Rep. Justin Pearson Confronts Fellow Lawmaker Over Personal Attacks During Gun Control Hearing
Pearson responded to Farmer's comments, starting by calmly letting him know that his comments made him "very, very angry.”
Things became heated during a Tennessee State legislature gun control hearing when Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) confronted Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) over allegedly feeling personally attacked, WREG Memphis reports.
After a passionate speech on the House floor correlating gun laws to the tragic death of his brother on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Pearson charged toward Farmer to confront him over what he called “disrespectful” comments about his work ethic. Pearson has been absent from House duties, taking time to be with his family following his brother’s passing on Dec. 1, 2024, due to gun suicide. “I know every member in this committee has been here this year working during committee, during session, voting on bills. And I know you may have some things going on, but you have not,” Farmer said.
“So, I don’t think it’s fair for you to come in front of this committee and lecture us on hard work and convictions, and hard work for our committee.”
Pearson responded by calmly letting Farmer know that his comments made him “very, very angry.” “It is a pathetic excuse for you to not answer the question of why we are doing nothing about the gun violence epidemic, then to personally attack me. But let me explain to you what I have been doing… since you asked. My brother… one of the loves of my life passed away from gun suicide,” Pearson said.
“And since that happened, it shattered my family like gun violence has shattered so many families… I buried my brother. I planned for his entire funeral, my fiancée made his obituary, I made sure that he was taken care of – even in death. That’s what I’ve been doing.”
The confrontation happened shortly after the committee voted against HB 1392 – 7-2 — a bill supported by Pearson, according to Fox 13 Memphis. Under Tennessee law, a person commits an offense who carries, with the intent to go armed, a firearm or a club. If Pearson’s bill had been approved, exemptions would have been removed that would allow a person to avoid prosecution under that law, with permitless carry being repealed. “We have a responsibility to do all that we can to protect our kids and protect our community to make sure they are safe,” Pearson mentioned.
Pearson allegedly left the meeting after the altercation. However, he says he won’t let what happened stop his fight. While it’s unclear if either Pearson or Farmer will face consequences for the incident, the state leader feels gun violence isn’t just a Memphis problem but a state problem and encourages others to get involved. “We go to too many funerals for gun violence, this is not a way for us to live,” he said.
“We need to consistently draw attention to the issue, which is gun violence being preventable if we get the right leaders in place to act now.”
City Of Atlanta Opens Registration For Summer Youth Employment Program
Calling all Atlanta youth, the Summer Youth Employment Program is now open for registration.
Atlanta opened registration on Monday for its 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. The program offers residents ages 14 to 24 a chance for hands-on job experience with pay.
Mayor Andre Dickens announced the program’s launch in a video on the city’s Instagram account. In the post, the mayor urged businesses and community organizations to get involved.
“Atlanta’s young people can access career-building opportunities, receive competitive pay, and gain experiences that will help shape their futures,” Dickens said.
Since Dickens revived the dormant program in 2022, nearly 14,000 young people have participated. The city reported hiring more than 5,700 participants in 2024 across 143 businesses and 15 municipal departments. Youth workers earned an average of $17.70 per hour, with total wages reaching $6.8 million.
High school students comprised more than 70% of last year’s participants, with those aged 14 and 15 encouraged to work with their Atlanta Public Schools counselors to obtain work permits.
Mayor Dickens’ Chief of Staff, Odie Donald, II, spoke to 11 Alive about the diverse opportunities available to the youth.
“Youth ventured beyond the conventional, immersing themselves in high-demand fields like augmented reality, robotics, coding, and even our city’s flourishing airport and film industries,” Donald said.
City data suggests the program has contributed to a decline in youth crime. In the summer of 2024, Atlanta saw a 46% drop in violent crimes involving young people. There was also a 5% decrease in arrests among residents ages 14 to 24.
Officials say structured employment, mentorship, and life skills training have played a key role in these results. Orientation sessions covered workplace professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution, according to a city report on the program’s impact.
To sign up for the Summer Youth Employment Program, click here.
Hazing Survivor Haunted By Caleb Wilson’s Death At Southern University
The Southern alum, who was left blind and paralyzed from a hazing incident at the same university in 1992, finds himself reliving his traumatic incident, demanding answers and change.
Decades-old wounds have reopened for Dr. Duronne Walker, a former Southern University student, as the recent death of Caleb Wilson, 20, during a fraternity ritual seemingly triggered painful flashbacks and a renewed call for accountability within Greek-letter organizations.
