Jackson State, Alabama State Face Penalties, Fines After Championship Brawl
Sixteen students were suspended.
Last Saturday’s contest to decide the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Football East Division was marred by a post-game fight between Jackson State University and Alabama State University, which resulted in fines and suspensions for both teams.
The fight broke out after Jackson State beat Alabama State, 16-10.
The SWAC has taken action against both schools and players who engaged in the brawl.
The penalties include $25,000 fines against Jackson State and Alabama State and 16 player suspensions—seven from Jackson State and nine from Alabama State.
“Acts on unsportsmanlike conduct have zero place in the sports of intercollegiate athletics and within the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and we are extremely disappointed to have had consecutive weeks of football competition negatively impacted by these unfortunate occurrences,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland in a written statement.
“We will continue to work with our membership to implement the necessary policies and procedures to deter this type of behavior. We will also continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed to be unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”
The players’ suspensions will be in effect for their next scheduled game.
This means that the 2024 SWAC Football Championship on Saturday, Dec. 7, between Jackson State and Southern University will place JSU at a severe disadvantage.
The Tigers, ranked No. 20 in the nation, are now 9-2 with an undefeated 7-0 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. This is Jackson State University’s third SWAC East Division title in the last four years, and they are doing just as well after Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders left them to coach the Colorado Buffaloes.
The latest victory sets them up to make another successful run and possibly win the SWAC Championship for the third time over the past four seasons (They took the titles in 2021 and 2022).
10 Hip-Hop Books To Celebrate National Hip-Hop Month
We’re still shouting happy birthday to Hip-Hop!
We’re still shouting happy birthday to Hip-Hop! Having turned 50 on Aug. 11, 2023, Hip-Hop culture has changed the lives of many people since its birth. The evolution of Hip-Hop has embodied art, DJ’ing, dance, fashion, hair, jewelry, language, lyricism, music and guess what else—literature ..books.
BLACK ENTERPRISE salutes Hip-Hop books for penetrating the literary space. Here are 10 books from Hip-Hop artists that tell their story and share their perspective not heard through music.
1.) From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens
This memoir, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Kris Ex, is a tale of how 50 Cent navigated his difficult childhood as a youth: dealing with the murder of his mother; hustling in the streets to survive; being shot nine times and achieving the American dream.
The Wu-Tang Manual by Robert Diggs, otherwise known as RZA, and Chris Norris. The Wu-Tang Manual is made up of 4 books that break down all things Wu-Tang Clan—from information about the nine original members, Wu-Slang, and the philosophies and personalities that make the Wu-Tang Clan what it is. If you’re heavy into Wu culture, this book is for you.
Rakim Allah’s book is half a memoir and the other half is a writing guide. In this book he details who and what influenced him in his youth (jazz and John Coltrane) while highlighting the reason he is hailed as the god MC.
Rick Ross and Neil Martinez-Belkin wrote this memoir about Ross’ upbringing in South Beach Miami during the War On Drugs era, which covers his time as a high school football player, dope boy hustler, and correctional officer. Ross chronicles the making of his debut hit song “Hustlin’” to having a large deal with Def Jam records. This read will give you insight to Rick Ross’ experiences and inspirations
Decoded, written by rap icon and business mogul Shawn Corey Carter (widely known as Jay-Z,) is a one of a kind memoir that shows the worlds Jay-Z has maneuvered. Beyoncé’s other half tells his story while highlighting the hip-hop art form and culture by deconstructing his lyrics and giving readers a deeper dive into his journey as a artist.
The Autobiography of DMX, by the late Earl Simmons and Smoky D. Fontaine, shares X’s upbringing in the streets of Yonkers, New York. Readers learn how DMX overcame struggles involving neglect, physical abuse, drug abuse and jail time. The book reveals DMX’s ability to never give up on his dreams, finding his passion for hip-hop and releasing a no. 1 album four times in a row. X’s story literally shows that if you slip and fall you can still get up.
Torrence Hatch Jr., the controversial rapper known as Boosie Badazz, gives readers the details of growing up in Baton Rouge and being a local star at the age of 14, and becoming one of the most prominent rappers in the South. Boosie talks about survival, having a second chance at life, and beating the odds after facing death row and ultimately gaining freedom.
