• Politics

by Sharelle Burt

November 28, 2023

Black Voters Still Unsure Of Who To Support As Biden Continues To Plummet In The Polls

One voter said many stood behind Biden because of his choice in running mate in 2020.

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Things aren’t looking too great for President Joe Biden in the polls.

In early November 2023, Biden was taking the lead in four out of six swing states, however, support for the president has dropped in all but two states now, Politico reports. Though four times indicted, former President Donald Trump is gaining some traction. Numbers from state-level polls show Trump up by 8 points in Arizona and 5 points in Michigan.

Biden’s decline in support could be a reflection of his response to the war in the Middle East, a decrease in reliable Democratic constituencies (such as young voters), and the rise of independent candidates who are making voters question the candidates on both sides. All these points proved to be a major factors with Black voters—whose support in 2020 elected him to the White House—but things are different now.

The New York Times‘ podcast, The Run-Up, recently hosted a group of Black voters for an episode to discuss the challenges Democrats face ahead of the 2024 election. Host and reporter Astead W. Herndon learned that voters feel Biden has his work cut out for him in finding support; many are disappointed by Democrats in Congress, even during the Obama era.

One voter said many stood behind Biden because of his choice in running mate, now Vice President Kamala Harris, because “she had that pearls-and-gym shoes thing and you saw all women from sororities coming together with their pearls and in their Chucks.” “They were like, ‘Oh, we’ve got someone that looks like us in there,'” she continued, according to Business Insider.

“And they were hoping, like we said with former President Barack Obama … they were expecting her to do so much and we’ve seen nothing. And so now it’s like, ‘Who speaks for us?'”

A Black male voter participating in the conversation said many in Democratic leadership has lost sight of the needs of Black men, while empowering Black women at their expense. He feels the GOP’s entrepreneurship narrative will draw many to Trump’s side.

“I honestly feel that the Democratic Party has forgot about the Black male,” he said. “As African American men, sometimes we get left like our needs, our desires, our wants are not always in account. We kinda get pushed to the side. I think sometimes that might be something that men are looking at … that our needs are not being taken care of. Like our matters are not being resolved.”

The bottom line: both Democrats and Republicans needs to focus and do more.

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

• Celebrity News

by Sharelle Burt

November 28, 2023

Blue Ivy Improved Her Tour Performance After Seeing Comments From Online Haters

Some fans were upset that people had the nerve to attack a child, while others saw how tough love helped her get better

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Haters are going to hate, but that didn’t stop 11-year-old Blue Ivy from shining bright.

During the premiere of Beyonce’s upcoming documentary, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, fans learned the megastar’s oldest daughter caught wind of the remarks made about her tour debut and decided to step her game up, CNN reports. Queen Bey and rapper Jay-Z’s daughter accompanied her mom on her world tour to bust out dance moves for her hit singles, “My Power” and “Black Parade.” Beyonce admitted that she was apprehensive about her baby girl joining her on stage.

“She told me she was ready to perform, and I told her no,” the singer was heard saying in the film.

But after the brave protege caught wind of what people were saying about her first performance, she decided to train hard and show the world what she was made of. According to a review in The New York Times, “Queen Bey was dismayed when Blue Ivy read comments on social media that criticized her lackluster moves. But it thrilled her mother that instead of quitting, she decided to put in the work and train even harder for future stops.”

Once social media caught on to how the reviews affected Blue, feelings started to split. Some fans were upset that people had the nerve to attack a child while others see how tough love helped her to be better. Even the hosts of ABC’s The View jumped to Blue’s defense during their Hot Topics segment.

“And this and everyone who participated in this, you should be ashamed of yourself,” host Whoopi Goldberg said. “Lemme tell you how smart this little girl is. She said you know I’m not going to take that to heart, I’m not going to quit. It’s going to make me work harder. Shame on y’all.”

RELATED CONTENT: “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” premieres in theaters on Dec. 1.

• News

by Sharelle Burt

November 28, 2023

Opening Statements From Rapper Young Thug’s RICO Trial Are Finally Underway

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested in May 2022 and has been sitting in jail ever since

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The opening statements for rapper Young Thug’s RICO trial started Nov. 27, WSB-TV reports.

It’s been almost a year and half since the Atlanta native was indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with members of the alleged gang Young Slime Life.

The case has been described as one of the most historic and expensive trials taking place in Fulton County, Georgia. Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested in May 2022 and has been in jail ever since, with several bond requests being denied by Judge Ural Glanville.

Thug is one of six defendants who have entered not guilty pleas on all charges on crimes dating back to 2015. The charges include murders and attempted murders. Thug is also accused of being the leader of a violent Atlanta-area street gang affiliated with the national Bloods gang. Even before the trial started, there has been a swirl of controversial factors, including its anticipated length, contraband being present in the courtroom during jury selection, and a courtroom deputy being arrested for having an inappropriate affair with a defendant.

