Illinois State University Issues Apology After Fan Uses Racial Slur Against Norfolk State Basketball Player
"Illinois State has moved swiftly to investigate the report and will respond appropriately"
On Dec. 9, after a basketball game against Illinois State University, Norfolk State University basketball coach Robert Jones stated that one of his players was called a n**ger while he was playing on the basketball court during the game. That comment came from a fan sitting in the stands at Illinois State.
According to the university’s website, the school acknowledged that it took place, apologized to Norfolk State, and claimed it had started an investigation.
“The men’s basketball game on Saturday, December 9, 2023, between Illinois State and Norfolk State was regrettably marred by the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan.
“The use of racial slurs and other offensive language targeting people for their identity is abhorrent and is not tolerated by Illinois State University. Among Illinois State’s core values are respect for others, diversity, and inclusion.
“Illinois State has moved swiftly to investigate the report and will respond appropriately. Illinois State University and Redbird Athletics extend sincere apologies to Norfolk State University, its student-athletes, and its athletics staff for the deep upset caused, and university leaders have personally reached out to colleagues at Norfolk State.”
According to ESPN, during the televised game, Norfolk State’s Jamarii Thomas was verbally assaulted with a racial epithet based on what the broadcast crew reported. As Jones walked toward the middle of the court, he had to be stopped by his players and a referee from approaching the fan. When that happened, Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon walked toward Jones and started yelling at the Norfolk State coach. The two coaches had to be separated, and the referees issued a technical on both men.
I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur. Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game. https://t.co/hoyJ9VfSAx
It was questioned why Pedon went to yell at Jones, and after the game, he said: “I was upset [Jones] was on the floor and I was raising hell with the referees. It was never personal towards him. I’ll take the high road on that. I’ll take the high road. But I’m a competitor, man. I’m Italian, so sometimes my emotions can get the best of me at times. Yeah, I don’t apologize for my competitive edge. That’s how I want our teams to play.”
Chair-Wielding Alabama Man Who Defended Dock Worker Being Attacked By White Boaters Avoids Jail Time
Reggie Bernard Ray, has agreed to complete 50 hours of community service and a 90-day suspended sentence after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.
Earlier this summer, a brawl occurred at an Alabama waterfront in Montgomery went viral when a Black dock worker was filmed being attacked by white boaters after he asked them not to park a boat in a restricted area. Several Black people came to the defense of the older dock worker, including a man who came wielding a folding chair at the white attackers. After being caught on video, the man surrendered to police authorities several days later. Several months later, after entering a conditional guilty plea, he will not have to serve any jail time.
According to al.com, the man who swung that chair, Reggie Bernard Ray, has agreed to complete 50 hours of community service and a 90-day suspended sentence after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. Montgomery Municipal Judge Milton Westry also stated that Ray has to pay $357 in court costs. He made the plea on Dec. 11.
The arresting officer said in deposition papers that body camera footage revealed that Ray hit a white man who was wearing shorts and no shirt a couple of times with a folding chair.
“Via body cam video footage seen (on Aug. 9, 2023), Ray can be seen striking a white male wearing gray shorts and no shirt with the white chair several times.”
The Associated Press reported that the incident took place in Alabama after people filmed several white boaters striking a Black riverboat co-captain after he asked them not to place their boat in a designated spot on the dock. After one of the attackers went after the dock worker, several Black crew members and bystanders came to his defense, including a young boy who jumped in the water and swam to defend the dock worker.
Four white boaters were charged for their role in the attack, and all of them pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges ranging from harassment to assault.
Before You Sit Down For An Interview Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
Having sharp interview skills is important whether you're looking for a job or talking to a prospective client. Here are questions to ask yourself beforehand.
Originally Published Dec. 25, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything about work as we know it—from the interview process to the actual work we do to where we do it. Some have become entrepreneurs via inspiration or necessity. While the process has changed, our hatred for the process remains the same. Whether you’re looking for a job or talking to a prospective client, you’ll need to learn how to interview to get that job or business.
Before you interview with anyone, there are five questions you need to ask yourself:
What are my skills?
You should take time to make a list of your skills. If you have a résumé, look at it and break down what you do. Then, look at your other interests, awards, and achievements. Ask others who know you well to make a list of your skills. Your combined list will give you the confidence to move forward. Knowing what you’re good at is very important to present yourself in the best light.
What’s my strength?
From your list of skills, pick just one strength. Choosing multiple strengths often leads to confusion and inaction. When you answer the question, “What is your strength?” you’re also asking, “Where do I start?”