Vibrate Higher is a rap tale written by Talib Kweli that shares his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York. Kweli writes about what hip-hop has done for his life and how the culture impacts life socially, politically, and creatively.
The Autobiography of Gucci Man was written with the help of Neil Martinez-Belkin. Gucci Mane began writing this story while locked in federal prison. Gucci highlights the ups and downs of his life and career, and leans into growing up in poverty, his father’s abandonment, jail time, and how all these shaped him. He shares a bit about the infamous ice cream tattoo and how his career has evolved over time.
Dana Owens, our beloved Queen Latifah, wrote an autobiography that is an inspiration to women. Queen Latifah details growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and the difficult decisions she had to make dealing with sex, drugs, depression. The award-winning hip-hop artist shares what it means to be confident and independent, and what life was like being the first female solo rap artist to get a major record deal at 19-years-old.
Diddy Prosecutors Must Now Destroy Notes Seized In Jail Cell Raid
A judge has ordered the destruction of certain handwritten notes seized from Diddy's jail cell.
Sean “Diddy” Combs received positive news on Nov. 19 when a judge directed federal prosecutors to destroy several pages of handwritten notes seized during a raid of his jail cell at MDC-Brooklyn last week.
Judge Arun Subramanian issued the ruling during an hour-long hearing where Combs was finally able to appear in court without shackles on his ankles, ABC 7 reported. The disgraced hip-hop mogul flashed smiles at the audience and hugged his legal team.
“The government should not be in possession of the 19 pages,” Judge Subramanian said at the end of the hearing.
Combs’ lawyer requested an immediate hearing after accusing prosecutors of securing “improper possession” of his handwritten notes, which contain “attorney-client privileged material.” Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo held a stack of notepads, folders, and papers during the Tuesday hearing, arguing that they were initially seized from Combs’ jail cell even though the Bad Boy founder “has handwritten the word ‘legal'” on them, Agnifilo said. His lawyers argued that every page from the stack is subject to attorney-client privilege.
“Virtually every single thing in these legal pads are matters he discusses with his attorneys,” Agnifilo said. “This has been a complete institutional failure.”
However, a member of the prosecution team disagreed and attempted to deny claims of the handwritten notes being private legal documents.
“Self-labeling something ‘legal’ does not automatically make it subject to the attorney-client privilege,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said. “The government received these materials through a completely appropriate channel.”
In a victory for Combs, the judge ruled that the handwritten notes would not be considered when deciding on the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper’s bail during Friday’s hearing.
Combs is being held at MDC-Brooklyn without bail on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. He’s been there since mid-September, when he was arrested on a federal indictment alleging he engaged in a decades-long pattern of physical and sexual violence against multiple victims, including at elaborate sex parties he called “freak-offs.”
Black Therapist Duo Launches New Workbook To Transform Relationships ‘One Chapter At A Time’
Jessica Harris, LPC, and Miranda Campbell, LCSW, are thrilled to announce the release of their groundbreaking new book, Attachment Style Makeover: A Workbook for Transforming Relationships.
Jessica Harris, LPC, and Miranda Campbell, LCSW, are thrilled to announce the release of their groundbreaking new book, Attachment Style Makeover: A Workbook for Transforming Relationships. This empowering guide hits shelves on Nov. 19, providing readers with actionable tools to identify and heal attachment patterns that impact every facet of their lives—from romantic relationships to friendships, family dynamics, and professional connections.
Rooted in attachment theory, the workbook is designed to help individuals understand how childhood experiences shape their current behaviors, offering practical steps to cultivate secure, fulfilling relationships. With a special emphasis on the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities, Attachment Style Makeover integrates culturally relevant insights to help readers navigate generational trauma, societal expectations, and the pursuit of emotional wellness.
“We wrote this book to bridge the gap between understanding attachment theory and applying it in real life,” says coauthor Jessica Harris, LPC. “Healing is deeply personal, and we wanted to create a resource that empowers readers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, to transform how they connect with themselves and others.”
What Readers Can Expect:
• In-depth exploration of the four attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.
• Self-assessments, including the Attachment Style Quiz, to uncover relationship patterns.
• Reflection prompts and exercises tailored to each attachment style.
• Culturally informed strategies for navigating attachment trauma and building resilience.
• Real-life examples of attachment styles at work in relationships, parenting, and the workplace.
