Ebony Breauna Chillous, Department of Justice, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, Alabama, Bessemer, correction's officer, Alabama Corrections

by Rafael Pena

January 23, 2024

Alabama Corrections Officer Arrested For Allegedly Accepting Payments From Inmate

An Alabama corrections officer, Ebony Breauna Chillous, has been arrested and faces criminal charges for reportedly receiving payments from a state inmate.

On Jan. 18, an Alabama corrections officer, Ebony Breauna Chillous, was arrested and faces criminal charges for allegedly receiving payments from a state inmate, according to WSFA12. The charges include “use of official position for personal gain” and an “attempt to commit a controlled substance crime,” as revealed by the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The allegations suggest that on Nov. 30, 2023, Chillous accepted payments from an inmate at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, utilizing Cash App, a popular mobile payment application.

The court records did not divulge the specific details of the payment, including its purpose and the amount involved.

Alabama Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kelly Betts provided insight into the case, stating, “Chillous resigned her position following her arrest.”

This comes after another incident in December 2023, when Alabama corrections officer Mohammad Shahid Jenkins was sentenced to more than seven years in prison, according to the Huffington Post. Jenkins violently assaulted a restrained inmate at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility near Bessemer. Jenkins, who pleaded guilty in September, was charged with using excessive force, including physical violence and chemical spray, on an inmate identified as Victor Russo.

The Department of Justice revealed that on Feb. 16, 2022, Jenkins entered Victor Russo’s cell and subjected him to a relentless five-minute assault. The victim, identified as “V.R.” in official statements, was restrained inside a holding cell and posed no threat at the time of the attack. Jenkins repeatedly kicked, hit, and sprayed Russo with chemical spray, even striking him with a can of the spray and a shoe.

The DOJ’s statement emphasized that Jenkins willfully deprived the inmate of his right to be free from excessive force. Shockingly, Jenkins left and reentered the cell multiple times, conducting further assaults outside the presence of other officers and inmates.

keke palmer, Jackson, sarunas, Jackson, restraining order,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 23, 2024

Keke Palmer And Her Mom At Center Of Restraining Order At The Request Of Actor Sarunas Jackson

Keke Palmer’s issues with her ex-boyfriend/baby daddy are only growing as his brother jumps into the mix with a restraining order against the actress and her mother.

Actor Sarunas Jackson, the brother of Palmer’s ex Darius Jackson, filed for a restraining order on Monday, January 22, accusing Keke and Sharon Palmer of harassment, Radar Online reports. According to the “Insecure” actor, Keke allegedly sent him a threatening email on January 11 that was filled with false accusations.

“She has made foul claims that I have sexual abuse claims on me when I do not. I have never done such a thing,” Jackson states in the filing.

“She has gone to the media [and] has used her celebrity to publicly lie on my family and myself, which has resulted in death threats by the public.”

Jackson is requesting protection for himself, his mother, and his brother Daulon. He accuses the “Nope” star of harassing him and his social circle and damaging his acting career.

“She has harassed and stalked my friends and family’s social media,” he wrote in the filing. “She has reached out to people in relation to me to lie on me and my family. Has caused career damage.”

Elsewhere, Jackson claims Sharon Palmer “threatened and harassed” him, his family, and friends.

“[Sharon Palmer] has made threats to my family that involve shooting [and] rape,” Jackson alleged in his filing. “I have the audio my brother recorded to prove.”

“She has publicly lied on me and my family, so we are now receiving death threats,” he continued. “She threatened to put a bullet in my brother’s head.”

Keke Palmer’s mother Sharon points out “California is a consent state” in reference to “illegally recorded phone call” that was just leaked by Akademiks

In audio, you can hear Sharon blasting Jackson with insults over the phone for harassing Keke, as he repeatedly asks for his… https://t.co/Ur0y3qcPdQ pic.twitter.com/m9fcU9l1oi
— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) November 15, 2023

Sarunas was requesting for Keke and Sharon to stay 150 yards away from him, his family, his home, and his workplace. He also requested for the actress not to “speak publicly or privately about [him] or [his] family.”

