White Prison Inmate Allegedly Stabbed Derek Chauvin 22 Times In The Name Of ‘Black Lives Matter’
John Tursack, 52, is being prosecuted for stabbing George Floyd’s murderer, disgraced Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin 22 times.
A white prison inmate allegedly stabbed Derek Chauvin 22 Times in the name of Black Lives Matter and Mexican solidarity.
John Tursack, 52, is being prosecuted for stabbing George Floyd’s murderer, disgraced Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin 22 times with a self-made prison shank, federal prosecutors told AP News, and according to reports, he was intentional about the attack.
The stabbing took place on Nov. 24, in a prison library at the Tuscan, Arizona, federal correctional institution the day after Thanksgiving, notably known as Black Friday. In an interview with the FBI, Tursack, a former gang member and federal informant,t shared that Black Friday was significant because he was creating “a symbolic connection to the Black Lives Matter movement.” Tursack also associated the attack with the “Black Hand,” symbolism that represents the Mexican Mafia with which Tursack had dealings and is connected to his federal conviction.
According to court records obtained by AP, Tursack played a leadership role in the Mexican Mafia but doubled as a snitch for the FBI and continued to commit nefarious crimes while doing so. On Dec. 1, the dept of Justice released a statement charging Tursack with “attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury” in the nearly deadly attack on Floyd’s killer, Chauvin. Prosecutors told AP News that Tursack contemplated the assault for over a month but had denied “wanting to kill” Chauvin. However, he told corrections officers that he would have offed Chauvin if they weren’t such quick responders. Chauvin’s life may have been spared when prison staff administered “living-saving measures,” BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported. On June 25, 2021, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 22.5 years. In Dec. 2021, the former Minneapolis officer pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights.
ChurchSpace: Transforming Houses Of Worship Into Vibrant Event And Community Spaces
ChurchSpace's concept is a game-changer in the world of event planning.
When it comes to finding the perfect venue for your next event, you might want to head to church. Day Edwards and Emmanuel Brown, the co-founders of the innovative online platform ChurchSpace, are on a mission to change the way we view and utilize houses of worship, transforming them into affordable, vibrant event and community spaces.
ChurchSpace’s concept is a game-changer in the world of event planning. By combining the underutilized spaces of near-empty churches with an Airbnb-style business model, they’ve created an innovative online portal set to disrupt the small event marketplace. Founded in 2019, ChurchSpace has been gaining momentum, and its recent expansion into the Dallas market and the unveiling of a revamped website mark a significant milestone in its journey.
“ChurchSpace is a mission-driven marketplace that empowers churches to breathe new life into their spaces. We’re all about creating opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and growth,” Brown said. “Our platform enables churches to unlock the potential of their underutilized spaces while also providing food entrepreneurs, event organizers, and community members access to unique venues.”
Edwards and Brown, both children of pastors, witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by church leaders in maintaining their congregations and serving their communities. This personal experience laid the foundation for ChurchSpace. The goal is to create a revenue stream for the churches while remaining in compliance for nonprofit organizations.
“Churches offer a unique combination of diverse spaces and widespread availability, making them ideal for various community uses,” said Edwards. “From fellowship halls to gymnasiums and auditorium-style seating, churches provide an unusual blend of spaces under one roof. Expanding into Dallas represents a natural progression of our company.”
Since its founding four years ago, ChurchSpace has garnered the attention and support of tech giants such as Google and Amazon. Google awarded ChurchSpace $100,000, mentorship, and programming support as part of its Black Founders Fund program. Amazon selected ChurchSpace for its inaugural AWS Impact Accelerator for Black Founders initiative. The business has also attracted several investors and is poised to expand into additional markets in 2024.
So the next time you’re looking for a venue to host your women’s summit, fraternity conference, baby shower, or any number of other events, you may only have to look as far as your local house of worship.
Don L. Scott And REFORM Alliance Aim For A More Representative Virginia
Scott's aims for positive benefits for Virginians who otherwise may have been victims of the state’s criminal justice system.
During the 2023 midterms, Virginia nominated Don L. Scott to become its speaker of the House. Scott will officially become the first Black speaker in the 400-year history of Virginia’s House on Jan. 1, 2024, when he is sworn in. Scott has rapidly ascended in the state’s Democratic Party since 2018 when he talked to a reporter for the Virginian-Pilot. The reporter, according to The Guardian, asked him if it was true that Scott had gone to prison. Scott told The Guardian thathe hadn’t thought about sharing it previously, but that call made him think about sharing his story more widely.
