First Black Woman-Owned Vinyl Record Shop Opens in Grand Rapids
by Rafael Pena

November 27, 2023

First Black Woman-Owned Vinyl Record Shop Opens in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids welcomed a new cultural milestone with the opening of Della Soul Records, the first vinyl record shop owned by a Black woman.

On Nov. 4, Grand Rapids welcomed a new cultural milestone with the opening of Della Soul Records, the city’s first vinyl record shop owned by a Black woman, according to WoodTV. Della Marie Levi, driven by her lifelong passion for music and inspired by her father’s vinyl record collection, has transformed her dream into reality by establishing this unique record store.

Music has always held a special place in Levi’s heart, as she reminisced about her father’s enthusiasm for vinyl records. “He loved vinyl records. He was in the special zone whenever he listened to his vinyl records,” Levi fondly recalled to WoodTV. Her journey into vinyl records began when she decided to learn DJing using this classic medium. Starting with pop-up shops, she recently expanded into her permanent brick-and-mortar store on Kalamazoo Avenue near Hall Street, officially named Della Soul Records.

Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Levi expressed her desire for the store to be more than a commercial space. “I want to be here for a while. I want people to know where to find me. I want them to know that this is a space for them,” she emphasized, underlining her commitment to creating a community-oriented hub for music enthusiasts.

As the first Black woman to own a vinyl record shop in Grand Rapids, Levi aims to foster connections through the power of music. “I started collecting vinyl, and I thought, what is my next going to be? And I said, I’m going to own a record store, and here we are,” Levi proudly declared. Her vision goes beyond a business venture; she envisions Della Soul Records as a welcoming space where people can share their love for music.

This achievement holds deep personal significance for Levi, who acknowledged the support of those who contributed to her journey, especially her father. In honoring his memory, Levi remarked, “I know if he were still alive, he would be in this store today listening to music, sitting on my sofa, and beaming from ear to ear with joy.”

Della Soul Records, situated on Kalamazoo Avenue, operates from Thursday to Sunday, welcoming music enthusiasts from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Levi’s accomplishment marks a significant cultural addition to Grand Rapids, offering not just a record store but a vibrant community space celebrating the love of vinyl and the diversity of music.

Israel, queens NY, pro-Israel
by Iman Milner

November 27, 2023

Queens, NY High School Students Protest Jewish Teacher Who Attended Pro-Israel Rally

Students at a Queens, New York, high school protested a Jewish teacher they allege attended a pro-Israel rally, call for her firing.

Students at a high school in Queens, New York, banded together in protest against a teacher who allegedly attended a pro-Israel rally. Hundreds of Hillcrest High School students protested for over two hours, causing the educator to lock herself in her classroom, the New York Post reports.

The New York Police Department alleges that they were “requested” in “response of the school sergeant in regard to a disorderly group of students inside of the location.” The incident took place on Nov. 20, in response to claims that the teacher attended the rally and posted a photo of herself to Facebook holding an “I Stand With Israel” sign on Oct. 9.

“A bunch of kids decided to make a group chat, expose her, talk about it, and then talk about starting a riot,” a senior student told the outlet. “Everyone was yelling ‘Free Palestine!’” The students are calling for the firing of the educator, The Hill reports.

Alleged videos of the riot were posted to TikTok as well as other social media platforms showing hundreds of students flooding the school’s hallways as well as alleged damage being done to the building. The NYPD deployed cops to the grounds and employed its counterterrorism bureau to look into an alleged threat made against the school, the New York Post reports.

“Whether it was one student or multiple students who did or said something, whatever the trigger was, something happened. And I know from my many years on the City Council that the counterterrorism task force is not engaged unless they believe it is potentially a serious situation,” City Councilman James Gennaro said.

The teacher who allegedly attended the pro-Israel rally remains unidentified and believes she was unjustly targeted for her beliefs. “I have been a teacher for 23 years in the New York City public school system — for the last seven at Hillcrest High School,” she said.

“I have worked hard to be supportive of our entire student body and an advocate for our community, and was shaken to my core by the calls to violence against me that occurred online and outside my classroom last week.”

RELATED CONTENT: Israel’s First Black Beauty Queen Condemns ‘Black Lives Matter’ For Support Of Palestine

Colman Domingo Denies ‘Euphoria’ Set Is ‘Toxic,’ Believes ‘Young Actors May Not Be Up For the Task’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2023

Colman Domingo Denies ‘Euphoria’ Set Is ‘Toxic,’ Believes ‘Young Actors May Not Be Up For the Task’

Actor Colman Domingo is shutting down reports that accused the "Euphoria" Season 2 set of being a "toxic" place to work.

