by Rafael Pena

November 23, 2023

Southwest Atlanta Nonprofit Faces Eviction, Urgently Seeks $100,000

A long-standing pillar of the community for 21 years, the organization is on the brink of closure.

On Nov. 21, Eric Merriweather, the founder of the nonprofit African American Association of USA in Southwest Atlanta, urgently appealed for financial support to stave off eviction, as reported by WSBTV. Merriweather emphasized the critical timing: “Today was the last day for the landlord to even get it paid before they send it to the attorney for eviction.”

With the organization, a long-standing community pillar for 21 years, on the brink of closure, it grapples with outstanding bills, including overdue electricity expenses.

Dedicated to providing free essentials, such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, the nonprofit has been a lifeline for over 21,000 families in Atlanta. This year alone, approximately 7,000 families benefited from its assistance.

Merriweather emphasized the critical role they play for families with limited resources, stating to WSBTV:

“They may have one paycheck coming into the household that goes toward bills per se, and they don’t have the ability to get food or personal hygiene products,” he said.

The nonprofit recently made efforts to distribute turkeys to those in need in Atlanta. However, Merriweather faced the challenge of dwindling supplies. Approximately 100 boxes containing clothing items and food remain, with a noteworthy shift in their clientele.

Merriweather shared, “We’re finding that a lot of middle-class people are coming to get food,” highlighting the widening impact of economic challenges.

The organization’s financial strain intensified post-COVID as sponsors scaled back contributions to conserve funds. Adding to the adversity, Merriweather suffered a stroke in 2022, further impeding its ability to sustain operations. Now, the African American Association of USA urgently seeks support to the tune of $100,000.

Merriweather outlined the allocation of funds, stating, “That would help with the rent. That would help with the transportation to get the food here. That would help with the utilities.”

As the clock ticks, the organization that has supported the community over the last two decades stands at a crossroads, appealing for financial aid to secure its future and continue its vital mission.

Robert O’Hara Brings Black Stories To The Met

by Daniel Johnson

November 23, 2023

Robert O’Hara Brings Black Stories To The Met

Though opera is seen as a very white, very high-brow space and art form, O’Hara is attempting to transfigure it into a temple devoted to Afro-futurism

An opera about the life of Malcolm X, aptly titled X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, debuted at the Metropolitan Opera on Nov. 3.

According to NPR, the show has been running off and on since 1985 and has largely remained a family affair. Anthony Davis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, wrote the music, and his brother, actor/director Christopher Davis, wrote the story. A cousin, scholar, historian, and writer, Thulani Davis, wrote the libretto.

The newcomer to the production is its director, Robert O’Hara. One of the few Black theater directors working, in 2021, O’Hara used his influence to create a showcase for other Black directors and playwrights. In 2022, O’Hara was chosen to revive Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal play A Raisin In The Sun. O’Hara chose to put his spin on the production, re-interpreting the story as a tragedy focused on the female characters in the play.

The music is as much of a character as any of the faces on the stage, something that the play’s lead, baritone Will Liverman, recognized as he discussed how the music dovetails with changes in Malcolm X’s life. Liverman told NPR, “It’s just the energy — it never settles at any point; it’s always kind of in the forefront,” Liverman explained. “And it really represents Malcolm’s story — lots of turmoil and transformations. There is nothing that was just kind of even-keeled throughout. He was always evolving and changing.”

Much like he did with Hansberry’s play, O’Hara has transformed the source material into something that subverts the arena in which it will be seen. Though opera is seen as a very white, very high-brow space and art form, O’Hara is attempting to transfigure it into a temple devoted to Afro-futurism, as he told NPR, “A spaceship has crashed into the Met,” O’Hara said, “and a future race of people are telling the story of this icon.”

At one point, the spaceship will display names of Black victims of police violence, and Thulani Davis says that particular moment is one that emotionally stuck with her. Davis told NPR about her recollection of the first time she saw O’Hara’s version of the play, saying, “The reason I cried so long after the first scene was that the spaceship started showing names, and it was a stab in the heart — all these names from all different generations,” Davis explained. “It’s as if somewhere somebody saved those names. You know, we historians try to keep those names alive, but it was as though society wants to forget.”

