Judge, Las Vegas, gavel,Herman Whitfield III, Indianapolis police, David Merryman, racist landlord,

by Kandiss Edwards

June 6, 2025

Houston Exotic Dancer’s Discrimination Case Gets Declined By Supreme Court

Chanel Nicholson, an exotic dancer based in Houston, brought suit against two clubs alleging racial discrimination against Black women.

A Houston exotic dancer will not have her racial discrimination case against multiple Houston strip clubs heard before the Supreme Court.

Chanel Nicholson brought suit against two clubs, Splendor and Covergirls, in 2021. The Supreme Court declined to review the case as plaintiffs have four years to file grievances of racial discrimination after the time of the incident. Nicholson’s filing argued the last act of discrimination was within the four-year window. However, the discrimination began in 2013.

The court majority stated the first instance was when her filing clock began. “Nicholson’s claims are time-barred because there were earlier instances of discriminatory treatment,’ the opinion read.

Both Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonya Sotomayor dissented, stating there was a basis to file as the last instance of discrimination took place in 2021. For that reason, Nicholson filed within the proper time frame. Jackson also asserted that to deny her right to pursue the case was an “erroneous conclusion.”

“Chanel Nicholson alleges that she was prohibited from entering her workplace on account of her race. Nicholson needed to file her §1981 suit within four years of those discriminatory acts—which she did. As such, §1981’s statute of limitations should have posed no barrier to Nicholson obtaining judicial review of her claims. In my view, the Court should have granted Nicholson’s petition and summarily reversed the Fifth Circuit’s patently erroneous conclusions about the untimeliness of her claims.”

Nicholson’s case arrived at the Supreme Court’s desk as a result of being denied by the Fifth Circuit Court of New Orleans. She claims she was denied employment and stage time in the Houston night lounges due to race. She also claims the clubs limited the number of Black women allowed on stage at one time and refused to hire Black women after reaching a quota.

While federal law mandates racial equity claims be brought forth within four years, there is no maximum time allotment for claims of hostile work environments. As of now, Nicholson has not made that claim against the establishments.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 6, 2025

‘Sinners’ Can Now Be Seen Through Streaming Services

The thriller is now available on several streaming platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video

With all the hoopla surrounding Sinners, the Ryan Coogler-directed thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, if you haven’t seen it in a movie theater by now, you can now view it in your home.

If you haven’t left your home to see the box office smash hit, why do so now when you can watch it from the confines of your home?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is now available on several streaming platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video. The movie is available right now to rent or buy starting from $19.99 and can be seen in 4K Ultra HD, depending on the service and your system. Those on a budget or are in no rush to see the vampire film will be able to see the movie later this summer when it is released on HBO Max. A definitive date hasn’t been released yet, but it’s expected to land there in late August/early September.

Anyone with a subscription to the streaming service can view the movie without further payment.

If you still view movies on DVD, Blu-Ray, or 4K Ultra HD, you can purchase Sinners when it’s released on July 8. Pre-orders are being taken, and prices start at $19.95 (reg. $24.98) on Amazon.

Forbes reported that the movie will include digital bonus features:

“Dancing with the Devil: The Making of “Sinners” – featurette (32:35)
- Journey with director Ryan Coogler as he makes his most personal and powerful film yet. Featuring Michael B. Jordan and an all-star cast, filmed on location in IMAX, “Sinners” is an original genre-bending experience unlike any other.
Thicker than Blood: Becoming the Smokestack Twins – featurette (10:45)
- Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler take us through the development, creation, and portrayal of the Smokestack Twins, revealing how make-up, costumes, and visual effects come together to support these seamless performances.
Blues in the Night: The Music of “Sinners” – featurette (13:44)
- Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson explores the musical landscape of Sinners, including the iconic sounds of the Delta Blues and the creation and recording of the unique and inspired performances written for the film.
Spirits in the Deep South – featurette (7:58)
- Prof. Yvonne Chireau explores the backdrop of Hoodoo in the Deep South and how its beliefs and traditions in spirituality, ancestors, the hereafter, and defense against evil inform the world and characters of “Sinners.”
The Wages of Sin: The Creature FX of “Sinners” – featurette (10:51)
- Creature Makeup FX Designer Mike Fontaine reveals the secrets behind the supernatural horrors that terrorize the Juke, Ryan Coogler’s fresh take on vampires, and the various gore and blood effects used throughout the film.
Deleted Scenes (18:41)
- Includes deleted and/or extended scenes for a more immersive experience.”