Actor Colman Domingo is shutting down reports that accused the “Euphoria” Season 2 set of being a “toxic” place to work.

Domingo plays recovering drug addict Ali Muhammad on the series and believes that as a more seasoned actor, he’s more equipped to handle the lengthy shoots that are a normal part of the job. A 2022 Daily Beast report claims the “Euphoria” season 2 set included long hours and the alleged mistreatment of actors.

But in an interview published on Sunday, Nov. 26, Domingo says that wasn’t his experience while filming the hit HBO series. He believes the actors who complained might not be ready for the demanding schedules that come with working in television.

“I’m not gonna invalidate [anyone’s] experience. But working in television is long hours,” Domingo told The Independent. “Sometimes you work up to 14 hours a day. And then you have to go home and prep.

“You have to really live and work in a very methodical way. A lot of young actors may not be up for the task, or have that same work ethic,” he added.

With over three decades under his belt, Domingo knows firsthand all the sacrifice that comes with acting. Especially for those appearing as series regulars in popular shows like “Euphoria.”

“I’ve been in this business for 32 years,” he said. “I know what hard work is. So when I heard those ‘reports,’ I thought, ‘Where is this coming from? That’s just a normal work day.’ Be a professional.”

Domingo went on to defend “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson amid reports of an alleged fallout between him and series regular Barbie Ferreira over the direction of her character, Kat.

There were claims of mistreatment against Ferreira after she allegedly stormed off the set due to her character’s role. It was said that as a result, Levinson cut back on Kat’s role during the season.

“There’s no one that’s going to mistreat you on the set of ‘Euphoria,’” Domingo said. “Sam Levinson is joyful, and collaborative, and could not be a bigger advocate for his actors.”

Domingo starred in Netflix’s biographical drama “Rustin” which was released earlier this month and is set to appear as Mister in the upcoming “Color Purple” musical coming to theaters on Christmas Day.

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Tennessee Kindergarteners Serenade Deaf Janitor On His Birthday
by Stacy Jackson

November 27, 2023

Tennessee Kindergarteners Serenade Deaf Janitor On His Birthday

A 2018 video has resurfaced on Instagram showing a kindergarten class singing and signing "Happy Birthday" to a deaf janitor at their school.

A video from 2018 is resurfacing on social media of a kindergarten class at Hickerson Elementary School in Tullahoma, Tennessee, who serenaded a deaf janitor on his 60th birthday.

In the video shared on Instagram by Inside History, the elementary students at the STEM-designated school stood together on a large rug as they signed and sang “Happy Birthday” to James Anthony, who is known around the school as Mr. James. A teacher and what appeared to be a few other staff members sang along with the elementary students as Mr. James stood at the front of the classroom in a long-sleeved black shirt, blue jeans, and his work boots. According to the history and entertainment page, the students learned sign language for the custodian, who appeared excited about the surprise.

The video, which has reached viral status since it was posted on Nov. 19, has garnered over 11 million views and one million likes. The Instagram community has flocked to the news page to express their thoughts on the janitor’s surprise. “This is what happens when you have a teacher who cares. The students love it, they see how something so simple as learning some sign language makes a deaf person feel cherished and wanted. Love this ❤️,” one user commented.

Another user named Melissa Bryce, who seems to have known Mr. James, wrote that the janitor is “a legend in our little town.”

Bryce continued, “He has a hyper-awareness of his surroundings at all times. Although he is deaf, he has adapted to reading lips, so we don’t have to know sign language to communicate with him. As a community, we take care of James just as he has us. This video goes far beyond just one birthday.”

She noted that Mr. James is a long-time employee of the school system. “This teacher chose to give back the love he has given us, and yes, it gives us chills each and every time we see it ❤️,” Bryce added.

Hickerson Elementary School posted the original video on its Facebook page on Oct. 23, 2018. “Our Kindergarten classes learned how to sign Happy Birthday for Mr. James’ birthday today. He was so surprised!” the post read. Facebook users at the time commented about their admiration for gestures from the teacher and students. Other users also chimed in with “Happy Birthday” messages to Mr. James.

Foxy Brown, Diddy
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 27, 2023

Foxy Brown Seemingly Defends Diddy After Revealing Response To Message Sent To Her

The Brooklyn rapper says that "Diddy gave me M's. For ME, it was the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS."

