by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 31, 2024

The City Of Atlanta Officially Opens New Homeless Housing Project

Atlanta has officially opened its homeless housing project, a development called The Melody, with units made out of recycled shipping containers.

---

Atlanta officially opened its new homeless housing project on Jan. 26. The project’s units are built out of recycled shipping containers. Mayor Andre Dickens hopped on TikTok to show what the insides of these untraditional homes looked like.

The development, called The Melody, has already built 40 units, including a majority that are ADA-compliant and ready for move-in. Dickens gave a quick tour of the neighborhood, including the MARTA public train station within walking distance.

@andreforatlanta Introducing “Melody” — a safe and dignified community providing housing for the homeless. With 40 micro unit shipping containers, our goal is to offer privacy, independence, and a sense of community this is just a part of how we plan to follow through on our commitment to producing 500 units of rapid housing on public land by 2025. Alongside supportive services and case management, “Melody” will make a lasting impact in addressing homelessness. This is how we continue #movingatlantaforward ♬ original sound – andre

The homes feature the essentials, including a bed, microwave, desk, free Wi-Fi, and a television for entertainment. Each unit has its own bathroom, with supplies to help the new residents keep their spaces safe and sanitary. Free laundry is also available in a separate location within the community.

“We’re trying to take care of people in a humane way,” shared the elected official in the video.

Safety measures include cameras on-site and controlled access for guests and residents while fostering a neighborly feeling through its community space room. Case managers will also be designated for the apartment holders as they transition from unsheltered to stable living conditions.

The development’s name also holds significance to its mission. Its namesake is in honor of Melody Bloodworth, a woman who struggled for years with addiction and mental health issues before being unhoused, which led to her death before her 40th birthday in 2021.

According to 11Alive, the establishment held a tearful welcome ceremony on its opening day, paying homage to Bloodworth and how her story has inspired the city to take greater action in supporting unsheltered people and the struggles they face.

While The Melody has already seen immense progress during its 60-day construction, it hopes to have 500 units available to help those struggling with homelessness by 2025. According to the mayor, the next site’s location has already been chosen and is in the works.

RELATED CONTENT: Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Major Move Against Atlanta’s Homelessness Crisis

by Daniel Johnson

January 31, 2024

Ex-IRS Contractor Receives Maximum Prison Sentence For Leaking Trump Tax Documents

According to court documents, Littlejohn applied to work at the IRS specifically in order to obtain Trump’s tax documents.

---

Charles Edward Littlejohn, a 38-year-old former contractor for the IRS, was sentenced to a five-year prison sentence on Jan. 29 over leaking the tax returns of President Donald Trump and other wealthy figures. As The Associated Press reports, Littlejohn leaked the data to The New York Times and ProPublica between 2018 and 2020.

Prosecutors alleged that the leaks were of an unprecedented nature in the history of the IRS, thus a message needed to be delivered despite Littlejohn’s lack of criminal history. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes briefly discussed the reasoning for the sentencing. “When you target the sitting president of the United States, you target the office,” Reyes said. “It can not be open season on our elected officials.” Reyes also questioned the prosecution’s choice to only charge Littlejohn with one count of felony unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information before hitting Littlejohn with a $5,000 fine and three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, Littlejohn applied to work at the IRS specifically to obtain Trump’s tax documents, and worked out a way to obtain that information without triggering alert systems in IRS security protocols.

Nicole Argentieri, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s criminal division, told the AP that Littlejohn’s sentencing “sends a strong message that those who violate laws intended to protect sensitive tax information will face significant punishment.”

Neither Trump nor the two outlets were mentioned by name in the charging documents, but the time frame of the leaks as well as the descriptions match investigations launched by both ProPublica and The New York Times. 

Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott also had information leaked by Littlejohn. Scott told the AP that Littlejohn should receive even greater punishment for his crime to be charged with more crimes because his only intention for leaking the information was “just to harm people,” including Scott’s family.

Littlejohn, meanwhile, apologized for his actions during the sentencing hearing. “I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest,” Littlejohn told the court. “My actions undermined the fragile trust we place in government.”

RELATED CONTENT: Donald Trump Defeats Nikki Haley In New Hampshire Primary; Haley Vows To Stay In Race 

by Sharelle Burt

January 31, 2024

New Report Links Some Of Your Favorite Food Chains To Prison Labor 

Are you going to stop shopping there or...?

