• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

Health Orgs Push Support Groups For Black Menthol Smokers

Health organizations are spreading awareness to Black menthol smokers that vast resources and support groups are available to help them quit.

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With Black menthol smokers disproportionately impacted by the highly addictive drug, health organizations are advocating for support group awareness for potential quitters.

While the nation awaits further legislation from the Biden administration to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, health advocacy groups are noting that Black smokers are the most at risk. The majority of Black smokers use menthol products, as 41% of menthol cigarette-induced deaths from 1981 to 2018 were of Black individuals, according to a statistic revealed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Nicotine, in conjunction with the “cooling” mint flavoring, can create a sensation that is highly appealing to users, who then can swiftly become addicted to the smoother inhalation. With tobacco companies historically targeting the Black community, in reports confirmed by the CDC, the damage must be remedied through communal and governmental support, especially in how treatment like nicotine patches and social groups is amplified.

“The important elements of engaging menthol tobacco users are sort of the context in which the intervention is delivered,” shared Amanda Graham, Truth Initiative’s chief of innovations. “This includes acknowledging that they’re using a menthol product or that they may be from a racial or ethnic minority in which menthol use is more prevalent — and making sure that the imagery reflects the population most likely using the product.”

Despite the menthol ban by the Food and Drug Administration not being official yet, its combined impact with policies that dismantle the systemic racism that has worsened the conditions for Black menthol smokers is pivotal.

“One thing that we can all do is really help to remind the White House that there are sufficient resources out there, specifically for Black people, to help quit menthol,” stated Jennifer Folkenroth, The American Lung Association’s national senior director of tobacco programs. “No one’s going to be left behind. No one is going to be left without anything to help them and their addictions.”

The ruling is expected to be legalized before the end of the year. Still, health organizations are already paving their own way to ensure Black menthol smokers receive ample help in quitting their addictions.

RELATED CONTENT: Lesson Learned: J. Cole Says Smoking Cigarettes At Age 6 Helped Shape His Future

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 28, 2023

College Park Subway Customer Accidentally Leaves $7K Tip, Finally Receives Refund

Vera Conner had to wait nearly a month to correct the error she made in October

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A $7.54 sandwich purchase actually became a $7112.98 charge on the credit card bill of a Georgia woman who ordered her food from a local Subway restaurant on October 23. After making the mistake and contacting the bank about the error, she recently stated that they are finally reversing the charge.

According to NBC News, regular Subway customer Vera Conner went into her local store in College Park to buy her regular order. While paying for her meal, she inadvertently placed a tip of $7,105.44 after accidentally inputting her phone number into what she thought were her Subway loyalty points. Yet, several days later, while going through her recent receipts, she realized that there was a huge error.

“When I looked at my receipt, I was like, oh, my God!” Conner told the media outlet. “I thought this number looks familiar — it was the last six numbers of my phone number. Who would leave a tip like that?”

She contacted the bank that issued the credit card, Bank of America, and after trying to correct her error, the financial institution denied the reversal of the charge. She didn’t imagine that she would get a denial, so her concern grew after getting their response.

“I thought it would be an easy fix. … Then I got the denial from the bank. That’s when I started worrying.”

She then contacted Subway and was told by a manager that the bank that would process the chargeback.

Bank of America stated that the chargeback was denied because she requested the full amount, as opposed to deducting the primary charge for the sandwich, according to the outlet. So, since she disputed the $7.54 as well, she had to resubmit the total minus the cost of the sandwich she purchased.

“You hear all the time that you should use your credit card instead of your debit card so that these things don’t happen,” she said. “I’m even getting mad at the bank because I’m like, ‘How did they not think $7,000 was suspicious at Subway?'”

She was given a “temporary credit” from Bank of America after having to endure this for almost a month.

RELATED CONTENT: Crucial Tips To Help Increase Your Income And Boost Home Affordability 

• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

UAB To Provide Free Vision Care Services Through Gift Of Sight Event

UAB's School of Optometry is conducting its 10th annual Gift of Sight event to provide comprehensive eye exams to low-income or underinsured patients in their community.

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The University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) and its School of Optometry are giving back to its community with free medical services. During its 10th annual Gift of Sight event, the clinical program will provide free vision care through Dec. 1.