Sinners, which stars Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, was directed by Coogler, with whom Jordan has collaborated since 2013 when they worked together on the critically acclaimed drama Fruitvale Station.

The two have collaborated on seven movies: all three Rocky spinoff films, Creed, Creed II, and Creed III, and the Marvel movies Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

by Stacy Jackson

June 6, 2025

Houston Teen’s Prom Night Ruined When $2.5K Dress Never Arrives

Kiya Harvey missed her entire prom after her dress from local designer Rocky Boston was never completed.

What was supposed to be a magical night for high schooler Kiya Harvey turned out to be a huge disaster: Her family spent thousands on a designer prom dress she never got to wear.

Two years’ worth of savings is down the drain for the teen’s family, who paid local Houston designer Rocky Boston to make Kiya’s dream dress for her big night. Mother Kewana Jones Harvey is demanding an apology and explanation from the designer for ruining a night Kiya has been looking forward to since 7th grade.

“It was like so much we put into that particular day to make sure everything was perfect for her,” Jones Harvey said. That included $8,000 in additional expenses apart from the custom dress they paid around $2,500 for. Kiya and her mother have been to fittings with Boston since their order process began in August 2024. Instead of receiving the custom dress after minor tailoring adjustments, Kiya ended up missing her entire prom.

Prom night arrived—and, still, no dress. “We get to 5 o’clock, everybody goes in panic mode because [Rocky Boston] said she’s gonna be here by 5. Communication has completely stopped,” Kiya’s mom said. She then rushed to Rocky Boston’s studio to pick up the dress herself, only to find pieces of the garments lying around.

“I was, like, more than heartbroken,” Kiya said. They had saved for two years to make sure her prom night went as planned. To add more chaos to the situation, other parents were waiting at the studio when Jones Harvey arrived.

Last week, the mother-daughter duo received a refund for the order. Other families have also reportedly received or been notified to receive a refund, but one family is considering legal action.

The only peep out of Rocky Boston concerning the matter has been a now-deleted Instagram post that read, “I would never intentionally ruin anyone’s special moment. My heart hurts for the girls and families impacted. I operate with humility over pride and always try to go above and beyond because I truly love what I do.”

After a KHOU 11 reporter pulled up to a locked studio, Rocky Boston replied hours later with a text that read, “I do not have a statement at this time.”

Leah Napoliello with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas warns consumers not to pay full price for their custom prom dresses. Instead, she recommends paying no more than half of the price upfront and the rest after the dress is completed. She advised having everything in writing and a contract. According to Napoliello, Rocky Boston is not accredited with the organization.

mental health, workplace, personal change, generational change, managers, change, utilize systems, increase communication

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 6, 2025

Steve Stoute Encourages Healthy Conflict In The Workplace, ‘It’s OK To Disagree’

The Queens, New York native is a heavyweight in the music scene

Steve Stoute shared his management style, which includes encouraging his team to engage in healthy conflict with one another.

”There’s something wrong” if a business has “no conflict,” Stoute told The New York Times.

“Getting people comfortable around challenge in a respectful way is a very important value,” he said. “What I’m trying to do is have people embrace the idea that it’s OK to disagree.”

Stoute, 54, the UnitedMasters CEO who counts major names like Jay-Z, McDonald’s, the New York Knicks, and Google’s Lorraine Twohill among his clients, actively promotes healthy conflict within his teams. Aware that video conferencing tools like Zoom can make it easier to sidestep tough conversations, the record executive created a work environment that makes productive conflict resolution routine.

