Brooklyn Bodega, new york city, Sanyia, Samyia Spain

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

Jennira Roundtree Fatally Stabbed While Protecting Daughter In Brawl With 20 Women, Suspect Arrested

A Staten Island mother tragically lost her life while protecting her 12-year-old daughter during a violent altercation involving 20 women and girls.

A Staten Island mom was stabbed to death while trying to protect her 12-year-old daughter during a violent altercation involving 20 women and girls.

Jennira Roundtree, 43, died after succumbing to knife wounds to the heart and lungs and being slashed in the stomach with an umbrella during a chaotic brawl outside the family’s NYCHA building on Jan. 7, The Oakland Press reports. The fight, which erupted around 7:35 p.m. Tuesday at the West Brighton Houses on Henderson Ave. near Broadway, involved 20 women and girls who had reportedly been targeting Roundtree’s daughter.

“The mother went outside in defense of her daughter,” a police source told the Daily News. “One person approached and stabbed her.”

On Monday, Jasmin Thompson, 20, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. The suspect claims she was acting in self-defense when attacking Roundtree.

Friends of Roundtree’s daughter had come into the building to summon Roundtree’s older daughter. The sister and their mother intervened, with Roundtree losing her life in the process.

“Some girls come in to fight with the little girl, and some friends, they go upstairs, and then the sister was coming,” the 30-year-old neighbor said. “I don’t know where her mom came from. Maybe she was outside [already].”

“When I see the sister fighting I said, ‘Let me go downstairs’ because I know those kids. There were a lot of people fighting,” the neighbor added.

By the time the neighbor got downstairs, Roundtree was already injured on the ground.

“The police took her,” she said. “When they carried her, I saw she had a lot of blood. I heard her say, ‘I can’t breathe!’ That’s the only thing she said.”

Medics transported Roundtree to Richmond University Medical Center, but she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities confirmed that the knife used in the fatal attack was recovered at the scene.

Roundtree’s friends remember her as someone who was always smiling and deeply committed to helping local children stay off the streets.

“This neighborhood was important to her because she wanted different for all the kids coming up,” her friend said. “And she was trying to make a difference, and she was.”

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor

by Black Enterprise

January 15, 2025

Back To The Grind: Transform Your Return To Office Experience With These 6 Tips!

Transitioning back to office is a big deal.

Hey Fairygodmentor,

Our whole office has been mandated to return to work full time. It will be the first time I’ll be back in the office full time in 5 years. My whole routine is different! I actually felt better, safer, at home. I didn’t have to deal with all of the inner office politics. What survival tips can you share that will keep me sane?

Yours truly,

Returning to the Office in Protest

Dear Returning to the Office in Protest,

First of all, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how you’re feeling. It’s completely valid to feel nervous about returning to the office after so long, especially when working from home offered you so much comfort and psychological safety. Transitioning back is a big deal, so I’m going to set you up with some strategies not just to survive but to thrive.

Reframe Your Mindset:

We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. While the mandate to return to the office might not be your choice, you do have control over how you approach this change. Instead of focusing on what you’re losing, think about what you might gain. Ask yourself, “What’s the gift?” Could this be an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build stronger relationships, or even reclaim your space as an office rock star with this newly added visibility?

Protect Your Peace:

Office politics can be draining, so it’s important to stay grounded. Set clear boundaries with your coworkers and politely disengage from gossip or drama. When someone tries to pull you into negativity, redirect the conversation or excuse yourself. Remember, you’re there to work—not to play referee in office squabbles. Be like Mary J Blige, you “don’t need no hateration, holleration in this dancery.”

Work What Works For You:

Your home routine might not translate perfectly to office life, but you can adapt. You’ve done it before. It’s time to do it again. This time, it’s “You at Work 2.0.” What could make you feel like you’re at home? Bring pieces of your home comfort into the workplace. Whether it’s a playlist, a favorite snack, or a photo of family or friends, these little touches can make the office feel a bit more like your space.

Set Return To Office Goals:

Take a pause for the cause and identify what success looks like for you in this new chapter. Maybe it’s learning a new skill, fostering better communication with your team, not rolling your eyes every time Richard cracks one of his corny jokes, or simply adjusting to being back. Celebrate small wins along the way—they’ll keep you motivated.

Advocate for Yourself:

If there are parts of remote work that have truly improved your productivity or well-being, have an honest conversation with your manager. Show Your Ask! This doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing situation; perhaps you can negotiate a hybrid schedule, register for childcare or aftercare support, or flexible hours that meet both your needs and the company’s goals.

Prioritize Self-Care:

Your mental health is just as important as your job. Everyone needs a woosah moment from time to time to keep the work/life flowing. Schedule regular breaks, go for walks, or practice mindfulness to decompress. If things get overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR or an employee assistance program for support.