You’ll probably need someone who knows you well to help you with this, too. Focusing on your strengths gives you clarity, simplicity, and direction. As one of my mentors, Andrew Morrison, always says, “Pick one thing.” Pick one strength and play to it.
Who is my audience?
Instead of assuming you know what your audience needs, you should ask what it wants.Create thought-provoking questions to get insight on how to serve your audience. Once you get the answer to these questions, you’ll be able to properly craft a message to serve them. You may find that your prospective audience may not be your audience. You may find other audiences you can serve in the process.
What’s my message?
What do you want to convey? What do you stand for? Clearly communicating your skills and your strengths is very important in your search. How you present your message depends on your audience’s wants. You must know this before you can craft your effective message. Before your interview, you must show your audience that you’ve done your research. Also, when you compose a message based on the answers of your audience, not just your intellect, your audience will appreciate it because it will show that you care.
How can I take away their pain?
Your solution should be a product of your skills and strength, communicating with your audience, and knowing what their pain points are. Without either, you’ll miss the mark. Most people make the mistake of communicating their message without knowing what the pain is. At the end of the day, it’s not about your brilliance. It’s about their pain and using your skills and strength to take away that pain.
These questions should be asked in order as each question feeds off the previous one. The first two deal with you. The second two deal with your audience. When you combine these, then and only then, can you provide your solution. Also, know your value. Make sure you put the proper value on your solution. If you don’t, someone else will. Whether you’re looking for a job, career, or business, answering these questions will prepare you for your interview. They will also give you the confidence to get what you want without compromising who you are.
Nike Recruits Tennis Legend John McEnroe In Travis Scott Shoe Campaign
A leaked Zoom meeting revealed a fiery exchange between Travis Scott and John McEnroe about the naming of Scott''s latest shoe collab.
In a recent flare-up between rapper Travis Scott and tennis legend John McEnroe, a leaked Zoom meeting revealed a fiery exchange over the naming rights of the Nike Mac Attack, according toRap-Up. The dispute took a public turn on Dec. 10 when McEnroe, in a video posted by The People Gallery’s fashion page, took matters into his own hands.
McEnroe, the Wimbledon champ, clinched the prestigious title not once, not twice, but three times during his prime from 1981 to 1984. Renowned for his fierce competitive spirit on the tennis court, fans affectionately dubbed him McNasty. His latest video appearances are directly correlated to the persona he’s been known for throughout his tennis career, often appearing in commercials and movies portraying the McEnroe of his Wimbledon days.
John McEnroe used the video to assert his historical connection to the iconic sneakers, emphasizing, “I was wearing these things in the ’80s before this guy was born. Now, all of a sudden, Travis Scott’s got this thing, Cactus Jack, so I just made it Cactus Mac. I mean, come on. A bit of respect — that’s all I’m asking for.”
Speculation arose in the comments section, suggesting that the clip might be part of a promotional stunt orchestrated by Nike. Users pointed out the impeccable timing, with one remarking, “Seeing this, that call was for sure marketing.”
In June, Nike announced the revival of McEnroe’s Mac Attack shoe, with Scott contributing to the redesign of the silhouette. The sneaker, paying homage to the original 1984 design, launched in a white, light silver, and black colorway.
As of the latest report, neither Scott nor Nike has publicly addressed McEnroe’s recent modifications. Scott, a Houston native, has long collaborated with Nike, partnering on various sneaker renditions.
Rick Ross Makes Offer To 50 Cent To Purchase The Masters Of Former G-Unit Members Young Buck, Tony Yayo, And Lloyd Banks
Ricky Rozay wants to pay $2 million for the master recordings of G-Unit's album, 'Beg For Mercy' and the catalogs of the members minus 50 Cent.
The feud between hip-hop recording artists 50 Cent and Rick Ross may never end. Whether he is trolling or being serious, Rick Ross, AKA Ricky Rozay, has taken to social media to make 50 an offer to purchase the catalogs of former G-Unit members Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo.
Barely a week after Rozay hit his Instagram account to blast The Breakfast Club’s Charlamagne Tha God’s description of 50 as being diabolical, he appeared on Instagram Live on Dec. 11 to give the G-Unit head his proposal.
“It’s the biggest boss, Ricky Rozay, and I got a business offer for the Diabolical Genius,” Ross began the reel using the title Charlamagne gave 50. “I read yesterday that Young Buck’s catalog is worth $725K for the entire catalog, cool. I can only assume that Lloyd Banks is worth about the same. So I say, let’s make it and keep it simple. Throw Tony Yayo in there, and I’ll give you 1.5. Let’s say you plug—I don’t need the entire G-Unit catalog—but “Beg For Mercy.” Let’s keep it simple: I’ll give you another $500K for the masters of that.”