However, on Friday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied the petition and set a hearing for February where Sarunas can make his case for a permanent order.

by Derek Major

January 23, 2024

Joel Embiid Scores 70, Leads Big Night For NBA Stars

Joel Embiid had a big night on the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's big night.

Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid led a big night for NBA stars, scoring 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.

Still, he wasn’t the only one who had a big Monday night.

On the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game for the Los Angeles Lakers—the second highest scoring game in NBA history, Embiid shot 24 of 41 from the field, including 1 of 2 from 3-point range, and made 21 of 23 free throws. For good measure, he added 18 rebounds in the Sixers‘ 133-123 victory.

“From the time I started playing, Kobe was my guy,” Embiid said after the game. “He’s the reason why I started playing basketball. It’s funny, on the same night, he got 81, and that was my favorite player.”

Embiid’s 70 points set the 76ers’ record, breaking Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points on Dec. 16, 1967.

In Minnesota, Timberwolves center Karl Anthony Towns scored 62 points against the Charlotte Hornets, setting a new career high. “KAT” shot 21-of-35 from the floor, including 10-of-15 from the perimeter, and pulled down 10 rebounds.

However, the Hornets pulled out a 128-125 win, which infuriated Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who tore into his team for their selfishness in his postgame press conference.

“We totally disrespected the game”

Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch was beyond disappointed with his team tonight… and confirmed KAT was simply “hunting a big number”

pic.twitter.com/5SvyclCrG5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 23, 2024

“It was an absolutely disgusting performance of defense and immature basketball all the way through the game,” Finch said. “This is what happens when you have this type of approach. We totally disrespected the game.”

Those were not the only big nights in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant collected 42 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum scored 38 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. And Dallas Mavericks star Luca Doncic, netted a triple-double (33 points, 13 rebounds and 18 assists).

Brooklyn Bodega, new york city, Sanyia, Samyia Spain

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 23, 2024

Driver Crashes Into Truck After Allegedly Doing Stunts In The Bronx, Killing 2

Twenty-one-year-old Gilvante Roberson and 15-year-old Sabrina Villagomez were killed in the deadly Bronx crash after the driver lost control, allegedly trying to perform stunts.

Two passengers in a Chrysler 300 died after the driver was allegedly doing stunts before crashing into a truck in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx in New York City.

According to The New York Post, 21-year-old Gilvante Roberson, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and 15-year-old Sabrina Villagomez, who was in the back, were killed in the deadly crash at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Jan. 21. The two young ladies were taken to Lincoln Hospital, where they both were pronounced dead.

An unidentified 23-year-old man was driving the vehicle and was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Another passenger, 17, who sat in the back seat, was also injured and taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

The truck was unoccupied when the crash took place.

Surveillance video showed the force into which the car ran into the tanker truck. The driver wasn’t immediately arrested, and police are investigating the accident and will determine if charges will be made against the 23-year-old.

The truck’s owner spoke to the New York Post, stating that he saw the aftermath of the car crash that night.

“There was salt on the road, and there’s a dip, so when he hit that, he started losing control,” said the truck owner, who gave his name as Chip. He stated that the driver tried to do some stunts but didn’t consider a slump in the street. “I saw what happened. I saw what happened right after the accident; I saw how many kids were outside trying to open the doors.”

People from the neighborhood also remarked that this street has had several incidents involving cars racing and doing donuts in the area.

Some people who work at Bronx Junk Car Depot also said there was another accident there recently. “It’s pretty normal for them to race and do donuts over here — especially on the weekends and midnights,” said an unnamed worker.

“In the summertime, it gets really bad,” he added. “We see it all the time.”

An Amazon worker named Paul said he always sees people speeding near the crash site.

“I have to double-take before I pull out the trucks because they come out of nowhere,” he said. “During the day, not so much. But at night, especially when it’s warm outside … it gets crazy.”