The Gift of Sight grants free comprehensive eye exams and glasses for patients who are from low-income backgrounds or lack insurance. Their partnership with VSP Insurance, Remote Area Medical, and Changing Lives Through Lenses has helped over 1,800 individuals receive the eye care they need over the last decade.

“Although UAB Community Eye Care provides services year-round to people of all ages throughout the state, this event provides an opportunity for all of our faculty, interns, and staff to come together to serve the amazing people in our community,” expressed Dr. Janene Sims, an associate professor at the school. “We are so honored to be able to give back to the Birmingham community for another holiday season.”

Sims is also a supervisor for the institution’s Family Practice Residency program and has emphasized the importance of routine eye exams and how they can detect other issues with one’s health.

“During a dilated eye exam, we can view the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Eye doctors can see what other doctors treat. If there is leakage, bleeding, or changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye, the same changes are going on in the rest of the body. That is why staying on top of your eye health is important for systemic health.”

As UAB’s Community Eye Care is celebrating 50 years of dedication to ensure patients’ well-being through eye health, this event amplifies their mission to better the quality of living for all, with donations of toiletries also being accepted to provide additional support to those in need. The eye exams are available to those who apply through the school’s website and are being conducted at the Western Health Center Eye Clinic.

RELATED CONTENT: Company Changes Health Care Plan to Deny Employee Access to Birth Control

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 28, 2023

Tupac And Biggie’s Arrest Fingerprints On Sale For Six Figures

For the special price of $225,000, you can get the arrest fingerprints of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

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For the special price of $225,000, you can get your hands on the arrest fingerprint files of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

The California-based autograph broker Moments of Time announced the sale of the officially signed fingerprint cards taken for the arrests of Tupac and Biggie. Photographs show the arrest records taken from Tupac’s arrest in February 1995 and Biggie’s arrest in June 1995.

Die-hard fans or autograph enthusiasts can obtain the records for $225,000 apiece. Moments of Time confirms the authenticity of both items or a full refund of the purchase price.

Tupac’s fingerprints were taken after he was sentenced on Feb. 7, 1995, to 1.5 to 4.5 years in prison for allegedly sexually abusing a fan but acquitted of weapons and sodomy charges, XXL reports. He was housed at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.

The arrest came one month before the release of his third album, Me Against the World. During his sentence, Tupac married his girlfriend, Keisha Morris, but the union was annulled 10 months later.

After serving nine months, Tupac was released on Oct. 12, 1995, after Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight put up $1.4 million for the rapper’s bail. In exchange, Tupac released three albums under Death Row.

While in jail, his nemesis, Biggie Smalls, real name Christopher Wallace, was arrested in June 1995 on a fugitive warrant following a concert in suburban Philadelphia. The warrant stemmed from a May 6 incident in Camden, New Jersey, where the rapper allegedly broke a man’s jaw and stole his portable phone, jewelry, and beeper. Shortly after his arrest, he performed at the Pulsations nightclub.

Shakur was fatally shot on September 13, 1996, and Biggie was killed March 9, 1997. Their premature deaths have long been the subjects of speculation and fascination.

• News

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Florida High School Officials Reassigned After Allowing Transgender Player On Volleyball Team

School officials in Florida have been reassigned following their decision to allow a transgender girl on a volleyball team.

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Four school officials in Florida were reassigned on Nov. 27 following their decision to allow a transgender girl to participate on a girls’ volleyball team, a move that contradicted state law, according to Daily Mail.

Several officials at Monarch High School in Pompano Beach, Florida, including Principal James Cecil, Assistant Principal Kenneth May, Athletic Director Dione Hester, and Volleyball Coach Jessica Norton, have been reassigned following allegations of improper student participation in sports, specifically involving a transgender girl on the girls’ volleyball team, according to the outlet. The move comes in the wake of the passing of a bill in Florida by Gov. Ron DeSantis barring transgender females from playing on public school teams designated for student-athletes born as girls.

“We are committed to providing all our students with a safe and inclusive learning environment,” stated Broward County School District spokesman John Sullivan in a written statement to CBS Miami, emphasizing the school district’s commitment to following state law and awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

Critics, including Scott Galvin, executive director of Safe Schools South Florida, expressed dismay at the school’s handling of the sensitive issue, highlighting the potential breach of the student’s privacy. Galvin criticized the school, stating, “It’s horrendous first on just a human level that the school would out somebody on an issue like this that’s obviously incredibly sensitive. It’s just dumbfounding, and the Broward County Schools should be ashamed of themselves.”

