by Rafael Pena

March 27, 2024

Illinois Prison Review Board Member Resigns Amid Stabbing Of 11-Year-Old Jayden Perkins

Illinois' Prison Review Board is facing scrutiny amid the stabbing of an 11-year-old boy, leading to the resignation of one of its members.

In the aftermath of an incident where a man released on parole fatally stabbed a Chicago woman’s 11-year-old son, Illinois’ Prison Review Board is facing scrutiny, leading to the resignation of one of its members, according to Daily Mail.

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LeAnn Miller, who participated in recommending the release of Crosetti Brand, resigned following public outcry and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s call for reforms. Pritzker expressed his support for Miller’s decision to step down, acknowledging the need for improvements in the handling of cases involving domestic violence.

Brand’s release sparked controversy, given his history of violence and repeated violations of protection orders. Despite warnings, Brand was freed from prison and went on to commit the murder of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins. The incident prompted questions about the adequacy of the parole board’s procedures and raised concerns about public safety.

In response to the outcry, Gov. Pritzker announced measures to overhaul the handling of domestic violence cases by the Prison Review Board. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that such cases receive thorough consideration to prevent future tragedies.

The resignation of Miller, alongside the departure of Prisoner Review Board Chair Donald Shelton, hopes to be the start of addressing systemic issues within the board. Senate Republican Leader John Curran called for comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need for greater oversight and accountability. “Sadly, it is clear that the serious reforms that we have been calling for at the Prisoner Review Board are needed now more than ever,” stated Curran. “This is another example of Gov. Pritzker failing to oversee an agency under his direct control. His attention should be focused on the life and death matters of our state.”

According to NBC Chicago, legal documents unveiled a protracted history of domestic violence aimed at the mother of the slain boy, who took proactive measures by filing multiple protective orders against Brand and alerting law enforcement. The decision to grant parole to Brand despite his documented pattern of violence has prompted scrutiny from law enforcement officials and legal experts.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told NBC Chicago about his profound dismay over the tragic events that transpired, “Let me start by saying this is something that should have never happened.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 27, 2024

How Branding Makes Gen Z Most Likely To Succeed In Business

Gen Z's background in social media and creating a personal brand gives them a definitive edge in entrepreneurial success.

Who best to understand and elevate the business landscape than those who create the trends? Gen Z’s innate understanding of branding and social media makes them the most likely to succeed as entrepreneurs.

According to Business Insider, the emphasis on branding for businesses is a modern change. However, branding can be a game-changer for entrepreneurial success as well. Gen Zers are able to tap into their designated market to build a consumer base through social media.

The growing importance on personal branding marks a new trend for successful business owners. The number of entrepreneurs skyrocketed in 2020, with business applications doubling since the pandemic began. Especially in a profitable creator economy, developing a cohesive and intriguing brand is key to selling one’s product.

The road to entrepreneurship is also more viable and less tedious than before. According to a survey conducted by Business Wire in 2023, 75% of recent grads are leaning toward starting their own business ventures, with 78% saying that the career path is the most accessible. A vast majority of those studied, 93%, have already begun their entrepreneurial journey.

Also new is the access to Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the creation of websites like Shopify that make building an e-commerce website easier.

“Now you can rent Shopify as an e-commerce solution in the cloud for $50,” shared Luke Lintz, an entrepreneur whose wireless earbuds sold out due to savvy online marketing tactics. “The access-to-technology barrier has come way down.”

This influx of Gen Z business owners may also have some benefit on the economy. There is hope that a greater focus on community will become the new standard.

“The effect could be tremendous growth with new disruptor-type companies coming,” said Bernhard Schroeder, a business professor at San Diego State University. “I also think Gen Z, long term, they’re going to be a kinder entrepreneur. I think they’ll be better about what they build, better about what they don’t waste, better about helping in their local community.”

by Sharelle Burt

March 27, 2024

Arkansas Sued By High School Teacher And Students Over Critical Race Theory Ban

Central High is not backing down!

A teacher and students from the iconic Little Rock Central High School have filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas over the ban of critical race theory and “indoctrination” in public schools.

The suit was filed by civil rights attorneys Mike Laux and Austin Porter Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas on behalf of three students, their parents and AP African American Studies teacher Ruthie Walls.

Stating “it absolutely chills free speech,” the suit pushes for a federal judge to rule the restrictions as unconstitutional, along with arguing the restrictions made by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023 violate free speech protections under the First Amendment and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. “Indeed, defendants’ brazen attack on full classroom participation for all students in 2024 is reminiscent of the state’s brazen attack on full classroom participation for all students in 1957,” the suit reads.