“They need speed cameras or speed bumps here,” he continued. “Even though it’s mostly trucks in and out, it’s wide-open roads, so it’s the ideal race area. But at what cost?”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 23, 2024

Black Disney Imagineer Inducted Into Inventors Hall Of Fame

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, who has more than 100 patents, has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Smoot is responsible for bringing the Haunted Mansion’s Madame Leota floating head and Star Wars lifesavers to life off the screen. In over four decades of work with the Walt Disney Company, Smoot has become a Research Fellow who has impacted Disney Parks.

In an article on the company’s Parks website, Smoot expressed his delight at being the second person in the Walt Disney Company to receive this honor after Disney.

“As a lifelong inventor, I am excited, delighted, and humbled to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame,” Smoot said. “To be included alongside my childhood hero, Thomas Edison, and my lifelong role model, Jim West—the inventor of the electret microphone—is both exciting and humbling. And as someone who’s had the privilege of working at The Walt Disney Company, it’s especially meaningful to know that Walt Disney himself is also an inductee.”

Smoot has more than 100 patents, mainly involving attractions at the diverse entertainment parks. His accomplishments in theatrical technology have earned him numerous Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), leading to him becoming a TEA master in 2020.

“At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity, and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of the program. “As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise, and endless imagination.”

Smoot is continuing to advance guest experiences in the parks and beyond. His latest project, the HoloTile floor, “the first and only, multi-person, omnidirectional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor,” will allow attendees to share in the attraction with seemingly unlimited distance.

Kenya Barris to Trade Kansas for Inglewood In ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Remake

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 23, 2024

Kenya Barris to Trade Kansas for Inglewood In ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Remake

Kenya Barris has plans for a “Wizard Of Oz” remake set in Inglewood, California.

Quincy Jones introduced moviegoers to Black Dorothy in 1978’s The Wiz and set it in New York City. Now, Kenya Barris has plans for a new “Wizard Of Oz” remake set in Inglewood, California.

It’s been nearly two years since Barris closed a deal on a reimagined version of the iconic musical, but there were no details on what the black-ish creator had planned.

However, Barris recently spoke with Variety at the Sundance Film Festival and teased new details about three of his upcoming projects: a Richard Pryor biopic and remakes of the Wizard Of Oz and It’s A Wonderful Life. Barris confirmed the script for his reimagined World of Oz has been completed and will take place in the Bottoms, a huge apartment complex in Inglewood.

“The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through,” Barris said. “I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be.”

Barris’ version takes on the age-old expression that “the grass isn’t greener on the other side,” a metaphor used to convey the notion that while things may seem better in a different situation, the reality might not be as splendid as anticipated.

“It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be,” he explained. “I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”

Barris’ latest reveal comes nearly one year after Daniel Richtman confirmed the new Oz would feature a person of color in the lead, World of Reel reports. Barris has similar plans for bringing diversity to “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the classic holiday film.

“It’s a guy who’s trying to help out his community and things are going to turn around on him,” he said. “I think that’s the perfect story to tell for a person of color—Black or brown—to get into that because our communities have some issues and someone trying to help that community out. I think that’s the perfect vehicle to tell that story from.”

Barris also revealed that his Richard Pryor biopic will be a 10-episode biographical series that follows the famed comedian’s life “from the cradle to the grave.”

“From his earliest upbringing—he grew up in a ho house, or a house of ill repute—and became, at one point, the biggest star in the world,” he shared.

by Derek Major

January 23, 2024

Morehouse College Eyeing Former Raiders And Bengals Coach Hue Jackson To Become Head Coach

Morehouse College is talking with former Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals head coach Hue Jackson to become the university’s next head coach.

Sports Illustrated reports ROC Nation is representing Jackson and is working on contract terms. If Jackson is hired, he will take over a program that has finished 1-9 in two straight years.

Jackson, who previously coached the Grambling State Tigers, was released from his contract after fans and alums called for a change following Grambling’s 27-22 loss to Southern University in the 50th Annual Bayou Classic in November. Jackson finished his time at Grambling with an 8-14 record in two seasons.