The student in question had not publicly disclosed her transgender identity at the time of the incident, and sources indicate that she transitioned several years ago. The school district superintendent and the regional superintendent of schools decided to reassign the Monarch High officials.

Gov. DeSantis signed the bill into law in 2021 and argued that it ensures fairness in women’s sports by aligning competition based on biological sex. The law has faced opposition from civil rights advocates, including the Human Rights Campaign, which plans to challenge it in court.

“This is yet another hate-driven attack from the governor and Republican legislators, and it’s insulting that they’ve staged this morning’s photo-op on the first day of Pride Month,” criticized state Sen. Shevrin Jones. Despite opposition, supporters of the law assert that it aims to maintain fairness in women’s sports, particularly concerning biological differences between males and females.

As the controversy unfolds, the legal implications and potential challenges to the law are expected to intensify, with critics arguing that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional, while proponents emphasize its focus on preserving opportunities for women in sports.

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 28, 2023

Steve Harvey Gives His Award For Television Icon To Wife Marjorie: ‘We Been 18 Years Strong’

Steve Harvey paid a huge tribute to his wife, Marjorie Harvey, while accepting his Grio Award for Television Icon.

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Steve Harvey paid a huge tribute to his wife, Marjorie Harvey, while accepting his Grio Award for Television Icon.

The famed comedian and television personality was honored with The Television Icon Award at theGrio Awards on Saturday, Nov. 25, and dedicated it to his wife. During his speech, an emotional Harvey praised his wife and seemingly addressed the cheating rumors that surfaced earlier this year.

“That woman right there been down with me like four flat tires,” Steve told the audience while pointing to his wife in a clip shared online. “That woman right there has been faithful to me, loyal to me, 85% of what y’all talking to me about happened after I married that girl right there.

“We been 18 years strong,” he added. “I don’t know what y’all been trying to do, but we covered though.”

The Original Kings of Comedy star closed his speech with a few biblical verses—Isaiah 54:17, Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 91—that touched on the sanctity of his marriage before passing his award off to his wife.

“I’m a give this to you,” he said. “I love you, Marjorie Harvey. I appreciate you riding with me.”

Over the summer, Steve and Marjorie shut down rumors that circulated across social media accusing Marjorie of stepping out on the comedian with a staffer. While at Invest Fest in August, Steve denied the allegations, as seen in a TikTok captured by an attendee.

“Before I get started, just let me say, I’m fine. Marriage is fine,” he told the crowd. “I don’t know what y’all are doin’, but find something else to do ‘cause we fine, Lord have mercy.”

@culturedunplugged #steveharvey clears the rumors about his #marriage with #marjorieharvey #cheating #wife #husband ♬ original sound – Christopher R.

Marjorie followed up with an Instagram post of a Bible verse about “how to handle being lied about.” In her lengthy caption, she dismissed the cheating rumors.

“My husband and I don’t usually stop to address all the foolishness and lies that have been spread about us,” she wrote. “However to whom much is given much is required. I understand that with my platform comes some sort of responsibility to those that may not be as strong as we are.”

• News

by Sharelle Burt

November 28, 2023

Lawmakers Host Special Session To Redesign Voting Maps In Georgia That Put Black Voters At A Disadvantage

Major changes will most likely affect areas south of Atlanta, with other areas seeing more minor changes.

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After a judge found Georgia’s existing districts disenfranchised Black voters power, lawmakers are hosting a special session to come up with new political maps.

The session will happen on Nov. 29 to discuss federal Judge Steve Jones’ findings. Jones found that five of the state’s 14 congressional districts violated the Voting Rights Act, along with 10 of Georgia’s 56 state Senate districts and 11 of the 180 state House districts. Because of this, Jones ordered legislators in October 2023 to redraw the 2021 congressional and legislative maps with some specific goals – adding one Black-majority congressional district, two more Black-majority Georgia Senate districts, and five additional state House seats.

Ari Savitzky, a lawyer with the national ACLU Voting Rights Project, says this is a major win.

“This is a huge win for Black voters in Georgia and for all Georgians who want a level political playing field and progress from the past,” Savitzky said. While the state appealed the judge’s ruling, they didn’t look for a stay in the order.