Remember, this transition isn’t about returning to the old you—it’s about embracing the evolved version of yourself. You’ve grown, adapted, and proven that you can thrive in a variety of settings. Bring that same resilient energy into the office, and you’ll do just fine.

Here’s to staying sane and fabulous!

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that develops empowered, results-driven leaders through engaging leadership development coaching, training, and facilitation. She is also the author of the best-selling book and audiobook “Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.”

Have a question about handling a micromanager, are you having difficulty navigating spaces because of your hair, is work stressing you out, do you need support coaching poor performance or are you wondering how to negotiate and get the job offer you desire effectively? Do you have any questions about career and leadership development?

Ask Your FairyGodMentor® here.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

The Weeknd Cancels Rose Bowl Show And Postpones New Album ‘Out Of Respect And Concern’ for LA Residents

The Weeknd and Beyoncé are postponing releases and announcements to show respect for LA residents affected by the ongoing wildfires.

The Weeknd has postponed the release of his new album and canceled his scheduled show at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles due to the ongoing wildfires devastating Southern California.

The Grammy-winning singer was set to release his Hurry Up Tomorrow album Jan. 24, but Jan. 13, The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, took to Instagram to announce that the album’s release would be postponed, along with the cancellation of a one-off performance at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles Jan. 25, citing “respect and concern for the people of LA County” amid the ongoing wildfires.

“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time,” the singer wrote in a statement.

“My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abel (@theweeknd)

The album’s new release date will be on Jan. 31. It will be the sixth studio album and the final part of a trilogy, alongside After Hours and Dawn FM. It’s also expected to be the last album under his stage name, The Guardian reported.

“As the Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say,” The Weeknd told W magazine in 2023. “I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as the Weeknd. But I still want to kill the Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”

Beyoncé joined The Weeknd in delaying major projects amid the L.A. wildfires. On Tuesday, the “Cuff It” singer delayed an announcement she had planned for Jan. 14.

“I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss,” she said in a statement. “We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community.”

The Grammy-winning artist called on her fans to join her BeyGood Foundation in supporting wildfire victims after the organization donated $2.5 million to relief efforts. Her statement comes ahead of the Grammy Awards, still scheduled for Feb. 2, despite major record labels canceling their Grammy Week events.

Fani Willis, Judge, Nathan Wade, Donald Trump

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Georgia Senators Vote To Move Forward With Fani Willis Investigation

Georgia senators voted to reinstate the investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Jan. 13 — Georgia senators voted to reinstate an investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Fox 5 reported.

The state’s special investigative committee will continue their probe into Willis’s handling of the case involving President-elect Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election. Senators voted along party lines, with the Republican majority prevailing. Democratic senators, however, called the investigation a waste of time.

Sen. Harold Jones II, a Democrat, argued the decision represented an overreach of authority. He believes state lawmakers have no role in overseeing the operations of a local district attorney’s office.

“We have no business trying to micromanage a prosecutor’s office,” Jones said.

“If Fulton County has an issue with what took place, they need to address that. That’s their responsibility, not the General Assembly’s. It never has been and is a complete waste of time.”

Sen. Greg Dolezal, a Republican, contended that the move was necessary to restore public confidence in Georgia’s justice system. He referred to a court ruling that removed Willis and the Fulton County DA’s office from the 2020 election interference case.

“When you read the court’s ruling, it speaks to the reality that she had to be removed from the case to restore faith in the justice system in the state,” Dolezal said.

“I would think that’s a bipartisan issue that both Democrats and Republicans would support in restoring confidence in the criminal justice system.”

Willis was officially removed from prosecuting Trump and 14 co-defendants in December 2024. The Georgia Supreme Court ruled 2-1 on appeal. The investigation into Willis began after her relationship with co-counsel Nathan Wade was revealed, prompting an ethics inquiry. While Willis was not found to have violated ethical standards, Judge Scott McAfee rebuked her for the “appearance of impropriety.”

Defense attorneys for Trump and his co-defendants requested Willis’s removal, arguing that her prosecution was politically motivated, in collaboration with the Biden administration.

Willis vehemently denies allegations of targeting the soon-to-be sitting president. Jan. 8, Willis presented an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Yamiche Alcindor, White House, briefing room correspondent

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Political Reporter Yamiche Alcindor Returns To White House Briefing Room

Alcindor worked as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour during Trump's first term in office.

Journalist Yamiche Alcindor will be NBC News‘ White House correspondent during the second Trump administration. Alcindor made the announcement on X on Jan. 13. The correspondent expressed her gratitude for the position and invited her social media followers to engage in the journalistic process.