O’Hara knows what this means for him and the history of Black people in the operatic space, and he is both proud and staunchly critical, telling NPR that the achievement is bittersweet for him, “It’s significant. But you also have to acknowledge the fact that something hasn’t been going great in this situation. No one gets a hero cookie for doing this, right? It should have been done much sooner. I should not be the second. I should be the 200th Black director.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Jamie Foxx Sued for Sexual Assault

The incident reportedly occurred in 2015.

After the bombshell lawsuit filed by former Bad Boy artist Cassie against Sean “Diddy” Combs comes another sexual accusation against another prominent entertainer.

Multihyphenate Jamie Foxx has just been sued by a woman who claims the actor sexually assaulted her in August 2015 at a NYC rooftop bar. The unidentified woman filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in the New York Supreme Court. She alleges that Foxx fondled her and then violated her when he stuck his hand down her pants. She also named the rooftop bar, Catch NYC & Roof (Catch NYC Inc.,) Catch Hospitality Group, and the owner of the venue, Mark Birnbaum, in the paperwork.

The woman alleged she was with a friend when they were sitting near Foxx. After asking to take a picture with him as he sat with Birnbaum, an “intoxicated” Foxx “roughly” took her phone and took more pictures while making suggestive comments. After doing so, he allegedly grabbed her by the arm to take her to the back of the rooftop, and that is where he slid his hand under her shirt and started rubbing on her breasts, according to the suit.

She also claimed that when she tried to get away from him, the Any Given Sunday actor slid his hands down into her pants and placed his fingers in her vagina and anus. A security guard allegedly witnessed the act, but the guard walked away. She also stated that when her friend came over, the comedian stopped the sexual assault and then headed over to the security guard.

The alleged victim states that she is suing the venue because the owner and the staff did nothing to stop it and were “negligent” in protecting their clientele. She stated that they “had knowledge of Foxx’s propensities for aggressive behavior toward females, the potential for unwanted sexual touching, and his bad disposition when consuming excessive alcohol.”

She required medical treatment due to what took place, experienced “pain and suffering,” and still feels the effects of the assault. She added that it caused “severe emotional distress and anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and emotional damages.”

She is asking for unspecified damages.

Suspected Burglar Thwarted By Fayette County Deputies In Pre-Dawn Incident In Georgia

by Rafael Pena

November 23, 2023

Suspected Burglar Thwarted By Fayette County Deputies In Pre-Dawn Incident In Georgia

Fayette County deputies successfully thwarted a potential break-in from a suspected burglar after responding to a vigilant citizen's call.

In the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 14th, Fayette County deputies effectively prevented a possible break-in after responding to a concerned citizen’s report of a suspected burglar in the vicinity of Kenwood Road, as reported by WSBTV. This incident transpired at approximately 2:15 a.m.

A concerned 911 caller reported seeing an individual donning a ski mask, suspiciously peering into the windows of a closed business. Promptly responding to the call, deputies arrived at the scene and spotted a man matching the caller’s description.

The arrested individual has been identified as Desjuan Toliver, a 29-year-old resident of LaGrange. Upon closer inspection, deputies discovered that Toliver was equipped with pieces of concrete. A subsequent search revealed car keys clandestinely stashed in his sock, raising further concerns about his motives.

The arrest unfolded as Fayette County deputies identified a GMC Yukon and a trailer that belonged to the suspected burglar parked several businesses away from the scene. The trailer contained additional pieces of concrete, along with ratchet straps and moving blankets—tools that suggested a premeditated attempt at burglary.

Toliver has been booked into the Fayette County Jail, facing charges that include loitering, prowling, and criminal intent to commit burglary.

As reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, Sheriff Babb says, “They usually see in uptick in crime during the holidays.”

In Fayette County, Georgia, violent crime is low, boasting a rate of 12, notably below the national average of 22.7. However, a twist in the plot unfolds with property crime taking center stage at 30.4, a tad higher than the broader U.S. average of 35.4. It paints a picture where the county, though enjoying relative safety from violent incidents, leans a bit more toward property crimes like burglary and theft, based on a report from Bestplaces.net.

Second Suspect Arrested In Connection To Morgan State University Homecoming Shooting

by Lauren Nutall

November 23, 2023

Second Suspect Arrested In Connection To Morgan State University Homecoming Shooting

He has since been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

A second suspect has been arrested following the mass shooting at Morgan State University’s homecoming on Oct. 3, according to CBS News Baltimore.