“This workbook isn’t just about healing relationships; it’s about breaking cycles of trauma and reclaiming the love and connection we all deserve,” adds Miranda Campbell, LCSW. “Our approach centers on compassion, self-awareness, and actionable steps—because growth is a process, not perfection.”
Attachment Style Makeover is available for purchase at major online retailers and independent bookstores.
About the Authors:
Jessica Harris, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor specializing in helping individuals unlearn unhealthy relationship patterns and develop secure, thriving connections. Miranda Campbell, LCSW, is a trauma therapist and social worker passionate about attachment-based healing for BIPOC individuals. Together, they bring decades of experience and a shared mission to empower readers on their journey to emotional wellness.
Philadelphia Man Allegedly Shot After Calling Someone’s Dog Skinny
Darnell Henry claims that a man shot him after critiquing his dog
In the City of Brotherly Love, a resident claims he wasn’t shown any when a man allegedly shot him for calling his dog skinny.
According to 6 Action News, Darnell Henry claims that a man shot him for critiquing his dog on a street in Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia. The incident occurred on the morning of Nov. 3 while Henry was outside watching TV and hanging out with his dog, Bella. Paul Sanders was walking his dog when Bella walked up to him. Sanders stated that he did not want Bella near him, which prompted Henry to say that Sanders’ dog looked skinny.
After walking away several minutes later, the 56-year-old returned with another individual, 20-year-old Tanon Fitzpatrick. Henry said that he was shot, and he recalled saying, “Yo, you shot me?”
Henry feels that he was shot due to him calling the dog skinny.
He was perplexed over what happened. “I’m more angry than anything. Over a dog?” said Henry. “This is nothing else but talking about his dog. Feed your dog and walk away, and I get a bullet for that?”
The two men then barricaded themselves inside a residence as police went to apprehend them. Police officers called in the SWAT team, and they were able to get Sanders and Fitzpatrick, and both were arrested. The pair is facing several charges, including aggravated assault, according to police authorities.
The thought that he was shot over a dog still troubles Henry.
“It’s upsetting man. It’s really upsetting. I could have died right there, like literally, I could have died over a dog,” said Henry.
Henry ended up with a hospital stay of five days to nurse his wounds; he says he is waiting for police officers to talk to him about the incident.
“This ain’t the City of Brotherly Love,” Henry said.
Police have asked anyone with information about what took place to contact them.
Judge Overturns $198M Jury Award In Ex-UPS Employee’s Discrimination Case
A federal judge slashed a $237 million award granted to Tahvio Gratton, a fired UPS employee who worked in Yakima, Washington.
A federal judge dismissed a $198 million punitive damages award previously granted to a fired UPS employee who had won a lawsuit for workplace discrimination and wrongful termination, calling it unreasonable.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice in Yakima, Washington, granted UPS’s request to reduce a $237.6 million jury award by dismissing the $198 million in punitive damages awarded to Tahvio Gratton, a former UPS employee, the New York Post reports.
Although the Nov. 15 decision does not affect the jury’s $39.6 million award for emotional distress, but UPS intends to ask for that also to be dismissed.
The company asserts that Gratton was terminated from his position as a Yakima driver for UPS following an investigation into allegations that he inappropriately touched a female employee on a loading dock.
Gratton, who worked for UPS from September 2016 until his dismissal in October 2021, alleges he was subjected to discriminatory treatment because he is Black. He claims his firing occurred only after he filed complaints about the mistreatment. Gratton contends that UPS used the loading dock incident—an event for which he says he apologized immediately—as a pretext to retaliate against him for speaking out about workplace issues.
Within his lawsuit, Gratton listed alleged examples of workplace discrimination, including not being given delivery routes despite being a full-time driver. At UPS, not being given a delivery route was considered a daily layoff. The lawsuit also cites a younger white manager who spent the day riding with Gratton and repeatedly called him “Boy.”
“Move faster, Boy, let’s go!” and “Boy, I told you to hurry!” the white manager said, according to the lawsuit. When Gratton asked him to stop, the manager said he was from the South and that’s how he talked.
A Foot Locker employee testified to witnessing the “shocking” encounter, stating that the manager was shouting and barking orders at Gratton, who was working quickly and efficiently, solely because he was Black. The testimony also noted that as Gratton filed more complaints about his mistreatment, his work assignments dwindled.