“The same way I talk about bonuses or healthcare or wins or losses, we talk about conflict,” Stoute said. “If tension gets overlooked, then the company will not reach its full potential.”

The Queens, New York, native is a heavyweight in the music scene, having concurrently served as executive vice president of Interscope Geffen A&M Records and President of Urban Music at Sony Music from 1999 to 2009. While at Sony, Stoute helped launch the music career of Will Smith and managed artists like Nas, Mary J. Blige, and super producers Trackmasters.

His business advice on supporting healthy conflict in the workplace is supported by industry experts who cite the benefits of tackling the hard-hitting conversations to build morale and authentic team connection.

”The work of being conflict resilient is entering into a landscape that doesn’t have a script because it’s motivated by a sense of curiosity about something of the other person,” Robert Bordone, the founder and former director of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program, told CNBC Make It.

Kurt Gray, a social psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, advises approaching disagreements as conversations and not as “a chance to score points or try to make the other person look stupid.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 6, 2025

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium To Host A New Annual College Football Game

The inaugural Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic will feature Georgia Tech and Georgia.

AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), the owner of the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons, is launching a new annual college football game that will debut this fall at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The inaugural Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic will feature Georgia Tech hosting the University of Georgia. The date of that contest has not been announced. The 2026 participants, however, are already lined up: Georgia will take on the University of Florida.

AMB Sports and Entertainment announces the launch of a newly created college football series, the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic, aimed to host powerhouse college football programs and storied rivalries on one of college football’s biggest stages.

The inaugural Invesco QQQ… pic.twitter.com/5oQI5Pdreb

— Mercedes-Benz Stadium (@MBStadium) June 4, 2025

“Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium have long been recognized as a premier destination for college football, and the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic is the latest opportunity for us to continue to build on our legacy of hosting world-class events,” Vice President of Stadium Events and Premium Sales for AMB Sports and Entertainment Doug Roberts said in a written statement.

Tickets for the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic are first being offered exclusively to Georgia Tech football season ticket holders. Then, they will be offered to Atlanta Falcons PSL holders and UGA football season ticket members as a part of their road game allotment.

“We’re proud to partner with Invesco QQQ to deliver an exceptional college football experience here in Atlanta,” said Nana-Yaw Asamoah, chief commercial officer at AMB Sports and Entertainment. “This innovative new partnership allows us and Invesco QQQ to showcase high-profile, nationally significant matchups to audiences across the country.”

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets finished last season with a 7-6 record (5–3 Atlantic Coast Conference). The Florida Gators finished their season with an 8–5 record (4–4 Southeastern Conference).

For more information about the game, visit the website.

RELATED CONTENT: Will Atlanta Be Awarded Super Bowl LXII In 2028?

Softball, Sports, NIL Deal, College Softball

by Stacy Jackson

June 5, 2025

Texas Tech Pitcher NiJaree Canady’s $1M NIL Deal Proves What’s Possible In Women’s Sports

Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco new a deal to get Canady needed to be higher than her agent's proposed offer of $400,000.

Reigning USA Softball National Player of the Year, NiJaree Canady, hit the ball out of the park after accepting her latest NIL deal with Texas Tech.

Canady made headlines last July when she transferred from Stanford, and she is garnering public attention again with the historic deal worth $1,050,024 from Texas Tech’s NIL collective, The Matador Club. According to ESPN, the NIL deal is broken down into a million for Canaday, $50,000 for living expenses, and $24 for her jersey number. The star athlete who led Stanford to two consecutive Women’s College World Series appearances is now pitching in West Texas with the Red Raiders and showing other female athletes what’s possible in women’s sports.

“There are a lot of male athletes who get that, and it’s not a headline anymore,” Canady said. “I hope that happens for women’s sports, too. I feel like it can be a pressure if you let it be, but honestly, I think it’s just a privilege. I hope someone tomorrow comes in and builds it even more.”