On Nov. 20, the D.C. Metropolitan Police reported that Jovan Terrell “Chewy” Williams, 18, had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting, which left five people injured. He has since been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other charges stemming from the incident. His alleged accomplice, 17, was arrested on Oct. 12.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott spoke to CBS News Baltimore about the arrests.

“The Morgan State community has been forced to grapple with the violent, reckless decision of a few individuals who had no regard for the lives around them,” he said. “I want to thank the U.S. Marshals, BPD, and Morgan State Police for diligently working this case until these suspects were apprehended. I hope that this will be a sign to everyone that if you come into Baltimore City, endanger lives, and injure people, we will not rest until you are held accountable.”

The shooting took place near the school’s Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center after the Mister and Miss Morgan State Coronation event. According to ESPN, an argument broke out between two groups, and the two gunmen opened fire, injuring four men and one woman between the ages of 18 and 22. However, their injuries were not life-threatening.

In response to the ordeal, Morgan State University’s homecoming festivities were canceled for the remainder of the week. University President David K. Wilson released a statement after the attack, saying, “What happened on our campus was such a senseless act of violence perpetrated on our community. It was so disappointing to learn of what took place, especially after what was a family-filled and fun evening of celebrating the pageantry and beauty of our students. But rest assured, our Morgan family is strong, and we will march on with determination to keep moving on.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

LeBron James Becomes First NBA Player To Score 39,000 Career Points

King James keeps adding to his legacy in his 21st NBA season

His place in the NBA Hall of Fame is already solidified, and he is making sure that entry is unanimous in the first year he is eligible. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James became the first NBA player to score 39,000 points in the league.

According to NBA.com, the feat occurred in the first quarter of the Lakers 131-99 victory over the Utah Jazz on Nov. 21. James connected on a 3-point shot to make history again. He was christened King James long before becoming an NBA legend, and it certainly fits now.

With LeBron James becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 39,000 points, look back at his journey to becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! 👑 pic.twitter.com/t3YTnJIccF

— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2023

With the Lakers’ victory, they have won every game played in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. James was only on the floor for 24 minutes and finished with 17 points.

“I got congratulated by my teammates and coaches, (but) I haven’t had an opportunity to really wrap my head around what that means,” James said after doing what was perceived as impossible many years ago. “There’s been so many great players that came across this league since the beginning of time, and so many great scorers. To be able to accomplish something that’s the first of anything, I think that’s always pretty cool. It’s a wild moment, that’s for sure.”

James is playing at a level not shown for someone who has played for over 20 years. He has stated in the past that he wants to compete in the NBA long enough to play on the same team as his oldest son, Bronny James, who is currently a freshman at USC (University of Southern California). If this level of play continues, he might be around when his second son, Bryce, a high school senior, is eligible for the NBA.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Eddie Murphy Returns As Axel Foley For ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Alex Foley’ Slated For 2024 On Netflix

Eddie Murphy reprises his role in the famed film franchise, this time for Netflix

Axel Foley is back!

The fourth installment of the Eddie Murphy-led Beverly Hills Cop franchise will debut in 2024, according to a post on X. The sequel is the latest film that comes nearly 30 years after the third installment hit theaters in 1994.

He’s back. Axel Foley returns in 2024! pic.twitter.com/IQkJBvq2QF

— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2023

The title of this film is Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. In this movie, the Detroit police officer returns to Beverly Hills again.

Murphy has been busy since his last appearance as Foley. Four years ago, Murphy starred in the Dolemite biopic Dolemite Is My Name, which aired on Netflix. After a successful run, the streaming giant picked up the rights to make the next sequel to Beverly Hills Cop, with Eddie Murphy taking the lead role once again and Jerry Bruckheimer set to produce. Netflix secured an exclusive one-time licensing agreement with Paramount, the original producer and distributor of the trilogy. This agreement included an option for a sequel, granting the streaming platform the authority to create the fourth installment in the film series.

Paramount retains the rights to the underlying intellectual property and the original three movies.