---

A shocking report from The Associated Press reveals major retailers are linked to one of the country’s largest maximum-security prisons.

Louisiana State Penitentiary is accused of forcing their male prisoners to perform hard labor in extreme conditions to guarantee purchases from popular retailers. Some of the products these prisoners help produce include Frosted Flakes, Ball Park hot dogs, and Coca-Cola. From there, they land on the shelves of stores including Kroger, Target, Aldi, and Whole Foods. 

Investigations revealed that certain corporations buy directly from the prison, with some goods being exported, thus violating their own policies against labor. Products are also found to come from countries with blocked goods that use forced or prison labor. However, historical laws in place make these acts perfectly legal. 

Under the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, slavery is banned unless deemed punishment for a crime. Known as the “world’s prison capital,” Louisiana State Penitentiary puts its prisoners to work on the same plantations rooted in slavery that grew cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane more than 150 years ago. Thankfully the clause is being challenged on federal levels in hopes of removing such verbiage.  

Louisiana holds the title as having one of the country’s highest incarceration rates, 64% of the prisoners in the state are Black, according to Reuters, almost twice the population of Blacks in Louisiana’s general population. 

It’s commonplace for state prisons to host farming programs, but agriculture only represents a small portion of the prison workforce. Since 2019, $200 million worth of farmed goods and livestock have been transported to businesses. Traders like Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland, and Consolidated Grain have been known to purchase millions of dollars worth of soy, corn, and wheat directly from prison farms. 

Former inmate Willie Ingram remembers picking everything from cotton to okra during his 51 years behind bars. While serving a life sentence for a crime he says he didn’t commit, armed guards on horseback oversaw Ingram and other inmates. He says they often worked with little or no water in triple-digit heat. On days when prisoners would protest, guards would resort to violence. “They’d come, maybe four in the truck, shields over their face, billy clubs, and they’d beat you right there in the field,” Ingram said. 

“They beat you, handcuff you and beat you again.” 

Some named corporations claim to be making strides against the labor they are accused of. Cargill has added that “we are now … determining the appropriate remedial action,” while McDonald’s said an investigation will be launched into the claims. Whole Foods said the company” does not allow the use of prison labor in products sold at our stores.”

• Business

by Black Enterprise

January 31, 2024

RISING INTEREST IN HOUSE HACKING AMONG BLACK HOMEBUYERS

---

House hacking refers to renting out part or all of a home for additional income, presenting a unique opportunity for potential homeowners. 

by Sharelle Burt

January 31, 2024

Karine Jean-Pierre Called ‘An Embarrassment’ For Saying Black Soldiers Died Fighting For Biden Administration 

Maybe things were taken a little out of context....

---

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is under fire for her comments regarding the tragic death of three U.S. Army soldiers. 

As a guest on MSNBC, Jean-Pierre offered condolences to the soldiers’ families but added some interesting sentiments, claiming they died “fighting on behalf of this administration.” “Our deepest condolences go out, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost three brave folks who are military folks who are brave who are always fighting and are fighting on behalf of this administration of the American people obviously more so importantly,” she said.

The families of Spc. Kennedy Sanders, Spc. Breonna Moffett, and Sgt. William Jerome Rivers are shocked by the news of their deaths. All three Georgia-based officers were killed in a drone attack on Jan. 27 at a U.S. base in Jordan, close to the Syrian border. President Joe Biden confirmed the attack, alleging it was carried out by “radical, Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.” 

After Biden promised the U.S. would respond, Moffett’s parents’ only hope is for the violence not to escalate as they said their daughter celebrated her 23rd birthday just nine days before the attack. “I just hope and pray no other family has to go through this,” Francine Moffett, Breonna’s mother, said. “It takes your heart and your soul.”

The White House press secretary’s comments were met with some harsh reactions. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Chief White House Correspondent at Today News Africa, Simon Ateba, said her comments “were hard to follow.”  Press Secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Jeremy Redfern, called her comments “disgusting.”

“Say what you will about this word salad, but the idea that anyone in the military is fighting on behalf of any administration is precisely what is wrong with the DC ruling class,” he tweeted. 

Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) said involving the administration was “disrespectful.”

“Our service members swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States,” he wrote. “They are not fighting “on behalf of” the Biden team. This is incredibly disrespectful.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Veteran Sues The VA Over Agency’s Denial Of PTSD Benefits To Black Soldiers

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 31, 2024

Issa Rae Considers Going Independent With Cancellation Of ‘So Many Black Shows’

Just weeks after HBO decided to pull the plug on "Rap Sh!t," Issa Rae is calling out the devolution of content representing people of color.