However, the most head-turning event occurred when a Fulton County judge granted permission for rap lyrics to be included as evidence against the defendants.

According to CNN, defense attorney Brian Steel said Thug “committed no crime whatsoever” which goes against what is being said in court. Popular legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff took to Twitter to post some of the opening statements made by the district attorney, which she deemed jaw-dropping.

“What you will not hear any evidence of is that the defendants were not involved in a criminal street gang,” the lawyer can be heard saying.

“This is the kind of burden shifting that leads to convictions being overturned,” Cuniff continued.

While Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant named Thug as “one of Atlanta’s top offenders who needed to be taken off the streets,” the rapper is looked as a game changer in the music industry. Thug, 32, is described one of hip-hop’s most innovative and influential artists, pushing both musical and cultural—including making the decision to wear a big purple dress for the cover of his 2016 album, Jeffery.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge In Young Thug Case Will Allow Rap Lyrics As Evidence In RICO Trial

• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

FAMU Cheer Squad Secures Deal With Mielle Organics Hair Care

The three-year partnership makes the FAMU cheer squad brand ambassadors for the natural hair care company.

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The cheer squad at Florida A&M University (FAMU) has secured a partnership with Mielle Organics to become brand ambassadors for the global natural hair care brand.

The three-year deal was revealed to the public on Nov. 27.

“I loved everything about my time at FAMU, and this is a full circle moment to give back in this way,” Mielle president Omar Goff, who graduated from the institution’s School of Business and Industry in 2004, said in a press release. “We started the HBCU partnership journey at Howard University with the queens of the pool, and now we are here to partner with the queens of cheer.”

The company, a newly added division of P&G beauty, has established a $250,000 partnership that will include product sampling, activations, as well as social media campaigns to promote both the cheerleaders and the new favorite hair products.

Mielle Organics was founded by Monique Rodriguez in 2014. As a Black-owned hair care brand, it has continued to uplift its community, particularly at HBCUs like FAMU.

“It is great to have Rattlers in great places,” said FAMU cheer squad head coach Brandi Tatum-Fedrick. “We are super excited for Omar Goff’s commitment to his alma mater. In my 18 years of coaching, this is our first partnership, so I am excited for many more to come.”

Tatum-Fedrick also was instrumental in bringing the partnership to fruition through her additional role as FAMU assistant vice president of annual and affinity giving. This is the cheer squad’s first hair care brand deal.

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This brand is going to evolve FAMU Cheer,” said Ashlyn Boles, FAMU cheer co-captain. “It will allow us to step out of our comfort zone to say I can wear my natural hair, and I can rock my natural hair and look good while doing it.”

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Drafts Mielle Organics As First Textured Haircare Partner

• Entertainment

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

Hollywood Sex Scenes To Change Under New SAG-AFTRA Contract

The negotiating committee on behalf of the actors' union fought to ensure clearer standards were part of their contract.

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With the SAG-AFTRA strike tentatively over, the inclusion of intimacy coordinators is official protocol. The move will ensure safer sex scenes to better protect actors.

The negotiating committee on behalf of the actors’ union fought to ensure clearer standards were part of their contract. Previously, intimacy coordinators were common in the industry but not officially recognized. The new agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is considered a “big win” for both SAG-AFTRA and current coordinators in regards to this element, as reported by Rolling Stone.

“This is the first contract where intimacy coordinators are mentioned [in the contract]. I just think it’s very common to have either an uncomfortable or possibly traumatic experience when it comes to this,” actor and activist Caitlin Dulany, a member of the negotiating committee, told Rolling Stone. “And it’s not healthy for us or our sets, so it’s a great victory to have this in our contract…This was a huge win, it was a huge gain, and we really pushed for it.”

SAG-AFTRA has been promoting a more widespread use of intimacy coordinators, even publishing a guideline and database for the increased usage for nudity and simulated sex scenes. The latest regulations as listed in the tentative contract state that producers must use their “best efforts” to secure an intimacy coordinator when warranted.

“Producer will use best efforts to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for scenes involving nudity or sex acts,” the contract reads. “Producer will also consider in good faith any request by a performer or a performer’s representative to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for other scenes. Producer shall not retaliate against a performer for requesting an Intimacy Coordinator.”

As for their future part of the union, President Fran Drescher announced its commitment in 2022 to bring intimacy coordinators as official members. However, the newest provisions to ensure they are part of production when necessary have to be ratified in a Dec. 5 vote by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members.

RELATED CONTENT: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Faces Third Sexual Assault Lawsuit; R&B Star Aaron Hall Named in Suit

• Sports

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 28, 2023

Atlanta Falcons Blend Sunday Night Football With 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

Legendary rappers such as T.I., Jeezy, and Jermaine Dupri came out to represent Atlanta's hip-hop scene.