Red Raiders coach Gerry Glasco drafted up a sweet pitch to score Canady as a player at Texas Tech. “We’re talking about a once-in-a-generation player that’s already made a name all over America,” he said. “She’s a folk hero in our sport, and she’s a sophomore.” After two seasons at Stanford that only accounted for Canady hitting just 35 times, Glasco, who has three daughters who pitched and hit, made hitting a main focus in his pitch, and he didn’t overlook Canady’s worth. “When you’re an athlete, the one thing you don’t want to be is a pitcher only. In our sport, the pitcher is so important, so we limit them. And I think that’s what she felt like in her college career,” he said. “She wants the opportunity.”

While the athlete’s agent initially sought $400,000 to make the move from Stanford, Glasco knew the offer was too low for the rising star.

“She definitely put Texas Tech softball on the map,” said Tracy Sellers, a former softball player at Texas Tech. Sellers and her husband, John, a former Red Raiders football player, know Canady deserves a top NIL deal just as much as any male athlete. “She worked so hard to be the No. 1 pitcher in the country,” said Sellers. “I left that meeting and thought, this is who I would love to put a lot of effort into because of who she is.” The Sellers, who are top Matador Club boosters, previously donated $11 million to the athletic department in 2022. One million of the funding supported upgrades for the Red Raiders stadium.

https://twitter.com/TexasTech/status/1929710659757134159

Canady considered the offer with the Red Raiders for over a month before she accepted. The NIL deal for the Topeka, Kansas, native is about more than accepting a big lump sum of money, but about placing herself in a position to open doors for the next generation of athletes to benefit. She hopes to invest her money in opening her own facilities one day to coach youth.

As of today, the Texas Tech pitcher leads the nation with a 0.90 ERA (Earned Run Average). This year, she boasts 95 at-bats at .305 with 11 home runs and five doubles. She was honored as the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and led the Red Raiders to win its first Women’s College World Series. The championship series continues for Canady and No. 12-seed Texas Tech on Wednesday as they face off against No. 6-seed Texas Longhorns at 8 p.m. ET.

by Jameelah Mullen

June 5, 2025

Atlanta Court Clerk Under Scrutiny For Pocketing Passport Processing Fees

Not only is it legal in Georgia, it's a common practice.

A Fulton County (GA) Superior Court Clerk is facing backlash for keeping over $150,000 in passport fees collected from processing passports legally.

In a letter to Fulton County commissioners, Che Alexander stated that her office processed more than 4,200 passport applications in the first quarter of this year, resulting in a total of $697,000. Of that, she kept $150,010.

A Georgia law permits superior court clerks to either keep passport processing fees or allocate the funds to the county budget. A new law enacted this year mandates that clerks in Georgia disclose the amount of money they retain from state fees. While this practice is legal, some state officials say that it is immoral.

Fulton County Commissioner Bill Ellis called the practice “ethically wrong” in 2022 and expressed his disappointment that Alexander did not attend a June 3 meeting to answer the board’s questions.

“When there are red flags raised, people should be open and responsive,” Ellis said. “This is not a debate around whether it’s warranted or legal; these are just basic questions,” Ellis told Atlanta News First Investigates.

Passport applicants in Georgia are required to pay two fees. The $130 application fee goes to the federal government; a $35 processing fee is paid directly to the superior court clerk’s office, where it can be utilized as needed.

In a 2023 state legislative hearing, several county clerks defended their right to retain passport fees, with many stating that the service creates duties not included in their job descriptions.

Fannin County’s superior court clerk, Dana Chastain, said in smaller counties like hers, “post offices don’t process passport applications, which adds more to her workload.”

“Each passport you do, I try to do personally, unless I’m in court,” Chastain said, according to Atlanta News First Investigates. “It takes about 20 to 30 minutes. We go through rigorous training every year. We are the first line of defense for fraud, abduction, and human trafficking.”