“I’m heading back to the White House beat for @NBCNews to cover the second Trump administration. It’s a true honor to be a journalist, and I welcome all news tips and story ideas,” she wrote.

I’m heading back to the White House beat for @NBCNews to cover the second Trump administration. It’s a true honor to be a journalist and I welcome all news tips and story ideas.

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) January 13, 2025

Alcindor covered the White House during Trump’s administration. In 2020, as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour, she gained attention for asking then-President Trump pointed questions. There are multiple documented interactions between the veteran journalist and the incoming president.

The president was known for sparring with the “liberal” media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. When state governors were scrambling to find medical supplies to help COVID victims, the nation began importing masks, respirators, and personal protection equipment from other countries. Alcindor challenged Trump’s claims that state governments were requesting equipment they did not need.

Trump denied making the claims and chided the reporter for not making a more upbeat query.

“Why don’t you act a little more positive?” Trump said. “And you know what? That’s why nobody trusts the media anymore.”

The tension between Alcindor and Trump did not go unnoticed. The interaction even prompted PBS News to release a statement in support of Alcindor.

“It’s never been the job of journalists in the White House press corps to preface questions with nice praise for dear leaders. Thankfully, reporters have traditionally held little fear of presidents,” the statement read.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 15, 2025

Woman Opens First Black-Owned Virtual Assistant Recruitment Agency In The Philippines

Meet Lainika E. Johnson, the Founder and CEO of PRESS (Philippines Remote Expert Staffing Solutions), a pioneering Black-owned remote staffing firm that has set a transformative benchmark in the Philippine recruitment industry.

Meet Lainika E. Johnson, the founder and CEO of PRESS (Philippines Remote Expert Staffing Solutions), a pioneering Black-owned remote staffing firm that has set a transformative benchmark in the Philippine recruitment industry. With an innovative approach and commitment to fostering global connections, her company hosted a groundbreaking live hiring event in December 2024 in Davao City, the largest city on the country’s second-largest island. This was the first such event in the country.

This trailblazing event brought together aspiring virtual assistants and industry professionals for an unparalleled experience. Unlike traditional job fairs, the company’s Live Hiring Event included free workshops tailored specifically to equip virtual assistants with the tools needed to excel in the global remote work sector.

Johnson, who flew to the Philippines to personally lead the event, shattered industry norms by directly engaging with applicants — a move that resonated deeply with attendees and highlighted her company’s unique approach.

“This isn’t just about hiring; it’s about creating opportunities and providing resources to uplift talented individuals,” she said. “My company, PRESS, stands out by not only connecting clients with tech-trained virtual assistants but also investing in the growth and success of our talent.”

PRESS leverages a rigorous talent acquisition process, ensuring only the most skilled professionals join its network. With expertise in AI and cutting-edge technology, its virtual assistants are more than support staff — they are strategic partners driving efficiency and innovation for businesses worldwide.

The Live Hiring Event reflects Johnson’s mission to empower Filipino professionals while challenging conventional recruitment methods. Her company is reshaping the remote staffing industry and fostering a global community where talent and innovation thrive.

For more information, visit the official website at PRESSStaffing.com.

For press inquiries and media interviews, contact jocelyn@pressstaffing.com or 916-367-4103.

This story was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.

by Stacy Jackson

January 15, 2025

New Study Predicts Triple Increase In Dementia Cases Among Black Americans

The risk for Black Americans who will develop dementia is greater, with a 7% risk by age 75 and 28% by 85.

According to a new study published on Jan. 13 in “Nature Medicine,” the risk of developing dementia is increasing in the United States, and the rate of Black people living with the disease is expected to triple.

The new research challenges older studies, which estimated a lower risk of dementia, with about 14% of men and 23% of women developing the disease in their lifetime. “Just the fact that the population is going to get older will mean the number of dementia cases will double overall,” study leader Dr. Josef Coresh told NBC News. The study found that the average 55-year-old’s risk of developing the disease by age 95 was 42%, and overall dementia cases in the U.S. are expected to double by 2060, an increase to approximately 1 million compared to 514,000 in 2020.

For Black Americans, the risk is greater, and the population may see the number of cases triple. Researchers found a 7% risk for Black Americans by age 75, while the average person’s risk of developing the disease was 4% between ages 55 and 75. By age 85, the risk spiked to 28% for Black Americans compared to 20% for the average person.

https://twitter.com/NatureMedicine/status/1879197518371627517

A 2024 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that cases among Black adults are expected to hit 3.1 million in 2060. Higher rates for the group compared to their white counterparts included a higher prevalence of dementia risk factors like heart disease and diabetes, higher rates of poverty, and greater exposure to adversity and discrimination. The agency also revealed contributing factors to disparities like negative social attitudes toward patients from other races and unequal access to quality care and proper diagnosis. Disparities included unequal representation of Black people in clinical trials for the disease. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered a 2023 study that revealed that, on average, Black patients received MRI imaging tests for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at around 72 years old, much later than white and Hispanic patients who received imaging in their 60s.