He ends his offer by saying, “Let me know, Diabolical Genius. Let me know if you want the wire or if you just want the watch and the pinky ring, it’s the same thing. You let me know.”
He shows the camera his watch and ring while holding up a bottle of Luc Belaire.
50 has been going after Diddy on social media ever since the mogul was sued by his ex-girlfriend and artist Cassie for sexual abuse, among other things. It was announced last week that the Queens-bred entertainer will be doing a documentary on Diddy, and the proceeds from that film will be given to sexual assault victims.
The outcomes were posted on Dec. 9 on the website 50-a.org — a site that goes through public law enforcement databases to find information on disciplinary cases involving police officers. Officer Andrey Samusev was found not guilty of multiple charges of improper use of force with a vehicle, while charges against Officer Daniel Alvarez were reversed. The officers’ SUVs were seen on video driving into the crowd of protesters who were blocking a path with their bodies and metal barriers.
The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) brought charges against Alvarez and Samusev after an internal NYPD probe cleared both of them of wrongdoing in the incident in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. CCRB prosecutors sought for Samusev to be terminated during an administrative trial in December 2022 and for Alvarez to serve one year on probation.
“It’s inappropriate for protesters to surround a police vehicle and threaten police officers,” de Blasio said. “That’s wrong on its face, and that hasn’t happened in the history of protests in the city.”
In the weeks following the incident, then-Commissioner Dermot Shea told the New York State Attorney General’s Office that he didn’t believe the officers’ actions mimicked inappropriate force due to the vehicles being “penned in by protesters” and “set upon and attacked.”
“I mean, what’s going to happen to these officers? They’re going to lose a few days of vacation? They’re going to lose pay?” he said.
During the trial, Alvarez testified that he felt “under attack” as people were banging on his vehicle and breaking glass when he pulled up with Samusev. “I wasn’t prepared for this. We’ve never been trained on this.”
Samusev testified that he has “never more scared for my life,” with his foot on the brake once he was crowded by protesters. After an object hit the vehicle, he flinched, causing the SUV to move forward. “I thought this was my last day in this world.”
At the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, 86-year-old employee, Verna Mae Jackson, lost her life in a work-related accident.
In a tragic incident at the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, 86-year-old Verna Mae Jackson, a dedicated and longtime employee, lost her life in a work-related accident. The incident occurred on Dec. 6 around 11:30 p.m.; the family’s lawyer, Jeffrey Rosenblum, shared the event’s details, according to ABC24.
According to Rosenblum, the accident occurred when Jackson, noticing an envelope protruding from a container, hurried to retrieve it. A lack of adequate safety measures allegedly led to the death. Rosenblum emphasized the family’s desire for the community to recognize Jackson’s deep affection for her work at FedEx and her camaraderie with her colleagues.
“Her family wants the community to know that she loved working for FedEx, and she loved the people that she worked with,” remarked Rosenblum, offering a glimpse into the emotional impact on Jackson’s loved ones. Friends and family expressed their grief on social media, describing Jackson as “the sweetest lady in the world,” and her church, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, paid tribute to her as “a living, lasting memory.”
Rosenblum underscored the preventable nature of the incident, pointing out lapses in safety precautions. He explained that the driver of a mail-carrying vehicle failed to adequately signal, creating a hazardous situation. In his statement, Rosenblum advocated for implementing available technology that could audibly alert individuals to a moving vehicle, preventing such tragic accidents.
“The safety precautions that could’ve protected her were not in place. This was a completely preventable death,” declared Rosenblum, raising questions about the lack of sufficient safety protocols at the FedEx facility. He highlighted the existence of technology capable of issuing warnings before a vehicle moves, expressing the belief that such measures, if in place or properly maintained, could have averted the loss of Verna Mae Jackson’s life.
Black Clergy To Host Solidarity Event For Atlanta’s Unhoused
On Dec. 16, the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta will host a "Night To Sleep Out" event to spread awareness and show solidarity with the city's unhoused people.
The Concerned Black Clergy Of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (CBC) is doing its part to spread awareness for the city’s unhoused, hosting a “Night To Sleep Out” on Dec. 16 to showcase its solidarity.
The event hopes to address the growing systemic issue that is leading to an increase of unhoused people across Metro Atlanta, FOX 5 Atlanta reports.
“Thirteen counties in Metro Atlanta and the Federal Reserve Bank, not one of our counties is an affordable house market,” remarked Rev. Shannon Jones, CBC’s president. “We are [in] a crisis. The median cost for a one-bedroom in Atlanta is $1,400 a month. That is not attainable if you make minimum wage.”