The Southern alum, who was left blind and paralyzed from a hazing incident at the same university in 1992, finds himself reliving his traumatic incident, demanding answers and change.
“When I heard about that young man, it brought me back to that dark place,” Walker said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And wondering why?”
Walker’s traumatizing hazing experience dates to his senior year at Southern University. The then-21-year-old student sought out to pledge Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, but the initiation process left him with devastating consequences.
“During that initiation and last night’s process, I was blindfolded and hit over the head,” Walker recalled. “The drinks that were provided to me left me blind and paralyzed. To my understanding, the blow and the things slipped in my drink caused me to have a stroke.”
Walker’s legal battle after the 1992 incident also underscored the difficulty of holding national Greek-lettered organizations accountable for hazing students. The physician, supported by his parents, filed a lawsuit against Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., alleging negligence and seeking damages for his injuries.
A Louisiana court document details the case, Walker v. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the legal arguments presented. The fraternity’s national office moved for summary judgment, arguing it was not liable for the actions of its chapter members.
Court documents stated that the fraternity had “clearly prohibited any hazing activities” at the national level and had implemented a “haze-free membership process.”
Walker’s case also highlighted the organization’s structure, noting that local chapters operated independently and that the national headquarters is located in the District of Columbia, far from the Southern University campus.
The court ultimately granted the fraternity’s motion for summary judgment, concluding it could not control its chapters’ day-to-day actions.
“The evidence introduced as to the internal structure of this organization reflects that the National Fraternity was not in a position to control the action of its chapters on a day-to-day basis,”the court document stated.
The death of Caleb Wilson, a member of the Southern University Human Jukebox marching band, has reignited the debate about hazing within historically Black Greek-letter organizations. Wilson collapsed and died Feb. 27 after participating in a ritual reportedly related to pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at North Sherwood Forest Community Park.
Following Wilson’s collapse, he was taken to Baton Rouge General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:15 a.m. The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Southern University Human Jukebox marching band released a statement expressing their grief over Wilson’s loss.
“His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
In response to Wilson’s death, Southern University’s Division of Student Affairs suspended all activities for student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs, until further notice. The university has not indicated whether Omega Psi Phi will face sanctions or further investigation. The national chapter of Omega Psi Phi declined to comment.
Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson, is a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy. The department released a statement expressing condolences and support for the family. “The JPSO stands in support of Dep. Wilson and his family,” the statement said. “We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
According to witnesses, Wilson and other pledges were lined up and punched while wearing boxing gloves. After each hit, they were instructed to run to the end of the line. Wilson reportedly collapsed and experienced a seizure shortly after enduring the assault.
Investigators allege that members of Omega Psi Phi attempted to cover up the circumstances of Wilson’s death, failing to call 911 immediately and falsely claiming he collapsed while playing basketball at a park miles away from the actual location of the hazing.
Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman, and Isaiah Smith have been charged with manslaughter and hazing in connection with Wilson’s death.
The tragic incident has also rekindled discussions about hazing culture within the Divine Nine, a collective term for historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Actress AJ Johnson, a Spelman College alumna and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, spoke out against hazing during an interview with The Breakfast Club.
“I’m so glad you brought this up,” Johnson said, emphasizing that hazing is not endorsed by Delta Sigma Theta or any Divine Nine organization. She suggested that hazing often stems from individuals who were themselves hazed, driven by a “vendetta.”
“It’s a personal thing,” she explained. Johnson called for an end to outdated and harmful initiation rituals, advocating for alternative methods of discipline and bonding. “There are different forms of teaching and being authoritative,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be physical abuse.”
The Walker case, along with the recent death of Caleb Wilson, underscores the ongoing struggle to address hazing within Greek-letter organizations. While national organizations may have policies prohibiting hazing, the reality on the ground often tells a different story.
The hazing incident has prompted calls for greater accountability and reform within the Divine Nine. Many advocates have called for a shift away from harmful initiation rituals and towards safer, more constructive methods of building brotherhood and sisterhood.
Curt Hinton, an English teacher at Wilson Middle School in Phoenix, exposed himself to students in what he later claimed was an accident.
On March 18, four middle school students — one 13-year-old boy and three 12-year-old girls — reported hearing the sound of a zipper followed by running water while they sat in class. When they turned to look, they saw Hinton urinating into a can and adjusting his belt, the outlet reported.
The students immediately informed the school principal, saying they saw the teacher’s genitals as a result of his actions. School officials contacted police, who removed Hinton from the classroom.