---

Just weeks after HBO decided to pull the plug on Rap Sh!t, Issa Rae is calling out the scaling back of content representing people of color.

Issa enjoyed a five-season run of her HBO show Insecure, which made her a star. The successful show ended on her own terms and made space for new content the actress/writer had planned for her fans. Rap Sh!t, Sweet Life: Los Angeles, and A Black Lady Sketch Show were shows Issa produced for HBO Max.

The transition hasn’t gone as planned. In the last year, all three shows were given the boot by HBO Max.

Why? Issa has an idea.

“It’s already happening,” Issa told Net-A-Porter in its cover story. “You’re seeing so many Black shows get cancelled, you’re seeing so many executives—especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side—get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority.”

It wasn’t too long after her cover shoot with Net-A-Porter when Variety published a study citing the lack of results on pledges many major studios made in 2020 to hire more diverse filmmakers.

Issa knew the reality.

“I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff,” she said. “It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.”

As for her future, the creator, who spent part of her childhood in Senegal, wants “in 10 years’ time, to be transitioning toward service,” she said. While her Hollywood career “is fun, at some point, it’ll feel like not enough—and I want to be able to do more.”

RELATED CONTENT: Vogue Faces Backlash Over Usher’s Super Bowl Cover: ‘Why Is He In The Background?’

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 31, 2024

City of Atlanta Launches Home Buying Program For Service Workers

A new home buying program in Atlanta aims to help service workers and those who cannot typically receive down payment assistance.

---

The City of Atlanta is helping everyday residents become homeowners through a new program for service workers. People employed in roles such as first responders and teachers are eligible to apply.

The initiative was enacted by the City of Atlanta in partnership with Invest Atlanta and the city’s housing authority. This mission is to assist those in the “missing middle” who can’t afford a mortgage but don’t typically qualify for down payment assistance.

According to WSB-TV, those who apply will be entered into the lottery to be part of Brown’s Mill Village.

“We are building homes for teachers and firefighters, and anyone making under $83,000 will be entered into our lottery for our final phase,” explained Maja Sly, an affordable housing advocate and broker with Keller Williams Atlanta. “They can now have a mortgage and live in the City of Atlanta.”

Sly said the program will be dedicated to those who meet the requirements, but those outside of the targeted professions can apply if they meet the salary criteria and have a 620 credit score. While service workers accepted into the program will receive $45,000 in down payment assistance, others will receive $40,000 to go toward their affordable homes.

The lottery will select its first cohort of 19 new homeowners in February. Flippers and aspiring landlords need not apply.

“The program is through the City of Atlanta, and our mayor has a commitment to affordable housing. We do not accept investors,” Sly said. “We have a commitment to home ownership. This neighborhood is 100% owner-occupied, and I want to keep it that way.”

The opportunity comes amid high interest rates stunting the housing market, making the ability to obtain a mortgage now impossible for many middle and working-class Americans.

According to CNN, the rate of Black homeowners in 2021 was only 44%, lagging in comparison to their white counterparts’ 72.7%.

by Stacy Jackson

January 31, 2024

Speedskater Erin Jackson Dominant Again

Erin Jackson won the 500 meter, earning a fourth World Cup victory this season with a time of 36.90.

---

American short-track speedskaters excelled at the International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Erin Jackson winning the 500 meters for her fourth World Cup victory (in eight tries) this season.

Jackson finished with a time of 36.90. Fellow American Kimi Goetz was second, and Korea’s Kim Min-sun placed third, Eurosport reported.

A user on X (formerly known as Twitter) praised Jackson, saying, “Black people are so ludicrously athletic LMFAO.”

Jackson, the world’s top-ranked skater in the event, got a spot in the 500-meter competition in 2022 due to a touching gesture made by her teammate and friend Brittany Bowe.

Bowe gave up her spot so that Jackson, who’d finished third at the trials, could compete in the Winter Olympics. Jackson didn’t waste Bowe’s sacrifice, becoming the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in speedskating and the first American woman to win one in an individual speedskating event since 2002, according to Bleacher Report.

The U.S. men’s team pursuit trio of Ethan Cepuran, Emery Lehman, and Casey Dawson broke Norway’s world record three weeks ago, winning gold in a blistering 3:33.66. Italy took bronze, but the Americans secured the team’s World Cup trophy.