Court documents also describe the restrictions as discriminating “on the basis of race.” Following several other GOP-led states, Arkansas has placed limitations on the way race is taught in public classrooms, including limitations on critical race theory and a framework dating back to the 1970s — centering the idea that racism is pushed into institutions.

Shortly after Huckabee Sanders signed the executive order banning “indoctrination” — on her first day in office — corresponding language was added to the LEARNS Act, a new piece of legislation that swiftly removed the advanced placement course from its list of approved courses just days prior to the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year last August. “In the state of Arkansas, we will not indoctrinate our kids and teach them to hate America or each other,” Huckabee Sanders said, according to The Associated Press.

“It’s sad the radical left continues to lie and play political games with our kids’ futures.”

Following the new legislation, the Little Rock School District (LRSD) stood its ground and continued to offer AP African American studies for credit. As students were excited to learn and considering the district’s history, the district was proud to offer it. “We are fortunate to have one of the foremost subject matter experts leading the instruction at Central High School who has expressed that her students are enthusiastic about the opportunity to take the course,” the district said in a statement.

“AP African American Studies will allow students to explore the complexities, contributions, and narratives that have shaped the African American experience throughout history, including Central High School’s integral connection.”

Central High is home to the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who desegregated the school in 1957 after being escorted by federal troops after the governor gave the order to the state National Guard to block their entry.

Fighting with Walls, the students identified as plaintiffs are freshman Sadie Belle Reynolds, senior Gisele Davis, and one other unnamed student. Both Reynolds and Davis are currently enrolled in the AP course and have been celebrated as “walking in the footsteps of the Little Rock Nine.”

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 27, 2024

Viral Storyteller Reesa Teesa To Be CultureCon’s Keynote Speaker

Viral TikToker Reesa Teesa has been announced at CultureCon on Campus' keynote speaker.

Reesa Teesa will deliver the keynote address at the first-ever CultureCon on Campus at Clark Atlanta University. The TikToker gained fame for her viral Who TF Did I Marry? series.

Teesa, whose real name is Tereasa Johnson, announced the news in a shared post with CultureCon. The riveting teaser highlights how the Teesa captivated the internet in February with her tale of her infamous husband.

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“So you’re wondering…How TF Do I Tell My Story? Well, we got you,” captioned the post. “We are so excited to announce that THEE @reesateesa is pulling up to CultureCon On Campus to share how you can own your narrative. You don’t want to miss this!”

Since sharing her story to social media, Teesa has become an overnight celebrity. After millions of people invested in the recap of her chaotic marriage, she was catapulted into mainstream success with brand deals and interviews, including Time and The Tamron Hall Show.

As keynote speaker, she intends to detail her journey thus far.

“The opportunity to speak at CultureCon On Campus is an honor,” Reesa Teesa said in a statement per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I look forward to engaging with the students and sharing how my storytelling birthed and catapulted a new career path that will hopefully inspire and empower students to fearlessly pursue their creative endeavors.”

Undoubtedly her presence at CultureCon on Campus will delight attendees, with free admission for all Atlanta University Center students. The inaugural event features panels, media career workshops, and a festival atmosphere for emerging Black creatives to connect.

The organization shared its excitement over Teesa’s appearance.

“Her authentic approach to storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide. We believe it perfectly aligns with our mission and will resonate with our audience,” said CultureCon founder Imani Ellis.

CultureCon on Campus takes place April 12, when students can witness the captivating storytelling of Teesa live.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 27, 2024

Dollar Tree Raises Price Cap To $7 Due To High-Earning Shoppers

Dollar Tree has announced a increased price cap of $7, thanks to an influx of more affluent customers.

Dollar Tree may start to feel less like a bargain soon.

The discount store announced a price cap hike to $7, due to the influx of higher income customers during its fourth quarter earnings call in early March, according to USA Today. The company intends to raise its price range for food, pet, and personal care items.

“This year, across 3,000 stores, we expect to expand our multi-price assortment by over 300 items at price points ranging from $1.50 to $7,” explained CEO Rick Dreiling on the call.

This raise comes after the store set a $5 cap in June, as reported byYahoo Finance. While the company originally started costs for products at $1, it has since increased to a new base price of $1.25. However, price-points do range based on quality and content.

Dreiling added, “Over time, you will also see us fully integrate multi-price merchandise more into our stores so our shoppers will find $5 bags of dog food next to our traditional $1.25 pet treats and toys, and our $3 bags of candy will be found in the candy aisle.”