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The Atlanta Falcons paid homage to its city’s hip-hop scene, including musical guests to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the music genre at their Nov. 26 home game against the New Orleans Saints.

Atlanta emerged as a hub for Southern rappers to become household names, such as T.I, Jeezy, Killer Mike, and OutKast. Some of these music legends joined the field for a special performance, according to The Atlanta Voice.

The Atlanta-based musicians donned black Falcons jerseys, labelled with the number 50 on the back as a nod to the anniversary.

From TLC To Jermaine Dupri, an influx of home team artists came out to represent their city. As for the halftime show, Dupri was joined by Big Boi, Jeezy, and Quavo to perform some of their hits for the crowd. The “Welcome to Atlanta” rapper started his set with the classic song, while Quavo included singles from his former group Migos, paying homage to his nephew and fallen member Takeoff.

However, the festivities were far from over.

In the special edition game’s extra nod to the city’s impact on hip-hop, Atlanta rapper Ludacris came down from the roof to perform some songs, including his 2001 single “Move B-tch.” Ceelo Green was scheduled to sing the national anthem, with TLC also expected to perform, but both Grammy-winning acts couldn’t to due technical issues. Regardless, their presence and the overall show made it clear that Atlanta is irrefutably linked to hip-hop, and is an indisputable part of its widespread cultural influence.

The special performance not only had the crowd hyped, but the home team. The Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 24-15 during the once-in-a-lifetime football game that was a spectacle of culture, sports, and hip-hop.

RELATED CONTENT: Ice Cube Gets Award Named After Him By Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame

• News

by Sharelle Burt

November 28, 2023

Enough Is Enough: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb Speaks Out After Christmas Trees Lighting Shooting Injures Two Teenagers

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Cleveland’s mayor, Justin Bibb, is fed up with the violence occurring in the city.

After a violent shooting that happened after the Cleveland WinterLand tree lighting ceremony, Bibb is calling for the violence to stop, WKYC reports. In a statement, the Democratic Black mayor released a statement thanking the police department but is very angered about the incident that sent two minor victims to the hospital. “Last night, what should have been an evening of celebration ended in tragedy when two juveniles were shot amid a large fight that broke out after Cleveland’s annual tree lighting event on Public Square,” he wrote. “I am both saddened and angered by this senseless violence. Enough is enough. It is time to break the cycle of violence and find better ways to resolve conflicts.”

The shooting happened in Cleveland Public Square around 8:45 p.m. EMS officials said the victims, 13 and 15, were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center shortly after. The 13-year-old victim is listed in stable condition, while the 15-year-old victim is in serious condition. Police were able to arrest the suspects, who haven’t been identified since they are juveniles. “I am grateful to the officers of CDP for their fast and effective response. CDP quickly identified and took two juvenile suspects into custody, both of whom will be presented to the County Prosecutor’s Office,” Bibb continued in his statement. “The two victims, ages 15 and 13, were taken to the hospital. One remains in serious condition; the other is stable.”

Comments on social media paint two different narratives of support for the young mayor. Under the statement, one user blames Bibb for things getting worse during his term, and another says parents are to be blamed for the violence.

But things are looking up for the 36-year-old mayor. Despite a few issues, according to Cleveland.com, Bibb is a frontrunner for reelection in 2025. City Council President Blaine Griffin is considered a possible Bibb election opponent worth taking seriously.

• Career

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 27, 2023

Omega Psi Phi’s Sigma Rho Chapter Donates Nearly 100 Suits To Jackets For Jobs

This Thanksgiving season, the Sigma Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has donated nearly 100 suits to Jackets for Jobs.

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This Thanksgiving season, the Sigma Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has exemplified the spirit of giving by generously donating nearly 100 suits to Jackets for Jobs, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals through professional attire and career development. The fraternity’s timely contribution aligns with Jackets for Jobs’ mission to distribute suits, turkeys, and ties to men in need during the holiday season, truly embodying the essence of being a blessing to Detroit men.

Jackets for Jobs, a long-standing pillar in the community for 23 years, primarily serves women, with 70% of its clients being female. The donation from Omega Psi Phi will significantly impact the support provided to men and veterans in a substantial way, further reinforcing the ongoing commitment of men supporting Jackets for Jobs in its noble cause.

 The history of Jackets for Jobs is deeply intertwined with Detroit’s leadership, as every Detroit Mayor, from Kwame Kilpatrick to Mike Duggan, has graciously donated a suit to champion the organization’s mission. Notably, the family of Detroit’s first black Mayor, Coleman A. Young, has contributed to his cherished suit, enriching Jackets for Jobs’ historical collection.