Scott told The Guardian that the positive reaction once the reporter’s story ran convinced him to really think seriously about running for office.
“I got such positive feedback from my community and other folks that I knew that I said, ‘Heck, I’m free now. If I decide I want to run, I can run,’” he said.
During Scott’s campaign in 2020, he was working on a bill to amend Virginia’s probation system, and he reached out to the REFORM Alliance’s co-chair, Meek Mill.
According to REFORM Alliance’s CEO Robert Rooks, Scott’s desire led to positive benefits for Virginians who otherwise may have been victims of the state’s criminal justice system.
Rooks told BLACK ENTERPRISE, “Delegate Scott was resolved to dismantle this pipeline and recognized that fixing a broken probation system was essential to increasing public safety and economic growth. Since this legislation was enacted, the data suggests positive trends in Virginia’s justice system, including fewer people being put on lengthy probation terms and fewer people being locked up for technical violations.”
Scott’s trajectory to the speakership is unique partly because of how the state handles people like Scott, meaning people with felony convictions on their records. In Virginia, the restoration of the rights of formerly incarcerated people is left up to the governor.
Scott recognizes how ludicrous this arrangement seems on its face, as he told The Guardian, “I had a nonviolent drug offense that I was sentenced to 10 years [in prison] for. There are people who are just like me who are not voting and can’t vote and are smarter than I am. [They] can’t vote because they’re waiting on somebody like Governor [Glenn] Youngkin to restore their rights. I will be speaker with a felony, while other people who are just like me … will not be able to vote. That’s nuts.”
Rooks explained to BLACK ENTERPRISEthat it was important to him that a second chance be extended to Scott, saying that it was unfortunate that Scott faced attacks based on his prior incarceration during his initial run for office.
“We are a society of second chances, and it was disheartening to see Delegate Scott not only doubted and underestimated but also attacked for being a formerly incarcerated person. We should not vilify people who want to serve their neighbors as elected representatives; we should encourage and celebrate them,” said Rooks.
Scott understands the significance of his position relative to his Blackness, but he also knows that his constituents are looking for him to deliver wins, much like he did with House Bill 2038. Scott reflected on a conversation he had with a former governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, telling The Guardian, “He (the former governor) said, ‘Now you have to go and be great. You have to be competent. You have to deliver.’ And that’s what our community is looking for. They’re not looking for symbolic wins anymore.”
Scott added, “I’m the first Black speaker, but I’m also a speaker who happens to be Black.”
Scott, for the moment, is excited about what the future holds and he recognizes what his position represents in terms of his personal journey, as he told The Guardian, “I’m excited,” he said. “It’s the dream of a lifetime. I feel embarrassed of how much I’ve been blessed. I went to jail in ’94; 2024 is 30 years and I’ll be standing taking my oath. That’s a powerful testament to the power of faith, and the power of resilience.”
Here is what else Rooks said in his interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: What led the REFORM Alliance to collaborate with Delegate Scott on his prison reform platform?
REFORM Alliance CEO Robert Rooks: Back in 2020, Virginia’s probation system was deeply challenged, leading to vicious cycles of never-ending probation terms and over-incarceration. Probation violations had accounted for approximately half of all people sent to prison for most of the past decade, costing millions of dollars each year. Delegate Scott was resolved to dismantle this pipeline and recognized that fixing a broken probation system was essential to increasing public safety and economic growth. He was working with a coalition of organizations led by Justice Forward Virginia when they reached out to REFORM Alliance Co-Chair Meek Mill on Twitter. REFORM was proud to join the fight and help bring meaningful change to supervision in the Commonwealth through House Bill 2038. I was honored to join Meek and Delegate Scott at the bill signing ceremony alongside then-Governor Northam. Since this legislation was enacted, the data suggests positive trends in Virginia’s justice system including fewer people being put on lengthy probation terms and fewer people being locked up for technical violations.
Delegate Scott’s re-election and nomination as Speaker demonstrate that voters agreed with this common sense approach and believe it is working to make our communities safer, our people freer, and our economy stronger.
BE: As Scott’s campaign gained momentum, what were some of the challenges that presented themselves?
Rooks: Delegate Scott’s campaign for justice reform has been inspirational, pragmatic, and essential. The result has been more investment in communities and less burden on taxpayers. There are always challenges but putting public safety, fiscal health, and a robust workforce at the center of the state’s legislative approach is a winning strategy.
We are a society of second chances, and it was disheartening to see Delegate Scott not only doubted and underestimated but also attacked for being a formerly incarcerated person. We should not vilify people who want to serve their neighbors as elected representatives; we should encourage and celebrate them.