Graduation, HBCU,Nigerians, Boko Haram, International, Global

by Stacy Jackson

June 5, 2025

Georgia Teen Heads to University Of Alabama With $1.8M In Scholarships

After her acceptance into over 50 institutions, the Wheeler High School grad will begin college in the fall at The University of Alabama.

Maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average and balancing extracurriculars has paid off for New Wheeler High School graduate Jada-Symone Batichon, who will begin college in the fall.

The Georgia teen is headed to the University of Alabama this fall after being accepted into 53 of 58 colleges she applied to. What’s even more impressive—the 18-year-old’s scholarship awards total around $1.8 million. “It’s everything I have worked hard for,” Batichon told People. “My mom and dad always talked about how they were the first to go to college, so that always motivated me.”

Getting ahead on how she would fund her college education was a personal choice for the Powder Springs grad. “I didn’t want to go into debt. My mom told me interest rates are high. A lot of people are stuck paying loans, and she is still paying hers.” To get the upper hand on things, Batichon began taking six high school courses in middle school. The young scholar was already well ahead by a semester and a half when she started high school. By the time the teen reached her junior year at Wheeler High, there was nothing left for her to take, allowing her room to pick up courses at Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Technical College and complete a certification as a nursing assistant.

Hitting the books wasn’t the sole focus for Batichon during high school. The student-athlete learned about balance early on as she juggled several extracurricular activities and her studies. Not only was Batichon involved in student government and cheerleading, but she also served as a lunchroom monitor at an elementary school. The teen lists other activities on her X account, including softball, track, and BSU. Talk about a well-rounded applicant! The National Honor Society member also knows something about starting her own thing. Batichon established Wheeler High’s EmpowHer club, where she managed to hold several workshops for girls who don’t have support. “…We talk about friendships, college, and advice,” she said. To top things off, the Kennesaw State University dual-enrollee recently passed a college-level psychology course with an A.

Officially done with 30 credit hours of college credit as of today (freshman year). I will be taking another college course this spring. Between my AP classes and dual enrolled courses, I will be entering college with 36 credit hours towards my business management major ✅
— Jada-Symone Batichon (@iamjadasymone) December 9, 2024

Batichon’s hard work is nothing short of spectacular, but the teen has her parents to thank for being spectacular role models. Her mom, Dr. Claudia Batichon, is a technical and agricultural education teacher at Wheeler High. The 39-year-old educator is a member of the first generation of their Haitian family to complete high school in the States. She now runs THINK Protégé, an initiative to help students prepare for college and find scholarships.

“Roll tide!” As Batichon heads off to the University of Alabama to study business management, she plans to complete her undergraduate and master’s degrees within four years. The Tuscaloosa institution must have left a lasting impression on the teen when she visited back in ninth grade. Until she checks in on campus, the high school grad hopes to land an internship or job for the summer.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

Black Baby Names Frequently Challenge State Naming Regulations

While citizens do enjoy many individual freedoms there are a few that are not without condition. Naming a baby is one of them.

The federal government has no official law governing the naming of children, but many states do. Here are a few common limitations in naming throughout the states: numerals, symbols, offensive language, or those resembling official titles.

While American citizens do enjoy many individual freedoms, there are a few that are not without condition. Naming a baby is one of them. USA Today explored the different names and regulations that hinder Americans from embracing their full creativity when naming children.

These limitations aim to ensure clarity in official records and protect children from potential harm or ridicule. Though you may find a “King,” “Queen,” or “Majesty” on an elementary school roster, these names are banned in multiple states as they connote regality.

Furthermore, the use of symbols is also frowned upon and sometimes rejected by state governments. Using numbers or symbols like “III” or “@” is a no-go. Symbols may not process through all databases, presenting a technological issue for any child bearing the name.

The final reason for refusal is offensive language. Expletives or blasphemous names such as “Adolph Hitler” and ‘Jesus Christ” have been majorly banned across the board.

