. Kemi Osundina. Fitness instructor DaShaun Johnson, also called “The Guru of Abs,” will lead an afternoon workout session.

“As the Black community continues to suffer disparities in healthcare, Black Health Matters is proud to educate and encourage our community to be more mindful of their health and approach to food, diet, and exercise while reaching audiences that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to engage with so many medical professionals,” Roslyn Young Daniels, founder and president of Black Health Matters, said in a press release.

Participants will share their first-hand accounts of living with donor kidney transplants, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, and mental health conditions.

Black Health Matters was founded in 2012 and remains the leading chronic disease management and wellness resource for Black Americans.

“We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem, which includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible and work with the top pharmaceutical companies across the country.”

The Black Health Matters Spring 2024 Health Summit and Expo begins at 8:30 am to 3 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register for this free event, please visit www.bhmspring2024summit.com.

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by Rafael Pena

April 4, 2024

Kentucky Woman Quits Job After Winning $90K Lottery

A Kentucky woman found herself facing a life-altering decision after Lady Luck gifted her with $90K from a scratch-off lottery ticket.

ABC12 reports that Reshawn Toliver of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, recently found herself facing a life-altering decision after a stroke of luck gifted her with $90,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket. Toliver, who had been dissatisfied with her job, saw this windfall as an opportunity for a fresh start and promptly chose to quit.

The moment of realization came when Toliver, at home, scratched off her winning ticket, prompting a scream that echoed through her household. “I screamed! I’ve never hollered that loud before,” she recounted. The sudden outburst caught the attention of her boyfriend and son, who rushed to her side. Toliver described the mixture of emotions that followed, oscillating between excitement and disbelief. “One minute, it’s like, breathe. The next minute, it’s like, stop laughing. I can hear the scream over and over again in my head,” she shared.

Driven by a newfound sense of financial security, Toliver wasted no time in pursuing her decision to leave her job. On March 4, she made her way to the Kentucky Lottery headquarters to claim her prize, a substantial sum of $64,800 after taxes. Reflecting on her decision, Toliver expressed gratitude for what she perceived as a divine intervention. “I was unhappy with my job, and God made a way,” she affirmed. Despite feeling a sense of guilt over leaving her workplace, Toliver admitted to a profound sense of relief at the prospect of starting afresh.

The convenience store Skyline Fuel, which sold Toliver the winning ticket, will also share in the joy of her victory, receiving a $900 bonus as a result.

Not long ago, in December 2023, an airport worker in San Francisco also hit the jackpot. Durwin Hickman, on his lunch break, ventured into L&M Liquor in Hayward, California, where he purchased a $30 Set For Life! Scratchers ticket. Little did he know that this impromptu purchase would change the trajectory of his life.

As Hickman leisurely scratched the surface of the ticket, he uncovered the word “LIFE” appearing in the right spot, instantly clinching the top prize of $20 million. With this windfall, Hickman transitioned from assisting travelers with their luggage to being financially set for the rest of his days.

“It was the biggest rush I have had in my life,” Hickman shared with reporters, conveying the overwhelming excitement of his unexpected win.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 4, 2024

Jonathan Majors’ Bid To Overturn Assault Conviction Denied Before Sentencing

Jonathan Majors' bid to overturn his assault and harassment conviction has been denied ahead of his sentencing next week.

Jonathan Majors’ bid to overturn his assault and harassment conviction has been denied ahead of his sentencing next week.

On Wednesday, April 3, a New York judge denied the defense motions attempting to free Majors from the guilty verdict he received last December. The Creed III star is set to be sentenced on Monday, April 8, and faces up to one year in jail in connection with a domestic dispute he had with his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in March 2023, Deadline reported.

“Jonathan feels disappointed by the outcome of the motion, yet he upholds respect for the process,” his lawyer, Priya Chaudry, told ABC News.

Majors was found guilty of assaulting and harassing Jabbari following a high-profile two-week trial stemming from their fight in the back of an SUV. His convictions include one count of misdemeanor third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment. He was acquitted on two other counts of assault and aggravated harassment.

When overturning the bid, Judge Michael Gaffey said “There was a reasonable view of the evidence to support that Defendant acted recklessly” during the March 2023 dispute with Jabbari. Majors’ ex claims the fight started after she saw him receive a text message from another woman saying, “I wish I was kissing you.”

Jabbari testified that she grabbed his phone with her left hand and the actor proceeded to twist her right arm behind her back in an attempt to retrieve the device. She also accused the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star of striking her in the head and lacerating her ear, along with dislocating her finger when he twisted her arm.

“It just felt like he was twisting my arm and my hand and trying to make me feel pain,” she testified in court.

When considering the evidence brought forth in court, Gaffey said reckless assault was an “alternate theory” to the original charge of intentional assault.

“Thus, the jury reasonably could have concluded that Defendant recklessly caused physical injury to Ms. Jabbari during this ‘rapidly unfolding’ struggle over the phone,” the judge wrote.

The judge noted surveillance footage that showed Majors shoving Jabbari back inside of the for-hire SUV after exiting the vehicle.