When questioned by authorities, the 52-year-old teacher said he did not know how to call for another educator to relieve him so he could leave the classroom. He claimed his indecent exposure was a technique he learned in the military.
Hinton admitted he made a poor decision. He was arrested on four counts of indecent exposure and released on a $10,000 secured bond.
The former military member was placed on administrative leave following the incident. He resigned two days later, on March 20.
In a statement, Wilson Elementary School District said it prioritizes student safety and supervision at all times. While there is no specific policy addressing teacher restroom breaks, the school does not prohibit the practice.
“Wilson Elementary School District prioritizes the safety and supervision of students at all times. While there is no specific policy solely addressing teacher restroom use, it is standard practice for teachers to ensure appropriate coverage for their classrooms when they need to step away briefly. This typically involves coordinating with a neighboring teacher, instructional aide, or school administrator to ensure students remain supervised,” the statement read.
Hinton was scheduled to return to court March 26. Due to the crime being committed in front of underaged children the ex-educator could face multiple fines, jail time, and be added to the sex offender registry.
3 Phoenix Officers Disciplined For Violent Arrest Of Deaf Man With Cerebral Palsy
The three officers who faced backlash last year for violently arresting a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy have been disciplined.
The Phoenix police officers who went viral last year for a video showing them violently arresting a disabled Black man have been disciplined for their actions.
On March 25, the Phoenix Police Department announced that the three officers were given “24-hour unpaid suspensions,” estimated to be three days. Two of the officers were also required to attend “additional de-escalation training,” CBS News reports. The disciplinary actions come after police bodycam footage, released in August 2024, showed the three officers repeatedly punching and tasing Tyron McAlpin—who is Black—despite responding to a call about a white man loitering at a convenience store.
The viral video sparked outrage as two officers were seen jumping out of their patrol vehicle and immediately punching McAlpin, a deaf man with cerebral palsy, at least 10 times. In the footage, one officer claimed McAlpin bit him, while the other alleged McAlpin swung at him.
The 911 caller reported being assaulted and having his phone stolen and identified McAlpin as the suspect. However, McAlpin was never charged in connection with the caller’s allegations. Instead, he was arrested on felony charges of assaulting the officers and resisting arrest. Notably, the initial disturbance inside the store had been attributed to a white man.
The disciplined officers weren’t named in the police department’s announcement. However, the two officers seen in the video assaulting McAlpin were previously identified as Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue.
“We understand the concerns raised by this incident, and we take them seriously,” interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said in a statement. “The decision to suspend the officers reflects our commitment to accountability and maintaining public trust. At the same time, we stand by the men and women of this department who are placed in difficult situations every day.”
The officers’ suspensions and required de-escalation training come after a June 2024 Justice Department report found that Phoenix police engaged in a “pattern or practice” of discrimination and excessive—sometimes unjustified—deadly force, particularly against individuals with behavioral health disabilities.
McAlpin filed a lawsuit last November, and in March, his lawyers also accused Officer Jorge Acosta of misconduct. According to the federal lawsuit, Acosta attempted to justify the officers’ actions by falsely stating in a report that the white man told police that McAlpin assaulted him and stole his phone.
From Blowouts To Blow-Ups: Salon Stylist Faces Wrath Of Policy-Defying Patron
A disgruntled social media user is going viral after vlogging about a hair appointment gone wrong. The incident began when a Black TikTok creator, @_niniboo, was denied service for violating a stylist’s policies.
According to the stylist’s rules, clients must arrive on time and are not allowed to bring extra guests, including children. Despite being aware of these policies, the client arrived late and brought her child, attempting to convince the stylist to make an exception.
“I promise you she’s not going to be a distraction. Everyone’s child is different,” the client pleaded.
While upset, the client admitted she had not followed the rules. The real conflict arose when she demanded a refund of her $30 deposit, which the stylist initially refused, citing her clearly stated policy. As tensions escalated, the belligerent client began verbally attacking the stylist with expletives until the stylist eventually relented and returned the deposit.
The stylist, disturbed by the encounter, later looked up the client and discovered she worked in law enforcement and had been labeled a “self-appointed Karen.”
In response, the stylist reported the incident to the client’s job.
The Larger Debate
Social media has become a common place for backlash between beauty practitioners and clients. Conversely, contention is usually with patrons and unlicensed providers. There is growing frustration over strict salon policies, high prices, and non-refundable deposits, even when clients believe they are not at fault. Some critics argue that many of these issues stem from unlicensed practitioners operating out of non-regulated salon suites.