If Jackson is hired, he will bring a wealth of college and NFL coaching experience to Morehouse, a school that has struggled to win in recent years.

The former NFL head coach has been manning the sidelines since 1987, when he started as a graduate assistant, wide receivers coach, running backs coach, and special teams coach at Pacific University.

Since then, he has coached at Arizona State University, Cal State Fullerton, USC, and for several NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Bengals, and Raiders. Jackson has also coached for HBCU Tennessee State University.

During his coaching career, Jackson, who played quarterback at Pacific University in college, has held numerous positions, including running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach, offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, secondary coach, and head coach.

The Maroon Tigers’ last winning season was 2018, when they went 7-3. It was also their only winning season since 2014.

Morehouse College isn’t the only HBCU looking for a football coach. Florida A&M University, which won the HBCU National Championship this year, is also looking for a new head coach after Head Coach Willie Simmons accepted the running backs coach position at Duke University.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 23, 2024

Kevin Durant Puzzled Why He’s Not In NBA’s Greatest Of All-Time Discussion

Durant feels that just because he joined the Golden State Warriors that it clouds people's opinion when it comes to having that G.O.A.T. conversation.

There have been countless conversations and will be future discussions regarding who is considered the G.O.A.T. of pro basketball. Names that are and should be included in that debate include Micheal Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Bill Russell, to name a few. But current NBA superstar Kevin Durant says his name is never brought up, at least not publicly.

“Why shouldn’t I be in that?” Durant posed to AZ Central.

It is a legitimate question when you compare numbers, titles, impact, and every little stat in between. Durant feels his joining the Golden State Warriors and getting his rings on a team that already won a championship has colored people’s opinions in the G.O.A.T. conversation.

“Because I went to the Warriors,” Durant said. “Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”

Sports Illustrated looked at what he has accomplished in the NBA thus far.

Durant has won two NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVPs. He was an NBA MVP who has played in 13 NBA All-Star Game and has won two All-Star MVPs.

He is also a six-time All-NBA First Team member. Don’t forget that Durant won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2007 and is a four-time scoring champion. For his career, he has scored nearly 28,000 points on 50 percent shooting.

These stats that shouldn’t be overlooked, particularly since he is still playing at a high level.

At the age of 35, he is currently averaging 29.6 points and 6.3 rebounds while dishing out 5.6 assists for the Phoenix Suns.

If, over the next several years, he adds to his staggering totals, he could make a great argument for being included in the G.O.A.T. debates.

How to Network For Women of Color Who May Not Be So Good At It

by Wendy Pace

January 23, 2024

How to Network For Women of Color Who May Not Be So Good At It

Originally Published Jul. 31, 2019

Many consultants and business “coaches” are peddling shortcut solutions to business success. However, just as we have known for decades that a balanced diet and regular exercise are the key to good health, there are also tried and true methods for business success. Unfortunately, no shortcuts or schemes will make you successful in the long run. Diligence, a commitment to customer service, and a quality product or service are crucial to establishing a profitable business enterprise. One element often overlooked is the importance of knowing how to network, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Networking is critical to position your business for long-term growth. As a woman of color, I initially found it challenging to put myself out there in venues where most other business owners were white males. It is human nature to want to stay with what is comfortable to us and to do business with people most like ourselves. You may be able to grow your business initially by sticking to what you know and are familiar with, but eventually, you will hit a wall that will make further growth difficult, if not impossible.

How to Network in Easy Steps

Identify the Networking Groups For You

The first step to networking is to identify the type of networking group that will work best for you. There are open networking groups, like your local chamber of commerce, and there are closed networking groups, like BNI (Business Networking International). When you start out, you might feel intimidated by people in your industry who are already present in these groups. Especially as a woman of color, it can seem daunting when you start out. Don’t be discouraged, you are unique and you bring a different perspective to the table. If you believe in your services and provide good customer care, the business will speak for itself.

Once you determine which type of networking situation is most comfortable for you, you need to start attending that group regularly. Showing up once and deciding it’s not for you because you didn’t leave with a sale is not how networking works.