Gratton was eventually assigned to the mall route, widely regarded as one of the most challenging due to the need to handle large, time-consuming packages. He alleges that a manager attempted to have another driver bid for the mall route to push him out of work; the driver declined.
According to the lawsuit, when Gratton drove the mall route—the only one he was permitted—he was also assigned out-of-the-way stops that kept him working late into the evening. He claims he was repeatedly singled out over the loudspeaker and called into the office for discriminatory scrutiny, receiving warnings for visible tattoos and wearing a sweater—both of which were permitted for white drivers.
The lawsuit also claims that other Black employees faced discrimination, being assigned more difficult routes and then criticized for taking too long. One Black driver was reportedly forced to cut his hair after complaining about incorrect pay, while white drivers were allowed to wear their hair long.
On September 12, a jury awarded Gratton $237.6 million, determining that he had been discriminated against, retaliated against, and ultimately fired after filing complaints.
UPS announced on Monday that it intends to seek a new trial and overturn the rest of the verdict.
Author Marjy Marj Releases 5 New Books Celebrating Childhood And Imaginative Play
Ghanaian-American author Marjy Marj, best known for her dedication to promoting literacy and cultural representation, has unveiled her latest children’s books—the Yisari series.
Ghanaian-American author Marjy Marj, best known for her dedication to promoting literacy and cultural representation, has unveiled her latest children’s books—the Yisari series.
This captivating collection of books, already topping new release charts, is tailored specifically for 6- to 9-year-olds. The Yisari books celebrate childhood, friendship, and the joy of discovery through engaging stories that inspire young readers to embrace adventure, learning, and imaginative play.
The series starts with Yisari: A Very Fun Day, where readers join Yisari on a day filled with games, soccer, and scientific discoveries, captures the sheer joy and imagination of childhood.
Next, Brave Yisari: The Cave Adventure, which takes young adventurers on Yisari’s thrilling first field trip to Harrisville Cave, will spark a love for exploration and discovery.
Yisari the Athlete: Race Day Adventure is perfect for aspiring athletes. Yisari dreams big at the stadium and the book showcases the joy of sportsmanship alongside his dad and friends. Family and teamwork shine in Yisari the Chef: Game Night Adventure, a heartwarming story about family fun that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Finally, Yisari the Warrior: The Costume Quest, allows young imaginations to soar as Yisari and his sister prepare for their school’s Halloween parade and embrace creativity and the excitement of make-believe.
In addition to the Yisari series, Marjy Marj, whose full name is Marjorie Boafo Appiah, has written several engaging books, including The Shimmigrant, Conversations About Race, Be HER Champion, Same Elephants, The Spelling King, The Jollof Project, and Sasha Goes to America.
With 14 books to her name, Marjy has been a relentless advocate for literacy and representation, collaborating with communities and educational bodies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ghana to ensure children have access to diverse literature.
Parents, educators, and readers are highly encouraged to explore Marjy Marj’s works to enrich their reading experiences. Her books not only entertain but also educate and empower readers to explore, dream, and grow.
For more information about Marjy Marj and her literary initiatives, visit MarjyMarj.com.
Cruise Line Offering 4-Year Voyage For Those Wanting To Escape Trump Presidency
The cruise will take passengers around the world to escape Trump's policies.
Folks upset with the red wave can wave goodbye to their troubles. A cruise line is offering four-year voyages for people wanting to leave the United States during Donald Trump’s second presidency.
Villa Vie Residences will allow those weary of America’s future to temporarily remove themselves from the country by boat. Through its Tour La Vie program, the Florida-based company will take voyageurs on a four-year journey to visit over 140 countries.
For those not wanting to be at sea for four years, Tour La Vie has a variety of packages. There’s the one-year “Escape from Reality” cruise, the two-year “Mid-Term Selection” trip, a three-year option deemed “Everywhere but Home”, and the four-year ‘Skip Forward” variation would take one away from the potential dangers of Trump’s policies.
However, Villa Vie’s CEO, Mikael Petterson, came up with the idea before Trump won a second term, telling Newsweek that it was a plan for any group dissatisfied with the election result. He insisted that the company has no political preference.