Non-regulated salons are popping up all over the country. However, allowing a stylist without formal training to work on customers poses a great risk to consumers and the beauty industry as a whole.
Erosion of Professional Standards Licensed professionals invest significant time and money in education to meet professional standards. The presence of unlicensed practitioners creates an uneven playing field and diminishes the industry’s credibility.
Quality of Service
Licensed professionals meet strict industry standards to ensure safety and reliability. In contrast, unlicensed practitioners operate without oversight, often providing subpar services that can lead to dissatisfaction or harm.
Limited Consumer Recourse Clients who experience issues with a licensed cosmetologist can file complaints with state licensing boards. Unlicensed practitioners have little recourse, as no regulatory body holds them accountable. This lack of oversight leaves consumers vulnerable.
As the debate continues, consumers and stylists alike remain divided over the balance between professional standards, fair business practices, and client rights.
Jamaican Soccer Pro Alicia Wilson Joins Alabama State As Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Wilson is excited to coach Alabama State's women's soccer team and build meaningful relationships with the Hornets family.
Alabama State University has appointed Jamaican soccer pro Alicia Wilson as head coach of its women’s soccer team.
Wilson will lead the team as it embarks on its next chapter with the Montego Bay native. According to a press release by Alabama State University, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable welcomed the All-American to the Hornets family on March 24. “I am super excited to be joining the Hornet Family,” Wilson said. “The ASU staff has been very welcoming and supportive already, and my family and I are looking forward to building meaningful relationships here.”
With over 14 years of coaching experience, Alabama State is thrilled for the Jamaican National Team star to join the Hornets and inspire excellence on and off the field. “Her commitment to building nationally competitive teams and passion for the sport align perfectly with our vision for women’s soccer at ASU,” Cable said.
— Bama State Athletics (@BamaStateSports) March 24, 2025
Wilson comes to Alabama after 10 seasons as a soccer coach at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, and five seasons at the University of West Florida. Although her resume spans 14 years of international, professional, and collegiate playing experience, the soccer champ did not grow up playing the sport all her life. “Obviously, I had a love for the sport but never knew God would allow me to go into that area and be able to influence young women today,” she told Navarro Sports’ “On the Pitch” host Richey Cutrer in 2023.
On a full scholarship, Wilson played soccer for four years at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She completed a bachelor’s in psychology at the institution before she graduated with a master’s in exercise science from the University of West Florida. Her soccer career has awarded her titles as 2001 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American, and recognitions by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The college coach also boasts six years of experience playing overseas in Iceland and Costa Rica and over 14 years on the Jamaican national team.
The athletics department believes Coach Wilson’s soccer experience will be vital for the future of the Hornets and as the university continues to strive for both athletic and academic excellence. In her new position, she will be near her husband, Oscar Lopez, who will train the goalkeepers and defensive players. As she juggles her new coaching role and married life, she is also raising her 12- and 16-year-old daughters, who both play soccer in Texas.
A Third Of Managers Feel Unprepared And Overwhelmed, Experts Warn Of Possible ‘Manager Crash’
A new annual report highlights the widespread burnout affecting middle management across corporate America.
A new report highlights the burnout managers are experiencing due to layoffs, heavier workloads, and a lack of employer support.
The latest edition of Deloitte’s annual Human Capital Trends Report revealed that while managers play a vital role in the workforce, many are struggling with their workloads. The report, which surveyed nearly 10,000 leaders and included manager-specific input, found that over one-third of managers felt unprepared for the people management and leadership aspects of their roles.
Additionally, many reported that their companies had not provided them with the necessary tools to succeed. 40% of surveyed managers said their mental health had declined after taking on leadership roles.
The report found that managers dedicate nearly 40% of their time to administrative tasks or handling daily issues. In contrast, only 15% of their time is spent on long-term strategic planning, while just 13% is focused on developing their direct reports.
Amid the dismal findings, meQuilibrium CEO Jan Bruce is warning of an impending “manager crash” coming in 2025, and many companies may be unprepared for the consequences. Compounding the findings is the fact that younger employees are not showing eagerness to step up as managers, burn out, or leave; surveys show that Gen Z workers have little interest in pursuing managerial positions.
While employers recognize the problem, few are taking action to resolve it. The report found that nearly three-quarters of employers acknowledge the need to redefine the role of managers, yet only 7% say they are making meaningful progress toward addressing the issue.