Work the Room

Business networking is a long-term project and not something you should expect to bear fruit immediately. A good analogy is that of being a gardener. When you are networking, you have to go in with the idea that you are planting seeds. Some seeds will sprout and grow, and others will not, so planting as many of them as possible is important. Some may not germinate for quite a while, only to bear a bountiful crop when you least expect it.

When you go into a networking meeting, you should enter with the idea that you will make a sincere effort to get to know everyone in the room. The initial goal isn’t to close a deal but to start building relationships! Go from group to group, smile, and offer a firm handshake. Ask the other people in attendance about their business, their families, and their problems—allow the conversation to develop organically and naturally. If someone expresses frustrations or recounts a problem you can help with, feel free to offer your advice, but remember, the purpose of these first meetings is to build relationships, not close deals.

Like any good gardener, you will need to be patient and tend to your relationships. Periodically, you will need to circle back to people to see how they are doing and if you can offer any assistance. Just because someone is not an immediate prospect doesn’t mean that they can’t help you in other ways. It is a truism of human nature that we tend to do business with our friends. As a business owner, you need all the friends you can get.

People in your network may introduce you to other hot prospects, or they may help open doors for you that you couldn’t get through on your own. Alternatively, they may just become good friends; there is nothing wrong with having more friends! Above all else, be patient. Networking takes time, but if you stick to a steady course, you will find yourself reaping greater rewards as time goes on. Business success is a marathon, not a sprint.

retirement, Nickson, wealth, welfare, savings, life insurance, money

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 23, 2024

Young Black Americans Buying Stocks More Rapidly, Sometimes Outinvesting Peers

Young Black Americans are intriguingly buying stocks more briskly than in previous years.

The Wall Street Journal reported that, based on the latest Federal Reserve data, almost 40% of Black Americans owned stocks in 2022 versus less than a third in 2016. This activity came before stocks hit near-record highs last year.

Further, other reports show Wall Street engagement for young Black Americans is rising.

This survey done by Ariel Investments and Charles Schwab in 2022 showed 68% of Blacks under age 40 quizzed reported investing in stocks, compared with 57% of younger white investors. Ariel Investments is No. 1 on the Black Enterprise Asset Managers list.

The surge comes as more Blacks select Wall Street to help build their portfolios.

Last November, around 39% of Black families disclosed stock ownership in 2022, as opposed to nearly 34% in 2019, per BLACK ENTERPRISE. The report disclosed that was the largest gain since 2007.

The advancement of Blacks investing in stocks appears to be shifting from previous years. Multiple reports indicate they have traditionally put money into stocks at a much slower rate than other racial groups. Blacks still lag behind their non-diverse peers in median household income amid the stock market uptick.

However, many factors are reportedly igniting the most recent run of younger Blacks as stock investors. They include gaining data from social media, taking part in 401( k) plans, and not being charged fees to buy or sell stock.

In this fresh report, investors of color, including Black Americans, are entering the market at a faster pace than white Investors, and they are apt to be much younger.

The analysis stated those investors displayed many behaviors previously researched and exhibited by younger investors. Those actions included a reliance on social media for investment data and trading risky investments like cryptocurrencies and meme stocks.

Meme stocks have been described as shares of companies traded by communities online. Observers suggest approaching them cautiously because those stocks have been cited as volatile and perilous.

FINRA Foundation President Gerri Walsh stated, “With a large number of young investors entering the markets, financial education leaders will need to adapt, including providing relatable and trustworthy resources on channels these new investors use. While conducting this research, we learned from investors of color about barriers they or their families faced previously in building wealth through investing.”

Simultaneously, the Ariel-Schwab survey also emphasized more education is needed for Black and white investors who disclosed “investing in something they did not fully understand.”

For instance, Black investors are more inclined to trust and make investment decisions based on less credible information sources, like social media. More specifically, some 33% of Blacks report they have invested based on something they saw on social media, compared with 20% of white investors. Check here for more details.