Their reasoning for the sudden shift stems from higher income earners becoming regular customers at their stores. Dreiling referenced how the fastest-growing demographic for their customers earn over $125,000 annually. According to the Wall Street Journal, affluent shoppers still shop at the dollar store for bargains, even as inflation cools.

However, the prices for everyday goods remain higher than recent years. Consumers are adopting new spending habits due to unyielding costs at the grocery store. The trend for everyone to shop for the most affordable price has now trickled down to Dollar Tree.

The news also comes as the company recently announced mass store closures of its Family Dollar brand—nearly 600 locations in 2024. Dollar Tree locations will close as well as their leases expire over the next few years.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 27, 2024

Paying It Forward: Recipients Of Pharrell’s Student Loan Gift Launch Nonprofit For HBCUs

The NAACP student leaders whose student loans were wiped out by Pharrell Williams intend to give back.

The recipients of Pharrell Williams’ student loan forgiveness gift are paying it forward with their new nonprofit. The Cash In Grad Out Foundation hopes to aid HBCU students while helping to resolve the student debt crisis.

Williams wiped the student loans of five NAACP student leaders during Juneteenth weekend. Robyn Hughes, Damarius Davis, Jamie Turner, Channing Hill, and Davan Vilfrard accepted the reward for their work and advocacy. The producer forgave their loans during the start of his Something in the Water Festival.

Breaking: #SomethingInTheWater just announced they’re paying the student debt of all 6 panelists/NAACP members! #CancelStudentDebt pic.twitter.com/BqBS9AqIoc
— NAACP (@NAACP) June 17, 2022

Now, they are working toward giving back in the same effort as Williams. The Cash In Grad Out Foundation announced its mission in a post on Feb. 27, stating the entertainer’s move “inspired” them.

“The Cash In Grad Out Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce our commitment to the advancement and development of HBCU students and graduates through our work to find a solution to the student debt crisis that disproportionately affects HBCU graduates,” explained the caption. “After that fateful Juneteenth weekend where @pharrell and the @somethinginthewater team paid off our loans, we wanted to give back to the institutions [designed] to support the advancement of Black professionals. What started as a simple conversation is now a full fledged organization. Follow us on our journey and see what we have in store for the world.”

Financial literacy is another important element, as they aspire to teach students about the complexities of obtaining student loans. Vilfrard spoke of the need to “caution” students as the Biden administration lags in loan forgiveness.

“After President Biden’s recent actions impacting older student debt, it is becoming clear that younger graduates will see little to no sweeping debt relief for some time, if ever,” shared the Florida A&M student and CEO of the foundation. “We need to caution students about the perils of debt while doing our best to free people from the burdens of debt.”

The group’s call to action remains a serious commitment as they intend to further connect with students. Their journey also features a 15-stop tour across multiple HBCUs, starting this summer. Collaborations in the works include the NAACP, The Transformative Justice Coalition, and Williams’ Something In The Water Festival.

by Sharelle Burt

March 27, 2024

Eric Adams Abandons Trip To Southern Border Over Concerns Of Safety

Maybe it was for the best...

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was scheduled to take a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border but canceled over growing safety concerns.

Adams was slated to visit Brownsville and McAllen, Texas, on March 24 to meet with U.S. immigration leaders, as NYC struggles to provide housing to new migrants seeking asylum. However, spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said the U.S. State Department waved flags of safety concerns at one of his stops, resulting in the trip being canceled.

Initially invited by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande, Adams’ team had been looking forward to meeting ahead of Holy Week. “As Lent draws to a close, our team was excited to stand with faith and humanitarian leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving the most needy among us, and we were eager to discuss our work in New York City and explore new ways to collaborate with leaders in cities across the country,” Cockfield said.

“We hope to continue our partnership with these nationally recognized Latino leaders and organizations as we look for concrete solutions to resolve the crisis at the border.”

Adams started out as an advocate for migrants, welcoming them with open arms to the Big Apple. In June 2023 he announced a two-year partnership with New York Disaster Interfaith Services, allowing 50 houses of worship or faith-based spaces to provide overnight shelter for up to 19 single adult men per location.

Saying he was “proud” of the partnership, Adams announced additional plans to open five offsite daytime centers to provide resources and support for those in need.

But then things shifted six months later. To control the number of migrants Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was sending to the city, Adams signed an executive order in December 2023 limiting when charter buses could drop off migrants in the city. After 14 charter buses of migrants arrived from Texas in a single night, the order now requires charter bus companies to provide 32 hours of advance notice before migrants arrive, and limits the times of day they can be dropped off.