BE: How does the history of Virginia make Scott’s historic achievement more meaningful?
Rooks: Delegate Scott’s victory is both historic and life-affirming. It is a triumph for Black communities and all Americans. It illustrates the profound resilience of Virginians and Americans and our capacity for positive change.
BE: What, in your opinion, sets Scott apart from others who may have been considered for the nomination, specifically around the issue of criminal justice reform?
Rooks: I was honored to stand next to Delegate Scott as he signed landmark legislation to reform Virginia’s probation system. What distinguishes Delegate Scott is his unique understanding of what unites us and his vision for advancing our humanity through our economy and advancing our economy through our humanity.
BE: What are some other legislative efforts that REFORM is working on?
Rooks: REFORM has passed 17 pieces of bipartisan legislation in 11 states across the country, creating pathways for nearly 700,000 people to exit the system. We’re focused on building diverse coalitions across the United States, including in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, and in Congress, and continuing to advocate for legislative reforms that increase public safety and expand economic opportunity. We’re also focused on ensuring the legislation we already passed is effectively implemented and our progress maintained. For the past two sessions, we successfully defeated efforts in the Virginia legislature to roll back progress made under our 2021 legislation.
BE: What does Scott’s selection as Speaker say about the growing diversity in Virginia politics?
Rooks: People are hungry for effective leadership and policies. People want to see themselves and their experiences reflected in their leaders and be part of the solutions. Delegate Scott represents that change, and I know he’ll do everything in his power to realize those aspirations on behalf of his fellow Virginians.
NBC News’ Antonia Hylton Diagnosed With Rare Cancer At Age 30, Warns Of The Danger In Ignoring Early Symptoms
Hylton said it was easy for her to write off what she was feeling as nothing more than a consequence of her busy work schedule.
NBC News correspondent Antonia Hylton was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumor after ignoring warning signs of an underlying problem, she revealed. The 30-year-old woman said she finally paid attention to her body’s calls for help after battling recurring stomach issues two years ago, NBC reports.
“I travel, I’m on planes (and) maybe I don’t have the best diet. But I love what I do, so it’s worth it, and I’m not going to let these symptoms hold me back,” she said.
However, things became clearer to Hylton while watching a Today Show segment in which host Craig Melvin detailed his brother’s battle with colon cancer, resulting in his death at the age of 43.
“Something about that really stuck with me,” she said.
A TikTok video posted by a woman suffering from the same disease at the age of 24 also set alarms for Hylton, whose symptoms had worsened.
“I was waking up (and) my face was swollen. I was having trouble going to the bathroom for days on end,” she said.
Her own family’s history of colon cancer, as well as her high risk as a Black woman, led her to seek out a specialist who ordered a colonoscopy. On her 30th birthday, she received a call that would lead her to be diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that releases hormones into the bloodstream.
Lucky for Hylton, despite her reluctance to get checked out, her diagnosis came early enough for her to receive life-saving treatments.
“I learned a really important lesson at 30 to listen to myself and to put myself first,” she explained. “I love my job. I worked hard here at NBC, and I’m not going to stop doing that. But I’ve learned the lesson that I really need to put my health first and not push these things off.”
Currently, Black men and women are the most likely racial group to get colon cancer and are 40% more likely to die from it, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Fantasia Barrino Emerges Stronger In Hollywood, Explores New Wine Business Venture
Her newfound confidence has also opened the door for her to explore other passions.
Fantasia Barrino has made her way back into the Hollywood spotlight in a major way, and it seems like she’s poised to take on another industry as well. The early Academy Award contender and The Color Purple star says she’s finally “ready” for Hollywood and has also earned her sommelier certificate, AfroTech reports.
Barrino, who sang her way into hearts as the winner of season three of American Idol at 19 years old, says now, at 39, she is finally ready to carry the responsibility of fame.
“It feels like ‘Idol’ all over again, except that I’m a woman, and I get it,” she said. “I’m in a better state of mind. I’m ready for Hollywood now. I was not ready for Hollywood when I was 19.”
Elle reports that her newfound confidence has also opened the door for her to explore other passions, which will lead to a new business venture in the wine industry.
“I have a wine coming out. I went back to school, so I got my sommelier certificate because I didn’t want people to think that I was just a Black girl putting my name on a wine to try to make money,” Barrino said. “I really love the process of it, and I also love to drink it because it’s good. I love the process of wine. I fell in love with it when my husband took me to a winery, and I felt like this may sound crazy, but I kind of felt like my life was like what wine has to go through—the pressing. I wanted to know more about it. We’re coming out with a red wine; we’re coming out with a rosé.”