Redistricting is a high-risk deal for lawmakers, especially for Georgia in the areas identified as problematic. Currently, Republicans have a 33-23 seat majority in the state Senate and a 102-78 seat majority in the state House. Redistricting might help Democrats narrow the margins. University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock said the state will likely add a Democratic U.S. House seat, and some Senate and House seats may flip blue. “Some individuals, primarily Republicans, are going to end up either in a district with another Republican, another legislator or they may find themselves in a district which is not going to be likely to elect a Republican,” Bullock said.

Major changes will most likely affect areas south of Atlanta, with other areas seeing more minor changes. With extending Democratic U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath’s 6th Congressional District in Atlanta’s northern suburbs further north, Republicans went from an 8-6 edge to a 9-5 margin. In a heavily Republican Forsyth and Dawson counties, McBath, mother of Jordan Davis, responded to being in an unfriendly district by running against Bourdeaux in the 7th District Democratic primary and capturing the Gwinnett-based seat.

Jones has given lawmakers a strict deadline of Dec. 8 to right their wrongs, and Bullock anticipates the session not taking long and running smoothly. “If you’re in south Georgia, you won’t have to worry about any of these changes,” he said. “It won’t be a complete redraw.”

RELATED CONTENT: Federal Appeals Court Rules To Limit Voting Act Rights Challenges

• Entertainment

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Honoring The Legacy Of Kool DJ Red Alert On His 67th Birthday

On Nov. 27 in 1956, Fred Crute, the influential Kool DJ Red Alert, was born. Marking the birth of a true pioneer in the world of Hip Hop.

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Celebrating his 67th birthday today, Kool DJ Red Alert stands as one of hip-hop’s most influential DJs. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, The Source shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of this hip-hop pioneer, delving into the profound impact Red Alert has made on the culture.

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A post shared by THE KOOL DJ RED ALERT ™ 📻 (@propmasterretro)

To this day, listeners can tune in to him on 98.7 KISS FM in New York City, where his musical influence endures. On KISS FM, the airwaves resonate with tunes from iconic rap acts he discovered, featuring artists like Queen Latifah and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers. Primarily, these artists were affiliated with the Native Tongues movement during the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Red Alert was also a trailblazer in the development of mixtapes, and was one of the first DJs to pioneer this trend. In the 80s, he achieved another groundbreaking feat by being the first DJ to introduce dancehall music to mainstream radio. Furthermore, Red Alert played a pivotal role at the forefront of a historic rap battle between the Juice Crew and BDP, marking a significant moment in hip-hop history when he debuted the “South Bronx” single on KISS FM.

DJ Red Alert’s indelible mark on hip-hop transcends time, resonating with the vibrant beats and rhythms of the genre. His pioneering contributions have not only shaped the foundations of hip-hop but continue to inspire contemporary DJs. As the sole hip-hop DJ honored with a display in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Ohio, Red Alert’s legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring artists and enthusiasts alike. Celebrating his 67th birthday, we acknowledge Red Alert not just as a pivotal figure in hip-hop history but as an ongoing force integral to the genre’s ever-evolving narrative. His influence reverberates through the beats of today, ensuring that the spirit of Red Alert remains an enduring component of the dynamic evolution of hip-hop.

RELATED CONTENT: First Ever Global Spin Awards Ceremony

• Career

by Janell Hazelwood

November 28, 2023

Boredom Or Sloth: 5 Steps To Get Rid Of A Case Of The Lazies

It's a popular stereotype that millennials are lazy. For those who embody the hype, here are five steps to get get motivated for boss moves.

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Originally Published March 13, 2014 

There’s always that sentiment noted over and over again: Millennials are lazy, entitled, and unmotivated.

(But, smart people who aren’t wearing bias-tinted glasses know we are some of the most charitable, civic-minded, physically active, entrepreneurial and innovative groups on Earth.)

As with any stereotype, some of our peers make it easy for employers and senior professionals to raise a discerning eyebrow, failing to push past average and beyond limitations to go above and beyond for greatness.

Even those of us constantly making boss moves in an effort to upgrade our careers and livelihoods have those moments of laziness—where sloth wins over making power plays.

(My Granny will often scold me in my moments of weakness: “I’m almost 90 and I’m able to wake up early and get things done. Why are you tired?” How embarrassing, right?)