“Such evidence clearly established that Defendant subjected Ms. Jabbari to physical contact, and the jury reasonably could have inferred his intent from the conduct and surrounding circumstances,” the judge wrote.

College, Legacy Scholarships, Legacy Admissions, state college

by Daniel Johnson

April 4, 2024

Some State Colleges Now Offer Legacy Scholarships Instead Of Legacy Admissions

Some state colleges are moving toward legacy scholarships in response to the growing pressure to do away with the practice of legacy admissions.

Some state colleges are moving toward legacy scholarships in response to the growing pressure to do away with the practice of legacy admissions. Data from an investigation by Brookings indicates that most flagship state universities don’t use legacy status in admissions but legacy scholarships instead.

As Business Insider reports, the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 to effectively ban affirmative action from the college admissions process created another question for colleges about what to do about legacy admissions.

Some colleges, like Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts college in Connecticut, responded to the Supreme Court’s decision by eliminating legacy admissions. Others, like Harvard University, still maintain the practice.

As Boston.com reported, students at Ivy League universities like Brown and Yale, as well as Harvard, have made their opposition to the practice known. Zoe Faud, a 20-year-old junior at Brown, told the outlet that the practice entrenches a “cycle of inequity.” She continued, “By perpetually giving advantages to their descendants, we’re ensuring that those who were systemically favored continue to be favored.”

According to Brookings, Faud is correct in asserting that legacy admissions entrenches inequality; the practice’s beginnings can be traced to an effort during the 1920s to keep Jewish students out of the Ivy League. Some have also argued that legacy admissions have reduced the representation of Asian students at highly selective colleges.

Though state flagship universities do not use legacy admissions, private and highly selective universities do. Those selective colleges, however, were more likely to consider a prospective student’s race in addition to their legacy status. Brookings notes that race was taken into consideration more often at the most selective colleges than it was at the least selective colleges.

Furthermore, the report from Brookings indicates that ending legacy admissions would have little effect, if any, on the diversity of university student bodies. According to the report’s authors, what is most important is that universities are clear about their admissions policies. They also state in the conclusion of their report that legacy admissions are part of a larger economy that favors the privileged.

“Legacy admissions are just a small piece of a college admissions system that favors students from advantaged backgrounds in numerous ways. Much more central to that system is that, due to opportunity gaps across many domains, students from more privileged backgrounds are substantially better-prepared academically when they reach college application time.”

The authors also stressed that the education system needs to better prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college.

“Addressing gaps in academic preparation as well as college affordability gaps is key to increasing representation of Black, Latino or Hispanic, and Native American students and those from lower-income families in four-year colleges.”

by Sharelle Burt

April 4, 2024

Global Black Pride Selects Atlanta To Host Its First-Ever Event In The U.S

This is going to be so much fun!

Atlanta has been selected as the host city for the first-ever Global Black Pride in the U.S.

This is not only the first time the celebration will come to the United States but also the second time it will be in person. The City of Atlanta LGBTQ Affairs posted the announcement on Instagram, touching on why this event is so important. “As a platform that amplifies the voices, experiences, and achievements of Black LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, Global Black Pride offers a unique opportunity for unity, visibility, and advocacy,” the post said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Atlanta LGBTQ Affairs (@coalgbtq)

Scheduled for Aug. 26 through Sept. 2, the weeklong event will include a number of festivities, including the Black Pride Parade, Human Rights Conference, Black Trans Rally, film festival, theater, workshops, dance parties, and performances. Atlanta City’s Director of LGBTQ Affairs, Malik Brown, says the city is proud to host such a vibrant event “as the LGBTQ capital of the South.” “Atlanta proudly stands as the LGBTQ capital of the South and a champion for human rights, not only in our region but on a global scale,” Brown said, according to Rough Draft Atlanta.

“We are honored to welcome the first-ever Global Black Pride gathering in the United States to the vibrant City of Atlanta.”

Global Black Pride was first founded in 2020 by Global Black Gay Men Connect (GBGMC) during the COVID-19 pandemic as the first Pride organization “that brings together Black LGBTQI+ communities across all continents to celebrate culture and diversity, providing a space for activists and community-based organizations across the globe to engage and reflect.”

The first in-person celebration was held in 2022 in Toronto, Canada, with a mission “to serve as a global platform to celebrate all Black LGBTQI+ diversity and to build a global movement to fight for freedom, liberation, and justice for all Black LGBTQI+ communities across the globe.”

On the GBGMC website, there is a place to donate to an emergency fund geared toward community members in the African nation of Uganda. Uganda passed anti-LGBTQ legislation, where penalties outlawing homosexuality include death and life sentences in prison.

Documents list same-sex intercourse with persons under 18, an “offender” who is HIV+, or a person who even identifies as LGBTQ as aggravated homosexuality. The organization’s Emergency Response Fund — in collaboration with Uganda Key Populations Consortium and Sexual Minorities Uganda — supports emergency relocation for individuals, stipends for food, housing stipends, medical care assistance, and home delivery assistance of HIV medications and other urgent needs.

Community members seem to be excited about the event coming to the “Peach State.” Comments under the post have promoted some things they want to see included in the celebration’s programming, such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, and the house ballroom community.