Around the world, countries have banned many names, some for obvious reasons, while others would appear to some as harmless.

Sarah (Morocco)
Osama bin Laden (Germany)
Metallica (Sweden)
Cyanide (United Kingdom)
007 (Malaysia)
BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116 (Sweden)
Prince William (France)
Quran (China)
Judas (Switzerland)
Blue (Italy)

While “BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116” may be difficult to pronounce, even phonetically spelled names are often mispronounced or frowned upon. Especially when it comes to Black names.

Black Naming Traditions

The patrolling of naming is not a new American invention. Control over the identity of others by authority has existed within the Black community since slavery. Thus, Black people have developed a deep culture of exploration in naming traditions.

Enslaved Black people were often stripped of the names given at birth. Due to their African origins, these names may have been foreign in nature. As a result, anglicized names were given by enslavers, helping to aid in the erasure of Black Americans’ African heritage.

Post-emancipation is when the formerly enslaved began to choose their own monikers. Names were taken from various sources, prominent leaders of the day, occupations, and sometimes names of previous enslavers.

During the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, a shift in naming traditions took place. Along with liberation from Jim Crow, Black people sought out connection with their lost homelands. Names with an “Afrocentric” sound began to become popular. Breaking away from conventional names signaled pride in being Black for many, according to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

To stand up and identify oneself as Black by the late 1960s and onward was an act of defiance against a history that debased blackness. It was also an affirmation that an oppressed people could seize the power of self-definition. They could declare to the world who they were or at least “hoped to be.” The study continues, “adoption of Afrocentric names—would become important markers of these new values and cultural assumptions.

Today, Black naming traditions continue to evolve, blending historical influences with contemporary creativity. These names often carry deep personal and cultural significance, serving as powerful affirmations of identity and heritage in a society that has historically sought to suppress them.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

Russell Simmons Sues HBO For Defamation Over Documentary, Wants $20M

Russell Simmons claims the HBO documentary "On the Record" suppressed information that supported his innocence.

Russell Simmons is suing the creators of the On the Record documentary for $20 million, alleging defamation against HBO and the documentary’s directors, Amy Ziering, and Kirby Dick, due to his portrayal in the film, which delves into the former Def Jam CEO’s multiple sexual assault allegations.

“Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded and released and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,” attorneys Imran Ansari and co-counsel Carla DiMare said in a written statement, according to Variety.

Released in 2020, On the Record features multiple women who have accused the mogul of sexual harassment, rape and sexual misconduct. Dick, Ziering, and HBO refute claims that Simmons was ignored in the creation process.

Representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of HBO, stated, “We dispute Mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations.”

Ziering also defended the project’s credibility. “We always do a very rigorous process of vetting.”

Russell Simmons Files Defamation Lawsuit Against HBO and ‘On the Record’ Documentary Creatorshttps://t.co/AcioAxkaQk
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 4, 2025

There is a one-year statute of limitations on Simmons’s lawsuit, which has passed. However, in the filing, Simmons claims the rereleases of the documentary have continued to smear his reputation and thus falls within the one-year window.

He wants $20 million in compensation. A jury has yet to decide if featuring the claims of Simmons’ victims was harmful. Yet, Simmons has kept himself and these claims in the headlines in recent years.

In October 2024, Sil Lai Abrams, Sherri Abernathy, and Wendy Carolina Franco filed for “confessions of judgment” in the New York County Supreme Court. The request was filed after Simmons agreed to a financial settlement for each woman and failed to render payment. In the initial settlement, Simmons pledged to pay $1,265,000 each to Abrams and Abernathy, and $515,000 to Franco.

The reason for each woman’s settlement has not been made public. However, Simmons’ failure to pay fueled speculation. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the settlement brought attention to the claims previously made by Abrams, Abernathy, and Franco.

As HBO has no intention of settling with Simmons, the case will move forward in federal court.