With a second chance at bringing the story of Celie to the world and a warm “welcome home” from the industry that made her a household name, Barrino’s rebirth is on full display. “This Tasia is different,” she said.
Jeezy Wants Custody Hearing, Accuses Jeannie Mai Of ‘Gatekeeping’ Their Daughter
The Atlanta rapper feels a hearing would “serve to protect the Child’s welfare, reduce strife between the parties, and help move this case to a final resolution.”
After filing for divorce from his wife, Jeannie Mai, in September, hip-hop entrepreneur Jeezy has a new title for his soon-to-be former wife: “Gatekeeper.”
According to People, Jay Wayne Jenkins, otherwise known as Jeezy, has gone to court and asked a judge for a hearing to set “clearly defined” temporary legal and physical custody rights as the couple goes through their divorce. The “Soul Survivor” lyricist has complained that Mai has been acting as a “gatekeeper” of their daughter, Monaco.
The papers were filed Thursday, Nov. 30, in Fulton County. He is asking the judge to “address temporary custodial arrangements,” according to documents obtained by People.
Jeezy stated the couple has agreed to a visitation schedule through the end of the year, but the situation is “becoming increasingly less feasible.
“The lack of consistency, continuity, and stability inherently associated with such a haphazard and fluid parenting time schedule is stressful to the Child (Monaco), and it has, as is unfortunately inevitable with all families in transition, created unnecessary tension and confusion regarding not only parenting time but also in regard to each parent’s role and rights when the Child is in their respective custody,” the document read.
According to the documents, a custody hearing would “serve to protect the child’s welfare, reduce strife between the parties, and help move this case to a final resolution.”
Last month, the Atlanta rapper had a sitdown with actress Nia Long to discuss the relationship he had with Mai. After being married for two years and going to therapy to save his marriage, he said, “God has put me on a different path.”
The pair met each on the set of the talk show Mai co-hosted, The Real, in 2018 and started dating shortly after that. Three years later, on March 27, 2021, they married in a private ceremony. Monaco was born Jan. 11, 2022.
‘Family Over Everything’: LeBron James Vows To Miss Lakers Game If It Conflicts With Bronny’s Highly Anticipated USC Debut
The younger James is expected to undergo a final medical clearance allowing him to return to practice and in-game play.
The eldest son of basketball great LeBron James has been cleared for playing action just five months after going into cardiac arrest while practicing for his debut with the USC Trojans. With the 19-year-old’s health no longer a concern, the patriarch has made a vow that his responsibility to the Los Angeles Lakers won’t keep him away from Bronny James’s collegiate basketball debut, TMZ reports.
“It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to his first game…I already told my teammates that if they’re playing on the same day we’re playing, then I’m going to catch them the next game,” James said. “Family over everything.”
The younger James is expected to undergo a final medical clearance to return to practice and, before the season’s midpoint, in-game play. Due to scheduling, the USC freshman will likely make his debut on the road rather than at home in Los Angeles, CBS Sports reports. The Lakers and the Trojans have five potential schedule conflicts on Dec. 28 and 30, and Jan. 3, 13, and 17. Still, excitement around the young player’s first appearance as a Trojan has been building in and outside the James residence.
Bronny has been a perennial hoops superstar since high school at Sierra Canyon High and was highly recruited before choosing to remain in Southern California. ESPN reports that the young athlete forewent offers from prestigious athletics programs at Duke University, Ohio State, and others before committing to USC in May. Sports experts predict his younger brother, Bryce, will also enjoy the spoils of the family business as he is ranked amongst the top high school athletes in the country.
Though fans of the James family will likely find the patriarch’s sacrifice endearing, Lakers fans may be worried as the Western Conference team has an 11-9 record and greatly depends on LeBron for their offense’s productivity.
The airport now has the distinctive voice of Atlanta’s renowned radio host, Ryan Cameron, on its automated message system, according toAtlanta News First. The collaboration between Cameron and the airport aims to enhance the passenger experience with a familiar and charismatic voice guiding them through overhead announcements.
Cameron’s voice is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to create a unique, welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
”We strive to create a sense of place for people traveling to and through ATL, and there is no better manifestation than by partnering with an Atlanta radio legend like Ryan Cameron,” said ATL Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy General Manager Jai Farrell Ferrell. “His charisma, talent and professionalism make him a wonderful ambassador to the public as the voice of Hartsfield-Jackson.”