With the Diddy/Cassie news making headlines for the past week, most people have responded negatively toward the Combs Global executive. Yet, one person, rapper Foxy Brown, didn’t defend him exactly, but she spoke of Diddy in a positive light.

The Neighborhood Talk Instagram account posted a response from the “Get Me Home” rapper that showed her response to someone commenting on the Diddy situation. She acknowledged that she got the “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” while working with Diddy because the collaboration was between Def Jam Recordings and Diddy’s Bad Boy Records.

The Instagram user, Darryl Brown, said to her, “You are thankful I’m thankful I’m so glad you didn’t get caught up in that ditty s— when he tried to sign you God bless you and baby c.”

Instead of going against the mogul as many have over the past several days, she thanked him because they worked together in years past.

“Dead a– tho, Diddy gave me M’s. For ME, it was the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. DEF JAM X BAD BOY COLLABO. SUPER CHECKMATE,” Foxy wrote in response.

After the initial lawsuit filed by former Bad Boy artist Cassie, two other women have come forward separately to accuse Diddy of sexual assault. Both alleged victims claimed that the attacks took place in either 1990 or 1991. Both women have come forward as a part of the New York Adult Survivors Act.

Last year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Adult Survivors Act (S.66A/A.648A), which created “a one-year lookback window for survivors of sexual assault that occurred when they were over the age of 18 to sue their abusers regardless of when the abuse occurred.” Based on that signing, which gave victims a year to file a lawsuit, the Adult Survivors Act ended on Nov. 24.

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Kanye West, chris brown
by Iman Milner

November 27, 2023

Chris Brown and Kanye West Cause An Uproar As Video Of The Pair Dancing To ‘Antisemitic’ Song Surfaces

Kanye West and Chris Brown are in hot water after the pair were seen dancing to a new track some are calling "antisemitic."

The artist formerly known as Kanye West and R&B singer Chris Brown are once again making headlines. The two musicians were seen in a video celebrating the release of West’s collaboration album with Ty Dolla $ign by dancing along to a song some people feel is an “antisemitic song,” Page Six reports.

The track in question titled “Vultures” includes a line rapped by West in which he says, “How I’m antisemitic? I just f–ked a Jewish bitch.” The lyrics, which reference the controversial rapper’s comments that resulted in a severed relationship with Adidas and Gap, amongst other losses, caused a stir on social media, with people condemning both artists.

“Why are we surprised that a women abuser and a man with severe untreated mental health condition would produce such a vile clip?” one X user asked. “Well I guess at least Kanye’s new song isn’t about Hitler. That’s good right? Right?” commented another.

West has been spending his time away from the spotlight working on music in the Saudi Arabian desert with his new wife, Bianca Censori, by his side. In recent years, the “Jesus Walks” rapper has come under scrutiny for his remarks on everything from slavery to the Black Lives Matter movement; however, his antisemitism has drawn the most ire from both his fans and his critics.

During West’s 2020 presidential race, music artists like John Legend openly denounced West and drew back their support for him.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but he was very upset with me that I didn’t support him and I supported Joe Biden. It’s up to him whether he can get past that,” Legend said, according to The New Yorker.

As for Brown, he’s remained a polarizing figure for many since his 2009 attack on then-girlfriend and popstar Rihanna. While some find his history of abuse inexcusable, he’s enjoyed great success and continues to be an artist that others collaborate with musically.

RELATED CONTENT: Kanye West Looking For New Distributors For First Album Since Anti-Semitic Controversy

Father Arrested After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shot On Thanksgiving
by Rafael Pena

November 27, 2023

Father Arrested After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shot On Thanksgiving

In Omaha, Nebraska, a 10-year-old boy was fatally shot on Thanksgiving night. Now his father has been arrested and faces charges.

Will McDonald, 47, was arrested after his 10-year-old son was shot and killed Thanksgiving night in Omaha, Nebraska, according to People.

Police responded to the shooting just after 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, but Kendrick McDonald died from injuries on his way to Nebraska Medicine.

Will McDonald faces charges of “criminal homicide, use of a weapon-gun, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person,” according to a Friday press release from the Omaha Police Department. Currently, he is being held without bail at the Douglas County Jail.

The investigation into Kendrick’s death is ongoing, People reported.

The exact details remain unclear; investigators speculate that the shooting may have coincided with the sounding of a car alarm near the McDonalds’ residence, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

“We do know that there was allegedly a car alarm going off, and for whatever reason, the suspect/father went outside to maybe investigate that,” Omaha Police Capt. Jeremy Christensen said. “As to exactly what transpired and the why of it, we’re still trying to piece that together through our investigation.”