Added Rev. Timothy McDonald, the group’s past president, “Affordable housing is a myth. There is no room in Atlanta for the poor.”
Fifteen churches are taking part in the solidarity event, with the CBC encouraging more religious groups across the city to participate.
According to Atlanta Mission, every night 2,000 have to sleep on the streets, with many doing so because they cannot afford housing in today’s market. The city is also working with the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to develop a housing support program because more unhoused people use the facility to escape the colder nights.
“It could happen to you or me just as easily. It could happen to anyone at any given time— job ends, an underinsured home burns down, a teen gets kicked out of the house—these are the faces we see daily at Atlanta Mission,” the organization said on its website. “They’re not crazy. They don’t come refusing to work. They’re not looking for handouts. They’re good people in tough situations,
To learn more about the efforts of the Concerned Black Clergy, Inc. and its “Night To Sleep Out,” more information can be found on its website.
3 Surprising Reasons Your Crisis Management Plan May Fail
Here are three modern techniques to help small businesses survive when a crisis arrives.
Originally Published Nov. 13, 2020
The problem with much of the current discourse surrounding crisis management—and rest assured there’s an overabundance to be found—is that it largely regurgitates mindsets and methodologies that are underwhelming in today’s complex macro-economic climate, at best, and that have been rendered entirely antiquated given current conditions at worst. Novel challenges like the COVID-19 lock-down demand commensurately fresh ideation—most certainly that intend to help organizations large and small survive and succeed amid today’s brand of chaos.
With this in mind, I turned to Kiya Dowdy Frazier and Oscar Frazier, principles at nDemand Consulting—a global crisis management firm that designs and implements leading-edge techniques helping federal government agencies, heads of state, corporations, and entrepreneurial small businesses maneuver through, and beyond, menacing circumstances. This includes countering violent extremism (CVE) across seven countries within the continent of Africa.
Affectionately known as the Mr. and Mrs. Smith of crisis management, team Frazier offers three modern crisis management techniques that, while somewhat counterintuitive, are duly compelling and convincingly sensible.
Gaining Trust Isn’t Enough
Gaining marketplace trust, building relationships, and even securing leads require radically different approaches in today’s post-pandemic world. People have grown weary of misinformation and contradictory statements from those in positions of authority and are perhaps more jaded and doubtful now than ever before. When there is a lack of understanding, or there are credibility concerns, fear and defensiveness take over as the default operating system and individuals put their guard up. Here is a reframe: The ability to gain trust isn’t entirely futile, but rather it’s the method of connecting with people that requires change. The first step now begins with “me too.” Far beyond trust, today’s recalibrated marketplace mindset requires relatability and authenticity on a critical mass scale.
Many are facing the exact same challenges, whether related to COVID-19 impacts or otherwise. So be empathetic, approachable, and forthcoming about your own challenges and experiences. That level of vulnerability—demonstrating that you are just as concerned and affected as the person you’re meeting—are highly effective ways to build trust.
Prior to coronavirus wreaking havoc on the world, gaining trust and connecting with people often came by demonstrating achievements, a high level of training, or subject matter expertise. This kind of instant validity without emotional drivers is going by the wayside. Sentiment matters. Now, people need to know that you can relate to them and them to you in kind. Being able to identify with one another will be the lifeblood of successful businesses.
Data Management Falls Short
Collecting and analyzing data to drive decision making internally within the organization is no longer enough. Today, transparency about what that data “means” is paramount and represents both a gift and curse of data. While everyone is apt to share good news, even a simple, unintentional oversight or dulling of data can have costly implications. In today’s highly competitive marketplace, there are fewer chances to “get it right” and even make up for what we’ve done. Not just curating and managing data, business owners must be spot on with interpreting those data analytics and reporting in kind.
Indeed, the ability to leverage those analytics for both short- and long-term modernization is key to survival. But, in this new environment, we have to find ways to do more with less in the here and now. Less resources, fewer shots to take, and different methods of communication—even within a company’s own teams— is paramount. Data, good or bad, is a lifeline here and processing of informational inputs for highly intentional and strategic decision making is the order of the day. Naturally, the first step is clearly communicating key findings. But companies often miss the second and third piece: helping the audience, whether internal or external, make sense of everything, as well as following up with a clear plan of action to mitigate risk, resolve current issues, and position themselves for a stronger future. It is one thing to provide data, it is very different to provide data with actionable tactics.