Cameron, known for his significant contributions to the Atlanta radio scene, shared his excitement on Instagram, describing himself as “blessed to be the voice of the world’s busiest airport.”
Automated announcements play a crucial role in guiding passengers through various stages of their airport journey, from boarding information to security updates. By incorporating Cameron’s voice into these announcements, Hartsfield-Jackson aims to add a personal touch and connect with passengers in a distinctive way.
As airports continue to explore innovative ways to enhance the traveler experience, the choice of a local radio personality like Cameron aligns with the broader trend of infusing regional identity into impersonal airport services. The hope is that Cameron’s voice will not only guide passengers efficiently but also leave a lasting impression, making the world’s busiest airport an even more memorable stop for travelers passing through Atlanta.
World AIDS Day: ‘If You Fix It For Black Women, You Fix It For Everybody,’ Sheryl Lee Ralph Produces Documentary On Black Women Living With HIV
Sheryl Lee Ralph's new documentary 'Unexpected' shines a light on HIV, a disease that has disproportionately affected Black women in the South.
Hulu has released a new documentary produced by Sheryl Lee Ralph in recognition of World AIDS Day.
Unexpected, which premiered on Dec. 1, shines a light on Black women living with HIV in the South. Hulu shared that the documentary tells the story of activists Masonia Traylor and Ciarra “Ci Ci” Covin and their journey to create an underground network to support women in the rural South who have been diagnosed with HIV. The streaming service describes the documentary as “a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of a shared connection.” The film highlights the virus that has attacked the immune systems of several women all over the country and explores why Black women are “disproportionately affected by the disease.”
According to a trailer posted on June 17 to the documentary’s official Instagram page, the film, which screened at the 2023 Essence Film Festival on June 30, is produced by Ralph and The Well Project. “Systemic racism is the root of why Black women are 14 times more likely to acquire HIV compared to white women,” the trailer revealed.
“This short film is very important to me, especially with the work I do with @thedivafoundation,” the “Abbott Elementary” actress said in a June 28 post ahead of the screening. Ralph launched the nonprofit organization, The DIVA Foundation, to raise awareness and mobilize resources to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. The national organization is a pledge to the many friends Ralph has lost to AIDS.
Variety reported that Ralph’s film won an Award of Excellence at The Accolade Global Film Competition and The IMPACT Docs Awards. The film was also a Silver Winner at the Telly Awards.Unexpectedhas also screened at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, DC Black Film Festival, Black Women Film Network, Detroit Black Film Festival, The Women’s Film Festival, and Cleveland Film Festival.
The Oscar-qualifying film Unexpected, directed by Zeberiah Newman, is now available to stream on Hulu.
Prince Gyasi Becomes The First African Photographer To Produce Annual Pirelli Calendar
Prince Gyasi has titled his edition of the Pirelli Calendar "Timeless."
The highly anticipated annual fashion Pirelli Calendar is making history with this year’s drop. For the first time since its inception in 1964, an African photographer, Prince Gyasi, was selected to produce the edition, and his involvement will bring iconic names to the calendar pages.
In keeping with the cultural high art roots, Gyasi has taken the chance to show an intersection between pieces of diversity, fashion, and alternative beauty standards. As reported by Essence, the Ghanaian-born artist named his iteration “Timeless.”
Gyasi said, “We are not born timeless, but we become it.”
He encompassed the theme by using fantastical elements and distinctly vivid colors. Notably, this edition of the Pirelli Calendar includes singer Teyana Taylor, Idris Elba, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and actress Angela Bassett in its pages. The big names all have sections that they represent for each month, under titles like “Altruistic,” “Time Stopper,” and “Man of Honor.” Gyasi was particularly excited to work with Campbell on the calendar.
He explained, “When you look at figures like Naomi, she’s not of my generation, but she’s still an icon. This can only happen if you’re committed to your work and belief.”
Gyasi used Campbell and other subjects to turn the concept of being “timeless” upside down. Gyasi hopes to use visions of Black excellence and youthfulness to provide a new definition of “timeless.”
“People think it’s about how long something has been here, but to me, it’s more quality and how it can stand the test of time and the obstacles that come this way. So, I just assembled a bunch of people that I really believe represented that word to me.”
Gyasi continued to explain that everyone featured in his edition of the Pirelli Calendar has “found their power, changing their destinies. This is what it means to be timeless.”
“The people who pose challenges, do not go along with what society thinks, are not influenced by age, fame or money, and develop their own talent in an authentic way.”