The “Lifetime Risk and Projected Burden of Dementia” cohort study tracked 15,043 people in the U.S. from 1997 to 2020. Black adults made up 26.9% of the study’s participants. It applied lifetime risk estimates to US Census projections to evaluate the annual number of incident dementia cases from 2020 to 2060.

Dementia risk may seem higher than before due to older studies that lacked a diverse group of participants, found challenges with tracking participants who developed dementia, and only examined the most common type, Alzheimer’s disease.

Black Youth, Incarceration, Racial Disparities

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

U.S. Department Of Labor To Allocate $25M For Pre-Release Training, Employment Services For Incarcerated Individuals

$25 million in funding is going to support the future employment of the formerly incarcerated.

The U.S. Department of Labor is allocating $25 million to support the future endeavors of incarcerated citizens before and after their release.

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of at least $25 million in grants to provide training and employment services for incarcerated individuals before and after their release from state, county, or local correctional facilities. The grants are dedicated to providing support both during incarceration and after release, focusing on improving employment outcomes during the reentry process and reducing recidivism.

The 12 Pathway Home Grant projects, funded through the department’s Employment and Training Administration, are organized to bridge the gap between a person’s release from incarceration and their enrollment in workforce development reentry programs that lead to skills-based employment.

Support for the participants begins before release, with funding going toward legal assistance, counseling, job search strategies, and other essential skills and services prior to their release. The programs will also support Registered Apprenticeships and occupational training, leading to industry-recognized credentials and supportive services upon release.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act authorized the Pathway Home 6 Grants funding, allowing grantees to form formal, long-term partnerships with employers after release. This is a groundbreaking stride toward reducing recidivism through employment opportunities, a factor long credited with a former inmate’s return to the prison system.

In 2022, the White House released research highlighting the difficulties individuals with criminal records encounter in the labor market. A 2008 study, for example, estimated that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) was around 27%, compared to just over 5% for the general population.

The deadline to apply for the 12 Pathway Home Grants is March 15, 2025.

by Mitti Hicks

January 15, 2025

Michelle Obama Is Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended.

It appears that when people go low, the former first lady Michelle Obama is deciding to step aside. Mrs. Obama is not attending the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The Associated Press reported that while Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, Mrs. Obama will not.

“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” a statement from the Office of Barck and Michelle Obama reads. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”

Michelle Obama Doesn’t Give Reason For Absence

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended.

Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9.

She was notably absent as pictures of her husband and Trump sitting next to each other and sharing laughs made their rounds on social media. Mrs. Obama has been vocal about her dislike for Trump, which she expressed in her memoir Becoming.

“Sitting on the inaugural stage in front of the U.S. Capitol for the third time, I worked to contain my emotions,” she said, adding, “I stopped even trying to smile.”

In her campaign speech at the Democratic National Convention, she accused Trump of doing “everything in his power to make people fear.”

The end of her speech is what got everyone talking. “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs?’” This is an apparent jab from the President-elect’s claims that immigrants are taking “Black jobs” while on the campaign trail.

The reason for Mrs. Obama’s absence is unclear. It’s important to note that the Trumps did not attend President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, as CNN reported

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Washington Commanders’ Bobby Wagner Pursues Business Degree From Howard University

'I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?'

An NFL player has taken steps toward obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree by enrolling at Howard University. According to HBCU Gameday, NFL All-Pro defense player Bobby Wagner is pursuing his degree at one of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation, Howard University.

Wagner, who plays for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, enrolled in the 18-month MBA program in January 2023. Thinking about life after football motivated the linebacker to take the course, as most NFL players don’t play more than five years in the league, and many go bankrupt within years after their playing days are over.

Out of all the schools to attend, he chose Howard because of the school’s reputation and history.

“I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?” he asked.

The 34-year-old player is already a businessman, acting as his own agent when he negotiated his recent contract with the Commanders. Without employing an agent, he received a one-year, $8.5 million deal, with $6 million guaranteed, and didn’t have to give a percentage to anyone.

His drive to a successful post-NFL career has brought him to Howard, where he will grow into a businessman after completing the school’s business program.

“Similarly, with football, you always want to try to find ways to perfect your craft, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to do that off the field,” he said.

Wagner, who has played in the NFL for 13 seasons, also gives back to the community. For his dedication to community activities and education, he was recently nominated for the NFL’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award recognizes players for their contributions on and off the field.