After visiting El Paso in January 2024, Adams criticized the federal government’s response to the influx of immigrants stepping into U.S. cities far from the border. In October 2023 he took a four-day tour through Latin America, making stops in Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia, and advised people to stop making the dangerous journey to the U.S.

In the past two years, close to 180,000 migrants have poured into New York City’s five boroughs. With more than 64,000 sanctioned in its care through more than 200 emergency shelter sites, city officials and human rights advocates secured a deal to suspend the city’s “right to shelter” policy.

Also called a “Homeless Bill of Rights,” the measure was supposed to strengthen legal protections for the homeless after New York City saw a record number of people in its shelter system. Passed with bipartisan support by the City Council, shelters were growing beyond capacity with the arrival of 70,000 international migrants last spring.

Truck Driver, Arrest, Crime, Decapitating Woman

by Daniel Johnson

March 27, 2024

Truck Driver Accused Of Murdering And Decapitating Woman

Melody Gooch’s headless body was found close to a travel center in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Truck driver Anthony Harris, 60, was arrested on March 14 in the State of Washington on a charge of second-degree murder and burying a body without legal authority in connection with the death of 57-year-old Melody Gooch.

As People magazine reports, Gooch’s body was found with her head removed close to a travel center in Mitchell, South Dakota.

KELO reported that the body of Gooch was discovered by a person who saw her hand and foot late on March 11 and called 911.

As stated in the affidavit, the person “exited his truck to see how much further he needed to back up and how far away he was from the pile of pallets. He walked around the passenger side of his truck and trailer and noticed what appeared to be a gut pile lying in the middle of the parking lot. He assumed it was from an animal and thought it to be strange. As he got closer to the pallets, he noticed a human foot underneath the pallets and then a human hand. He then realized there was a deceased female underneath the pallets. He called 9-1-1 at this time.”

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, said, “We were able to, through additional work and police work and video and further efforts from officials in other states, make a determination and arrived at a point where we got search warrants.”

Court documents indicate that Gooch’s body was most likely tangled in the axle of an 18-wheeler or had been run over multiple times. Some of her body parts were missing, including her skull and part of her spine. They were later discovered in a nearby dumpster.

The court documents describe a moment when family members asked about Gooch, who had been traveling with Harris; he told them she had gone into a store for food and never returned.

Gooch’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by an official autopsy report, but police discovered that her head had been “skinned,” and they discovered a bloodied shoe in a bag in the dumpster that also contained her severed head.

When Harris was arrested, according to the affidavit, he was still in the same semitruck the authorities had observed in a surveillance system video. Police used Harris’ work logs and cell phone records to place him near the areas where Gooch’s remains were discovered. They were also able to determine that the timing of his movements were consistent with the semitruck’s movements seen on surveillance video.

At present, it is not clear whether Harris has retained an attorney or entered a plea for the charges he faces. According to Find Law, the penalty for second-degree murder includes a $50,000 fine and up to life in prison.

by Sharelle Burt

March 27, 2024

WHM Exclusive: How Climax Hair Care Is Becoming The Answer To Healthy Hair Prayers

The products are doing wonders for silk presses across the country!

For decades, parabens and phthalates, known for being endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in Black hair care products, have been linked to severe health issues and unhealthy hair. Popular hair products used by Black women, such as relaxers, oils, moisturizers, lotions, leave-in conditioners, and gels, have been identified as causes of certain cancers, including breast and uterine, according to research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

So what is the alternative?

Introducing Climax Hair Care, the first and only natural hair care brand specially formulated to preserve the health and longevity of coarse-textured hair that’s frequently heat-styled. Founders Tavia Green and her husband, Thelbert, dove into the $3 billion Black hair care industry back in October 2021 by mixing up ingredients they had in their kitchen. The result, described as “the natural alternative to BioSilk,” was created with intention specifically aimed at textured hair.

“Climax is intentionally designed to be lightweight so it can penetrate the hair shaft for kinky and coily hair,” Tavia told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “They have specific ingredients that have been proven over the years to work magic on people with coarser hair types, like vitamins A, C, E, red algae, and coconut oil. The combination of our products really works wonders.”

Climax was born with two products: Silk Me and Gloss Me Silkening Serum.

Source: **Photo Courtesy: Tavia Green, Climax Hair Care**

And Tavia’s own hair care journey started well before Climax came to light. As a licensed hairstylist and wig maker, Tavia encountered many different textures of hair, with her client base largely being Black and Afro-Latina. It was in the salon that she started questioning the products some of her Black clients were using—specifically their ingredients—and something stood out.

“I noticed a pattern of Black women experiencing dryness and breakage due to often using heat in their hair and not having the resources to prevent that from happening,” she told BE.