The Deloitte report highlights that one of the key responsibilities of a manager is to coach and develop their team. According to the report, 67% of employees feel their manager knows best how to motivate them at work.
While reducing middle management may seem like a cost-effective solution in today’s corporate environment, this approach can leave managers feeling unsupported and may diminish their autonomy.
CBS Reportedly Boots Gayle King From Times Square Studio To Smaller Space On West Side
Inside sources claimed the CBS Mornings co-host was "blindsided" and downgrading her to the 57th Street studio was not part of the deal.
“CBS Mornings” show hostGayle King is reportedly “livid” with the network’s decision to move her into a smaller studio space.
According to Radar Online, insiders claimed King perceived the studio downgrade as a “personal attack” from CBS. After moving the show from the multimillion-dollar studio in Times Square to the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street, the television personality viewed the gesture as a “final insult” from the network.
The move, which CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon allegedly led, came after King signed a one-year extension with CBS. However, the insider claimed, “This was not part of the deal,” and the network “blindsided” her. “She made it very clear—she’s not going to be shoved into some dingy little room.” The journalist allegedly already proposed renovations for her West 57th Street dressing room. “She expects the same level of comfort and prestige she had at 1515 Broadway. No exceptions.”
The news division could be vulnerable to possible changes that may arise due to a request from Skydance Media to purchase, “strengthen, and revitalize” CBS. “The place has been in freefall for years,” said an insider, who added that if the sale is carried out, “there’s no way” the new owners, Skydance CEO David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, “will settle for status quo.” A source told The New York Post that relocating King and her CBS Mornings co-hosts Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson back to its former studio is “all about saving money.”
BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned that King has been a co-host on the show since the network first launched the flagship morning program. Radar Online noted that King lags behind Good Morning America and Today in morning news ratings. The network’s decision to downgrade King’s studio comes as the network seeks $500 million ahead of the potential Skydance purchase.
According to a source, King has the resources to leave CBS and explore other options if the network fails to meet her requests. “CBS Mornings” and “CBS Evening News” will share a studio at the Broadcast Center. As for the Times Square space, it may be used for other productions to rent out.
The Georgia legislature plans to cancel an estimated 455,000 voter registrations, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The move would mark one of the largest voter purges in U.S. history. The cancellations will apply to inactive voters — those who have not participated in elections for several years.
The Georgia secretary of state’s office said the purge is part of an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls.
“We do this to keep our voter list accurate,” Georgia Secretary of State Blake Evans told the AJC. “We want to have the most up-to-date voter list in the country.”
However, the decision is drawing criticism from voting rights advocates. Georgia has a “use it or lose it” law, which requires voters to participate in elections at least once every five years or risk removal from voter rolls. While legal, the practice has led to concerns about disenfranchisement, particularly among minority, low-income, and elderly voters who may not vote in every election but still meet residency requirements.
Helen Butler, a voting rights advocate and executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, warned that such purges could strip eligible voters of their rights.
“I’m really concerned that eligible voters will be removed when they shouldn’t be,” Butler said. “If you still live in Georgia and are a resident, you should be able to vote.”
Voter roll purges have been a contentious issue nationwide, with critics arguing they disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The Brennan Center for Justice found that between 2016 and 2018, Georgia purged more than 1.4 million voter registrations, one of the highest rates in the country.
Efforts to monitor unfair voting practices remain ongoing, as advocates push for clearer notification processes and opportunities for reinstatement before voters are removed from the rolls.
Removing eligible voters from registration is not the only form of disenfranchisement watchdog groups are monitoring. On March 10, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Virginia officials proposed closing polling locations in Appomattox County, a move that could disproportionately affect Black voters.
The Appomattox County Board of Elections proposed shutting down precincts 201 and 502, both of which serve a significant portion of the state’s Black population. If approved, the closures would force residents to travel farther to cast their ballots, potentially creating barriers to voting access.
Virginia is not alone in facing scrutiny for polling place reductions. Similar actions in other states have raised concerns about voter suppression, particularly in communities of color. A 2019 Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights report found that between 2012 and 2018, nearly 1,700 polling places were closed across the country, with many closures concentrated in states with histories of voter suppression.
Voting rights advocates argue that reducing polling locations can lead to longer wait times, increased transportation barriers, and lower voter turnout, especially in rural and low-income areas. As states prepare for upcoming elections, civil rights groups continue to challenge efforts they say make it harder for marginalized communities to exercise their right to vote.