Questions persist regarding Kendrick’s mother’s presence and whether the father mistakenly perceived the 10-year-old as a car thief. Christensen affirmed that a handgun was recovered at the scene and that other children were in the house. However, specifics regarding the number of times the child was shot were not disclosed.

Don Kleine, an attorney for Douglas County, revealed charges could be filed as early as Dec 2. “It’s obviously very tragic,” he said. “But we have to determine if [Will McDonald] was justified in doing what he did.”

At this point, Kleine noted that it does not appear that the father was justified in the alleged shooting. “You hear this, and you go, ‘Oh no, it’s just horrible,’” he added. “A little boy’s death like this. It’s just senseless.”

RELATED CONTENT: Man Suspected of 4 Killings In Memphis Domestic Violence Spree Found Dead

Bill And Camille Cosby Reportedly In ‘Dire’ Financial Straits, But Camille Won’t Fire Staff
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2023

Bill And Camille Cosby Reportedly In ‘Dire’ Financial Straits, But Camille Won’t Fire Staff

Bill and Camille Cosby are in "dire" financial turmoil. But Camille is reportedly too accustomed to their lavish lifestyle to scale back.

Bill and Camille Cosby are in “dire” financial turmoil. But Camille is too accustomed to their lavish lifestyle to scale back.

The disgraced comedian is in over his head with sexual assault lawsuits and tax liens that have forced him to “liquidate” assets and take out “second mortgages,” Radar Online reports. However, despite the “financial turmoil” the Cosbys are in, Camille is refusing to let go of their personal chef and in-house staff, an insider told Radar Online.

Finances have become a “major issue” in the Cosby household with Bill reportedly “frustrated” with Camille’s refusal to fire their staff that hasn’t been paid in some time. The Cosby Show star is said to have told his wife that they “can’t live that lifestyle” anymore.

Once worth $400 million, Cosby has been hit with a series of sexual assault lawsuits along with two tax liens—one for $88,566.88 and the other for $559,573.77. Cosby also had to pay back $1.8 million he owed in back taxes from the 2015 filing season.

In 2022, Cosby was ordered to pay $500,000 to Judy Huth after a California civil jury found him guilty of assaulting Hath at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 when she was 16.

In June, Cosby was sued by nine additional women for other alleged sexual assaults.

The lawsuit, filed in Nevada federal court accuses Cosby of using “his enormous power, fame, and prestige” to isolate and assault the nine victims, NPR reports. The women say Cosby drugged and assaulted them during encounters that took place between 1979 and 1992 in homes, dressing rooms, and hotels across Nevada.

Last week, Joan Tarshis filed a lawsuit against Cosby accusing him of drugging her and forcing her to perform oral sex on him in 1969 or 1970. She also claims Cosby drugged and raped her during another encounter a year or two later, the Associated Press reported.

Cosby was released from prison in 2021 after serving three years for the 2004 sexual assault of Temple University executive Andrea Constand.

RELATED CONTENT: Bill Cosby In ‘Financial Turmoil’ From Sexual Assault Lawsuits

MEAC Announces Its Five Member 2024 Hall Of Fame Class
by Derek Major

November 27, 2023

MEAC Announces Its Five Member 2024 Hall Of Fame Class

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has announced the five members of its 2024 Hall Of Fame class, which will be inducted in March 2024.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced the five members of its 2024 Hall Of Fame class. 

According to a MEAC release, The 2024 class will be officially inducted during the 2024 MEAC Basketball Tournament week in March 2024.

The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference executives, and notable figures who have enriched the legacy of the MEAC since the conference began in 1970. An eight-person committee of administrators and institution representatives selects inductees.

Here are the five members of the 2024 MEAC Hall Of Fame class:

Marty Miller, Norfolk State University: A former baseball standout for NSU, Miller played professional ball with the Minnesota Twins during the 1970-71 season and was named NSU’s baseball coach in 1973, holding the role until 2005, leading the school to 712 wins in his 32-plus year career. Miller’s 584 victories make him the winningest coach in NSU and CIAA history. The former Twin led the Spartans to 17 CIAA championships during their tenure in the league. Miller’s teams made 12 NCAA or NAIA postseason appearances. He was voted MEAC Coach of the Year in 2000.

Charlie Brown, South Carolina State University: Brown was a top wide receiver for South Carolina State from 1979 to 1981. The two-time All-MEAC honoree, he led the Bulldogs to three Black National Championships, four MEAC titles, and a prestigious Gold and Bicentennial Bowl win. Brown was selected in the 8th round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the then-Washington Redskins and made the NFL Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with the team. In 1982, Brown helped the Washington Redskins win Super Bowl XVII over the Miami Dolphins, catching six passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. 