“Now, of course, there is a huge selection of products for natural hair and caring for your hair in its natural state, but with 73% of Black women in the U.S. using some form of heat on their hair at least once a month, there’s really only a handful of products that speak to that group of women. That’s where we come in.”

Already having a following on social media from her skills as a hairstylist, Tavia decided to put her products to the test for some of her clients. Silk Me and Gloss Me became hits instantly.

“The girls went crazy,” Tavia remembered. “We got some really good feedback, great reviews, and we were continuing to sell out. At that point I had to make a decision because I wasn’t even able to manage both [business and creating] at that point—which is a blessing.”

Leaving the business element of the salon behind, a little over two years later, Climax has expanded to six best-selling products, adding Clean Me Shampoo, Smooth Me Conditioner, Mold Me Styling Foam, and Style Me Styling Spray.

Climax’s popularity is highly apparent on social media, with 40,000-plus supporters on Instagram. Reviews from across the country celebrate what the Florida-based company’s products are doing for their hair. From silk presses to quick weaves, Climax has been proven to work safely on various types of hair, making it a commodity to keep on the shelves.

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Major retailers, including everyone’s favorite, Target, noticed the company’s popularity. The team was invited to participate in the Target Forward Founders Program for early-stage consumer packaged goods companies to “learn and understand how to prepare for retail shelves.”

While Tavia and her team were excited to graduate from the popular program, she ran into what the late Sen. John Lewis would call “good trouble.” Target was impressed and wanted to put Climax products on the shelves of 200 stores nationwide. Some business owners might jump at the opportunity, but Climax’s strategy is a little different—it takes the slow approach.

“Personally, I like to move slowly when I do things, so I’m very strategic,” Tavia explained.

Even so, Climax seems to be moving “slow and steady” past that. Not many other brands are able to compete with it, and its fanbase is taking the brand to new heights. Having raised funds through grants, accelerated programs, and angel investors, the expanded Climax will be seen in beauty supply stores in popular cities, first hitting Atlanta and Houston by the end of 2024. “Over the next five years, we’ll be in every beauty supply store in the United States,” Tavia said gleefully.

The sky’s the limit for this booming brand, and Tavia says that’s not the last stop. When asked what her dream retail collaborator is, Ulta Beauty took the top spot.

“I feel like Ulta is so diverse and has something for everybody,” she said with a huge smile. “I would love to do something with them in the future. I just manifested that.”

by Sharelle Burt

March 27, 2024

Former Fulton County Prosecutor Sets Challenge Against Fani Willis In Upcoming Election

Think he can take her?

A former prosecutor is running in the primary election to challenge Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Democrat Christian Wise Smith entered the race in early March 2024. Shortly afterward he took a step back to “weigh his options” on how to press forward, but now he says he is ready.

“Primaries are an essential part of the democratic process, and voters deserve a choice,” Smith said.

“I’m running to be that option to change the face of the justice system in Fulton County and make Fulton the safest county in the country.”

Both Smith and his challenger, Republican Courtney Kramer, are up against a lot. With Fulton County being a Democratic haven and Willis a recognizable political figure in the state, Willis has a significant advantage over the two trying to take her spot. However, Smith thinks his “victim-centered prosecution” tactics may hold some weight.

Smith and Kramer could also leverage the race into a fight over Willis’ handling of her racketeering case, charging Trump and 18 others with conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Smith isn’t challenging Willis based on the election interference trial or the recent ruling over allegations of an improper relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. He used softer themes to state his case, saying he would “work with the community to be solutions-oriented and deliver results that focus on victim-centered prosecution, mass incarceration, dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and eliminating the fear of crime.”

His checkered past prompted his stance on crime. According to Fox News, Smith was kicked out of school at 17 and heading down the wrong path. But after meeting a police officer who took a liking to him, he finished his education and became an attorney in 2012. Smith says his childhood experience made him want to make the country safer by working with the youth to reduce crime.

Serving as Atlanta City solicitor and Fulton County prosecutor, Smith continued on that path during his 2020 campaign, receiving close to 23% of the Democratic vote. The issues he campaigned on included abolishing the death penalty, eliminating cash bail, and decriminalizing drug possession.

After backing out, Smith endorsed District Attorney Paul Howard in the runoff, saying he was “troubled” with Willis receiving the support of the Atlanta Police Union.

Willis, who defeated Howard, a six-term incumbent, in a head-to-head runoff, has now filed her qualifying paperwork for re-election and said she is “unfazed” by her challengers. She stressed her commitment to bringing Trump to justice.

Party primaries are scheduled for May 21, with the general election on Nov. 5.