To showcase these significant contributions and highlight the profound impact of Jackets for Jobs in empowering and clothing job seekers across metro Detroit, the Detroit Historical Museum is hosting an exhibition through April 2024. The public is invited to witness this display of generosity and community support.

Alison Vaughn, President & CEO of Jackets for Jobs, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We appreciate the fraternity’s timely support. We not only want to feed those that are hungry but clothe them as well.”

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college, has a rich history of impactful members, including actor/rapper/former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, comedian Steve Harvey, Jesse Jackson, Radio host Ricky Smiley and retired NFL star Ray Lewis just to name a few.

For more information about Jackets for Jobs and their mission, visit JacketsForJobs.org

RELATED CONTENT: Black Fraternity Omega Psi Phi Celebrates 100 Years of Service to the Los Angeles Community

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

• News History

by Daniel Johnson

November 27, 2023

Alaska Black Caucus Finds Racist Slurs On Its Building

Alaska Black Caucus employees discovered racist slurs spray painted on the side of their building located in downtown Anchorage.

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Alaska Black Caucus employees discovered racist slurs spray painted on the side of their building located in downtown Anchorage on Nov. 24. According to Alaska’s News Source, the spray-painted slurs brought back unpleasant memories for Brenda Tyler, who told the outlet, “I’m from the South… you’re bringing back some of my past experiences.”

The organization has been the victim of similar attacks, each time reporting them to the Anchorage Police Department. The Black Caucus said it has no intention of moving or being bullied. Furthermore, Rev. Patricia Wilson-Cone denounced the spray painting, telling the outlet, “This is not a message to our young people today. This is not a message to the world today. This is not a message to anybody, regardless of your race, your faith, or what you subscribe to in making it a better world,” Rev. Wilson-Cone said.

“This is not a positive light and a positive message, and we have zero tolerance for it.”

According to its website, the Alaska Black Caucus is “the premier non-partisan organization asserting the Constitutional Rights of African Americans in Alaska.” The building it is in now, the Equity Center, was purchased by the organization in 2021 through money received from the American Rescue Plan Act and contributions from private donations.

“The Equity Center will serve Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Alaskans in Anchorage through a commercial kitchen, gathering space, below-market-rate office spaces, co-working, partner leased space, and associated programming,” the website states.

Alaska Black Caucus President Celeste Hodge Growden described her vision for the center on its website: “It is a permanent home for us where we can freely breathe. It is a place to figure out how we can change conditions for BIPOC communities. It is a place where we will engage with each other and with community leaders and gatekeepers; where there are many seats around the table to build trust and relationships and back them up with advocacy and action.”

RELATED CONTENT: Congressional Black Caucus Institute Launches Tech Platform to Diversify Public Policy Recruitment

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

November 27, 2023

Cassandra Jackson Says Resignation As Tallahassee City Attorney Is Due To ‘Personal Reasons’

Some city officials believe Jackson's unexpected resignation is a result of City Hall's "hostile environment."

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After serving as Tallahassee’s lead attorney for five years, Cassandra Jackson has said farewell to the position.

According to The Tallahassee Democrat, Jackson’s resignation, effective Friday, Nov. 24., is due to personal reasons. “It certainly has been the honor of my life, my career, to serve as your city’s attorney,” Jackson said. The attorney will serve as a consultant until her retirement date of June 1, 2024, earning her current salary of $248,767.

Jackson publicly announced her resignation on Nov. 2, and city officials have been vocal about her unexpected exit. Some officials believe her exit is a result of City Hall’s “hostile environment.” The opinions come amid negative text messages from Assistant City Manager Wayne Tedder. Tedder allegedly told a developer that Jackson “lacks the credentials, knowledge and experience with the issues to make a positive contribution to this level of work.”

Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said Jackson is a true inspiration. Commissioner Curtis Richardson said the attorney is “one of the best you’ll ever find in Florida.” Mayor John Dailey told The Famuan that he is excited about Jackson’s next chapter. “I’m very appreciative for what she has done for the City of Tallahassee.”

Jackson made history when she was elected into office on Feb. 1, 2018, and became Tallahassee’s first Black female city attorney. Before the position, she served as the deputy city attorney for two years.

As Tallahassee city commissioners search for a permanent attorney to fill Jackson’s seat, Deputy City Attorney Amy Toman will serve as interim city attorney. “The city attorney’s office will continue to function as if it were her there. We work very closely with the city attorney because we are dealing with contracts and any liabilities and public hearings, but all of that function will still continue to happen throughout the city attorney’s office,” Williams-Cox said. “When Cassandra was not available, the deputy made sure everything happened.”

The commissioner said that Toman is an experienced attorney who knows how to keep up with the daily operations.

RELATED CONTENT: Oklahoma Governor Calls For ‘Immediate; Resignation of Officials After Racist Recordings