So, whether you just haven’t felt that burst of enthusiasm for anything after college graduation, or you’re in a phase of burnout that’s just lasted way too long, try these five steps to shake it all off:

1. Be sure you’re up to par with your health check-ups.

If you’re transitioning from college life to the grown-folk’s arena, you might not have taken the adequate time to focus on your check-ups (especially if mom and dad aren’t making the appointments or reminding you). Put your big girl panties or big boy boxers on, and get those general checkups, STD tests, Pap smears and dental cleanings.

Also, see a counselor, even if there’s nothing wrong. It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone, whether it’s about your latest promotion or how to cope with the stress of finding out what exactly you want to do with your life.

If you’re a young professional, whose plight to climb the ladder has left little room for sleep, let alone a doctor’s visit, make time to know where you stand in terms of your health.

2. Add fitness to your daily or weekly routine—even if the thought of it makes you cringe.

Not only does it boost your energy, but you’ll look and feel better each day. Schedule in fun activities, whether its taking an hour for gym time or 30 minutes of dancing to your favorite mix in the morning. Schedule this as you would a business meeting or hair appointment.

3. Challenge yourself via games, interesting reading, and interactive events with friends.

Sometimes those creative juices flow more freely when you’re constantly giving yourself mental and intellectual stimulation. Turn off that TV and get into a few video games, books on industry trends or your passions, or travel excursions (local or international.)

4. Make time for learning a new hobby or skill, or relearning something you let go of as a child but want to revisit.

I was once an alto saxophone-playing band geek, and I remember greatly enjoying writing and reading music. Relearning the saxophone not only helps take my mind off the stresses of everyday life, but it gives me something to look forward to in terms of accomplishing something that my livelihood doesn’t depend on. It’s a great idea to challenge yourself to learn something new or brush up on skills such as languages, coding, cosmetology, or sports, especially if it could help your career in some way.

5. Reevaluate what makes you happy via a vision board or blog.

Sometimes mapping things out visually or blogging about life can put things into better perspective. Maybe you need a job or career change, or relocation is in order. Maybe you just need a kick in the pants via inspiring comments, shared experiences, or responses to your writing.

Just remember, you can’t make boss moves if you’re not motivated to, well, move. Millennials, don’t let a case of the lazies keep you from greatness.

RELATED CONTENT: Taking The Conversation To Work: Let’s Talk About Black Mental Health

• News

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Legendary NYC Reporter Pablo Guzmán Dies From Heart Attack At 73

Legendary NYC news reporter Pablo Guzmán died Sunday from a heart attack. He was 73.

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Pablo Guzmán, the venerable New York news reporter, died November 26 from a heart attack, according to the Daily Mail. He was 73.

His enduring presence in the field spanned decades, during which he immersed himself in the intricacies of the city’s politics, crime narratives, and historical transformations. Fondly referred to as “the Son of the Bronx,” Guzmán led a life dedicated to the people of New York City.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, expressing condolences on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, remembered Guzmán as someone who fearlessly spoke truth to power, holding leaders accountable. Adams hailed Guzmán’s contributions, stating, “Our city is a better place because of the work he did, and he will be truly missed. Rest in peace.”

Guzmán’s recent role as a senior correspondent for CBS highlighted his enduring dedication to journalism. He started out as a reporter for WNEW-TV, Channel 5. In 1992, during his days at NBC, he won an Emmy for his reporting on the murder of an NYPD officer. Guzmán worked at CBS 2 for approximately 16 years, engaging with luminaries like Spike Lee, Robert De Niro, Sting, Carlos Santana, and John Fogerty.

However, Guzman’s legacy didn’t start with journalism. He co-founded the Young Lords, a transformative Puerto Rican street gang turned civil rights group that advocated for causes ranging from Puerto Rican independence to local community change.

“I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth,” Guzmán’s colleague, Cindy Hsu said. Pablo was so original and is going to be missed. He knew everybody.”

News director Sarah Burke emphasized Guzmán’s ability to bring out “the best in people,” earning their trust. CBS 2 reporter Tony Aiello also paid tribute, calling Guzmán as the “real deal… whose reporting pulsated with vitality earned on the streets of El Barrio.”

RELATED CONTENT: NYC News Anchor Ruschell Boone Dies From Cancer