The cost ranges from just under $40,000 a year, with the full course starting at $256,000. However, one will have all food and drinks covered, as well as Wifi and medical visits. Moreover, travelers will get to see two World Wonders and cultural experiences such as Carnival in Rio and a visit to the Panama Canal.
For those still wanting to perform their civic duty, U.S. residents who will be sailing during the 2026 and 2028 elections can cast their votes through mail-in ballots brought to the ship.
The embarking ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, can house up to 600 guests. Petterson has already noted an “uptick” in interest since the voyage’s announcement on Nov. 7, two days after Election Day.
Nas Releases Limited-Edition Soccer Jersey In Celebration Of ‘Illmatic’ 30th Anniversary
Nas and Umbro and Nicholas Daley released a limited-edition soccer jersey in honor of Illmatic's 30th anniversary.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nas’ iconic debut album, Illmatic, the hip-hop legend has partnered with London-based menswear designer Umbro and Nicholas Daley to create a limited-edition soccer jersey.
The jersey’s design was made to reflect Nas’ New York City roots and the global impact Illmatic has had on music, as cited by Hybebeast. Aesthetically, the jersey boasts a relaxed silhouette that blends design elements from sports, music, and fashion while celebrating Nas’ iconography through his logo, the signature Illmatic font, and the No. 94, paying homage to the year the album was released.
The limited-edition release seeks to highlight Umbro and Daley’s style and aesthetic and their approach to heritage-inspired fashion.
“Curating this exclusive Nas 30th anniversary Illmatic style in collaboration with Umbro has been a true honor for one of hip-hop’s legendary icons. Illmatic is one of my favorite albums of all time, and the impact it has had both musically and culturally is so evident today,” Daley said.
“The collaboration is a celebration of hip-hop and the legacy of Illmatic whilst incorporating the heritage of Umbro in a collection which I wanted to feel both classic and forward-looking.”
Columbia Records released Illmatic on April 19, 1994. It was recorded between 1992 and 1993 at several studios across New York City. DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself oversaw the album’s production. A cornerstone of hardcore hip-hop, Illmatic is revered for Nas’ complex, unmatched lyricism and vivid inner-city narratives drawn from the rapper’s experiences growing up in the Queensbridge Houses in Queens, New York.
“It’s only nine songs. I think it’s a perfect record,” Nas toldFuse in 2012. “I couldn’t say that before, but there’s so many different dynamics to it. The album cover started a whole thing where, since then, there’s been tons of artists who put their child picture, close-ups of their child picture from here up.”
“There’s just nine songs on it, and it’s straight to the point, the music on it. I wouldn’t change nothing,” he said.
In 2015, Billboard named Illmatic “the best hip-hop album ever.” In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 44 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The following year, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The United States District Court Eastern District of Texas ruled that executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) salaried employees earning above $35,568 will no longer receive federal minimum wage for overtime work.
The amount was rolled back from the current Biden administration threshold of $43,888.
In his ruling, Judge Sean Jordan of the Eastern District of Texas stated that the administration overreached its authority when modifying the rule.
“The State of Texas and a coalition of trade associations and employers (“Business Organizations”) contend that the 2024 Rule’s changes to the salary level exceed the Department’s authority under the FLSA.”
Judge Jordan states that a change in the wage for a salaried exemption does not meet the requirements without adding or modifying the duties of employees.
The ruling “essentially ma[de] an employee’s duties, functions, or tasks irrelevant if the employee’s salary f[ell] below the new minimum salary level,” and unlawfully “ma[de] salary rather than an employee’s duties, the determinative factor for the EAP Exemption,“ Jordan said.
The rise in salary exemption was an attempt by the Biden administration to allow salaried workers to profit from labor that exceeds the standard 40-hour work week. The administration released a statement regarding the initial change from $35,568 to $43,888.
“This rule will restore the promise to workers that if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you should be paid more for that time. Too often, lower-paid salaried workers are doing the same job as their hourly counterparts but are spending more time away from their families for no additional pay. That is unacceptable. The Biden-Harris administration is following through on our promise to raise the bar for workers who help lay the foundation for our economic prosperity.
The EAP Exemption was scheduled to raise the overtime threshold to $58,656 in January 2025 and continue to rise every three years. The reversion to the 2019 Trump policies will see millions of EAP Americans lose access to the benefit.