Debbie Anderson, Norfolk State University: Anderson was a member of the NSU track team from 1997-2000, becoming the university’s first NCAA Division I female track & field athlete to earn All-American honors. Anderson ran the 200-meter and 400-meter events, and at the 2000 NCAA National Championship Track & Field meet, Anderson was the runner-up in the indoor women’s 200-meter race and finished sixth in the outdoor women’s 400-meter race. Additionally, Anderson had a decorated professional career as a USA Track & Field team member, winning the gold medal at the 2010 World Indoor Championship in the 400-meter and 4×400 relay. In 2009, she helped the 4×400 relay team win gold.   

Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State: Hargrave played for the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2015 and was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hargrave played in 34 games for South Carolina State, recording 35 sacks, and 166 total tackles, with 53 tackles for a loss.

On October 25, 2014, he tied an FCS record with six sacks against Bethune-Cookman and finished third in the FCS with 16 sacks as a junior, earning First-Team All-MEAC honors. During his senior campaign, Hargrave recorded 59 total tackles, 22 tackles for losses, 13.5 sacks, and forced two fumbles, garnering him First-Team All-MEAC accolades for a second consecutive season and earning FCS All-American honors.

William “Bill” Moultrie, Howard University: Moultrie coached Howard’s track and field team from 1972 to 1993, bringing the team national recognition. Under Moultrie, the Bison won 10 MEAC conference championships, producing an impressive 71 indoor and outdoor Division I NCAA track and field All-Americans, sending several to the Olympic Trials. Moultrie also served as an assistant football coach for the Bison from 1973 until 1982 and was the Director of Athletics from 1986-90. He also served as an Olympic assistant coach in 1992 and, in 1996, became the first African American to serve as an Olympic track referee in Atlanta. Additionally, Moultrie was the first African American football coach hired at Stanford University in 1968 under head coach John Ralston, coaching the defensive backs from 1968-71, and was the freshman head coach for three seasons while helping the Cardinals win two Rose Bowls.

“Congratulations to the five inductees of the MEAC’s 2024 Hall of Fame class,” Commissioner Sonja Stills said in a statement. “This year’s class highlights some of the MEAC’s best in the spirit of competition. These talented former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators have demonstrated a prominent level of representation of their institutions and the conference during and after their years of collegiate competition. These five inductees are exemplary representatives of the MEAC, and it is an honor to welcome them as our newest members to the Hall of Fame.”

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Megan Thee Stallion, Meg Thee Stallion
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2023

Megan Thee Stallion Welcomes Us To ‘Thee Paris Olympics’ 2024

Megan Thee Stallion starred in a hilarious new skit NBC unveiled to promote the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Megan Thee Stallion was tapped for a hilarious new ad NBC unveiled to promote the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The Grammy award-winning rapper gave her pitch for introducing “Thee Paris Olympics” and, of course, it included a flaming hot stallion or horse.

“Welcome to thee Paris Olympics,” Megan says before sticking out her tongue for her signature “ahhh” sound.

In the spot, the “Savage” rapper spots an all-red jumpsuit with red leather thigh-high boots and red hair highlights to match. She flaunts her gold nails and red lipstick while doing her own trot to match the lineup of horsemen trotting behind her.

“Look at my hot girl,” Megan says, as the video shows a glammed-out horse with red highlights to match hers. “Bonjour,” the talking horse with wings says in response before breathing out fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUgmsdupL0w

Meg’s fantasy comes to a close as the camera shows her in a board room explaining her Olympics pitch to executives. The horse with red tresses stands alongside her.

“And that is the Olympics hot girl style,” Megan tells the room.

“So it’s a winged, fire-breathing, talking horse,” one executive asks.

“Duh!” Meg replied.

“That is the Ahhlympics,” she adds.

“What do they not get about this?” the horse asks at the end.

The comical new ad is to promote the 2024 Olympic Games taking place in Paris beginning July 2024. No word on if Megan will appear in more Olympic ads but the latest one is the perfect tease ahead of the summer games.

“As America gathers together today on Thanksgiving, we wanted to surprise the nation with an Olympic moment as big as the holiday, and what better way to do that than with ‘Thee Olympics,’ featuring Megan Thee Stallion and dressage horses at Versailles,” Jenny Storms, NBC Universal’s chief marketing officer of sports and entertainment, said in a statement.

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