Jordan Stolz was the standout for the men, winning the men’s 500-meter and 1500-meter races. In the 1500 meter, Stolz beat China’s overall World Cup leader Ning Zhongyan by 0.70 seconds in a new American record time of 1:40.87, according to Eurosport. Stolz then won the 500 meters in 33.96, edging out Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil by 0.09 seconds.

It was an excellent day for American short track in front of a home crowd. Stolz and Jackson led the way with individual victories, while the U.S. men broke a world record and clinched a World Cup title.

The ISU event took place from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2024.

by Rafael Pena

January 30, 2024

Ben Simmons Makes Impressive Return In Nets Victory

Ben Simmons made a resounding comeback from his prolonged back injury, narrowly missing a triple-double as the Brooklyn Nets secured consecutive wins.

---

Ben Simmons made a resounding comeback from his prolonged back injury, narrowly missing a triple-double as the Brooklyn Nets convincingly beat the Utah Jazz 147-114.

The Australian guard, sidelined for 12 weeks and 38 games due to a nerve impingement, showcased his skills in a dominating performance, finishing with 10 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of play.

“We got the win, so yes,” Simmons said, according to ESPN, when asked if it was a successful return. “That’s the main objective for me, and that’s really all I care about.”

Simmons’ return proved instrumental in Brooklyn’s most convincing win and highest score of the season, breaking a streak of inconsistent performances. Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas topped the Nets in scoring, contributing 33 and 25 points respectively.

Entering the game with a two-point lead, Simmons, in only his seventh appearance of the season, sparked a 14-0 run, propelling the Nets to a 16-point advantage. Throughout the game Brooklyn maintained a lead of at least nine points, securing their first back-to-back victories since late December 2023.

Simmons set a franchise record in the first quarter with six assists off the bench. Displaying no signs of a back injury, he demonstrated his all-around skills, contributing defensively with steals and offensively with well-timed assists and rebounds.

“Extremely impressive,” Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn told ESPN after the game. “Other people played so well tonight because of the impact of Ben Simmons. It’s that simple.”

Having participated only in the shoot-around on game day after training with the G-League affiliate Long Island over the weekend, Simmons’ return exceeded expectations. Vaughn acknowledged the need to assess Simmons’ condition postgame, considering his injury history, to determine an appropriate workload for future games.

RELATED CONTENT: Jamie Foxx Criticizes Stephen A. Smith For Calling Out Ben Simmons, Smith Responds

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 30, 2024

Chief Keef Collaborates With Ed Hardy And UNKNOWN London

Chief Keef collaborates with Ed Hardy and UNKNOWN London with a 12-piece collection that is nearly sold out days after debuting during Paris Fashion Week

---

A collaboration between hip-hop recording artist Chief Keef and the fashion brand Ed Hardy has caused a frenzy among fashionistas. Their line for UNKNOWN London is practically sold out.

According to Complex, Chief Keef and Ed Hardy connected with UNKNOWN London to sell a 12-piece collection inspired by Keef’s “Glo Gang.”

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Unknown London (@unknownuk)

The collection sold out during its Paris Fashion Week debut. In addition, most of the items on the website are sold out. If you want a piece from the collection, act now!

The offerings include hoodies, reversible belts, a leather jacket, and long- and short-sleeved T-shirts. The collection also contains jeans, caps, beanies, stickers, and rugs.

The excitement for the collection may be a placeholder for the music Chief Keef fans have been salivating for since the promise of his next release, Almighty So 2, according to Hot New Hip Hop. It’s the follow-up to his original, “Almighty So,” which dropped more than a decade ago. The media outlet states the album should be released March 29 on Amazon Music.

He recently released a video with Lil Yachty called “Say Ya Grace” which, according to Complex, was released for Lyrical Lemonade’s latest compilation. He also has a new song being released on Feb. 8 called “Hot Cheetos,” which is slated to be the lead single for Almighty So 2.

While Keef has been in the lab cooking up the next dish for his fans over the past year, he has collaborated with Drake, Lil Yachty, and Trippie Redd, to list a few. Fans got a recent feature from him that may make them even more anxious to hear the new project by the Chicago rapper. He appeared on Sexyy Red‘s latest song, “Bow Bow Boy (F My Baby Dad).”

RELATED CONTENT: Noir Atelier Brings Affordable Fashion House Luxury To Chicago