Migrating content and processes to the cloud, creating shared environments, and establishing tools to strengthen communication and data access across constituencies has become part and parcel for a growing number of organizations. This kind of tactical and readily deployable adjustment is a step in the right direction toward better managing and aptly leveraging one’s data trove.
Messaging Methodologies Miss The Mark
Validation-driven micro-communication is now where it’s at. Rather than just asserting positioning and talking points, companies need to demonstrate the impact of their messaging in as specific terms as possible. Everything a company conveys to the masses needs to be demonstrated with results and reference points people can access. The ability to effectively and efficiently communicate virtually and remotely via digital solutions is no longer an option, but rather an imperative. Companies must be ever-mindful that there’s increased awareness of—and desire for—community, connection, humility, and social responsibility that should now underpin most, if not all, communications in this post-pandemic era.
Companies must also make a concerted effort to control their message across all platforms, including social media where information (and misinformation) spreads quickly. The right words conveyed with the right tone and with the proper imagery is what’s required.
“The very thought of the word ‘crisis’ tends to spur a sense of panic,” Kiya Frazier says. “Even so, it’s wise to take emergency situations head-on and with a laser focus. Any crisis management plan that tries to take on too much, or otherwise veers away from the actual and core crisis at hand, is one that’s likely to fall short at best or, worse, fail altogether.”
“When people panic, they tend to inflate or deflate factual data to fit their own needs, desires, agenda, or gut instincts,” Oscar Frazier adds. “This is the single biggest mistake a company in crisis can make, since processing data objectively is key. Situation analysis requires taking a cold, hard look at realities and making even the most difficult—if not painful—of decisions to get back on a recuperative course.”
Today’s class of business challenges requires a recalibrated approach to crisis management and communications. Even tried-and-true tactics of yore may deliver diminishing returns as industry and markets evolve in tandem with public health, political, and socioeconomic events. Undertaking the three tactical strategies above can foster the kind of progressive paradigm shift required to help companies best weather those inevitable and seemingly omnipresent storms.
Former NBA Players Joe And Jordan Crawford Open Speakeasy In Detroit
CRED Café, the latest family-owned cafe and speakeasy in Detroit, owned by former NBA players Joe and Jordan Crawford.
Detroit News reports CRED Cafe, the latest family-owned cafe and speakeasy in Detroit, owned by former NBA players Joe and Jordan Crawford, had its grand opening Dec 6. The multi-faceted space serves as a coffee shop, bar, and event space, offering patrons a unique experience from day to night.
CRED Cafe, an acronym for “Crawford, Redefining Every Dream,” originated from the brothers’ vision while traveling abroad. Recognizing a void in similar establishments in Detroit, they proposed the idea of transforming their family-owned event space into a cafe for their parents and younger brother.
The cafe’s concept blends the charm of a coffee shop during the day, offering patrons a selection of snacks, pastries, and coffee sourced from Angela Yee’s Coffee Uplifts People. By night, a concealed door leads visitors to a speakeasy reminiscent of Detroit’s Prohibition-era bars. The venue, equipped with a bar, lounge, and event space, can accommodate up to 75 people, the outlet reports.
The Crawford family received support from the city’s Motor City Match small-business program, securing a $60,000 grant to aid in renovations and equipment. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, along with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., joined the Crawford family for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rivertown.
Sylvia Crawford, the mother of Joe and Jordan, serves as the cafe’s president and CEO. Reflecting on their journey, she emphasized their commitment to Detroit’s growth and resurgence. The cafe’s creation, she noted, transformed a vacant building into a dynamic community space.
CRED Cafe is not just a business venture; it’s a commitment to the local community. The cafe aims to provide employment opportunities for Detroiters and has partnered with several city-based contractors. Mayor Duggan commended the Crawford brothers for their dedication to reinvesting in the city that raised them.
“CRED Cafe represents how individuals like Joe and Jordan, who have achieved success at the highest levels outside of Detroit and Michigan, are coming back home to reinvest in the city that raised them,” said Mayor Duggan. “I’m so proud of what they have done with CRED Cafe, and I just know the community will support them.”
Motor City Match, a vital small-business program, facilitated the Crawford family’s entrepreneurial journey. Through its last 24 rounds, the program has distributed $15.7 million in cash grants, with a focus on supporting minority-owned, women-owned, and Detroit-based businesses, according to the outlet.
Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC, lauded the ambitious family’s creation of CRED Cafe, emphasizing its role as a special community space contributing to Detroit’s vibrancy. The cafe encapsulates the Crawford family’s dream of uplifting Detroit, turning conversations from years ago into a reality.