John Taggart (played by John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), the two Los Angeles police detectives who appeared alongside Foley, will be by his side again in this latest adventure. Paul Reiser is also returning to reprise his role of Jeffrey Friedman. Even Serge (Bronson Pinchot) makes an appearance in the film.

Empire reports that the plot involves Taylour Paige playing Foley’s daughter as a criminal defense attorney. She pulls him into a case she is working on in California. Kevin Bacon is a special-unit police officer who works the case with Murphy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a character.

Mark Molloy directed the sequel, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley.

The first Beverly Hills Cop was released in 1984, followed by two sequels in 1987 and 1994, and has grossed $735.5 million worldwide.

Tiffany Haddish’s Former Friend Looks Forward To Facing The Comedian In Arbitration

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Tiffany Haddish’s Former Friend Looks Forward To Facing The Comedian In Arbitration

'I plan on exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is,' said Trizah Morris

After a judge ruled against her attempt to keep her defamation lawsuit against her former friend, Tiffany Haddish, from being heard in arbitration, Trizah Morris responded to the ruling by saying she is looking forward to “exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is.”

According to Radar Online, Morris stated she didn’t understand the protocols of arbitration but now that she knows about the process, she is anxious to prove her case against Haddish. She gave a statement to the media outlet after the comedian won the battle to have the case tried in private arbitration as opposed to an open courtroom.

“I wasn’t concerned about the case being out of the public eye because I am not personally interested in any exposure,” Morris stated. “I was more concerned about the arbitration because I didn’t understand the process. Now that I know how it works, I look forward to presenting concrete evidence of how my daughter and I were bullied into signing the agreement and how she lied about being extorted. I plan on exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is.”

Recently, “The Last O.G.” actress requested that Morris’ lawsuit be heard in arbitration since her former friend signed a non-disclosure agreement, and the judge agreed with the comedian and granted her the request. This was due to Morris agreeing to do so if there were any disputes. But, Morris claimed that she signed that agreement under duress after Haddish and her team bullied her into doing so.

After Morris’ adult children settled a sexual abuse lawsuit against Haddish and fellow comedian Aries Spears in September 2022, Morris claimed the two comedians defamed her publicly by saying that she was trying to extort the two of them. Earlier this year, in February, Morris stated she got in contact with the attorneys of both comedians, requesting they release a statement clearing her from the extortion claims. That did not happen.

In her suit, Morris says she suffered personally, academically, professionally, and financially due to the comedian defaming her. She also claims that she has suffered anxiety and mental anguish over the damage done to her reputation.

It’s Giving Stress-Free: 5 Ways To Manage Stress This Thanksgiving

by Jasmine Jackson

November 23, 2023

It’s Giving Stress-Free: 5 Ways To Manage Stress This Thanksgiving

The holiday season can feel stressful. Here are five tips for managing stress so your Thanksgiving holiday doesn’t turn into a scene from Soul Food.

Originally published Nov. 24, 2022

While #ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies captures snapshots of the humorous side of the holiday, some Black folks may find the season stressful.

If the thought of coming together under one roof with your estranged cousins, opinionated aunties, and whimsical uncles stresses you out—breathe, child. Here are five tips for managing stress so your Thanksgiving holiday doesn’t turn into a scene from Soul Food.

Get an early start

If you want to keep your stress levels low this holiday season, aim to get out of bed before everyone else. Take time to gather your thoughts and express gratitude in your own way. This might look like praying, exercising, or making a cup of coffee. Get creative about how you start your day. Try taking a walk, listening to music, etc. An early start will allow you to cook, plan, or even last-minute shop before the madness begins.

Plan entertainment

This might be especially beneficial if you’re on kitchen duty. Unless you’re ordering dishes—no shame if you are—expect hungry family members to crowd around the kitchen before the food is ready. Before you start cooking, place board games out to keep your family entertained. Not many uncles and aunties can resist a good old card game. Leave the remote out or turn on a football game. Take a look at the Thanksgiving lineup on nfl.com.

Identify your triggers

Never-ending questions about the future, like when you plan to have kids, might trigger you into defensiveness. To keep your stress under control, identify your triggers. For example, are you sensitive when discussing your career? What will you say if you get hit with, “So what do you plan to do after you graduate?” Do questions about marriage make you feel like you’re in the hot seat? Expect your family to approach you with nosy questions like, “Are you still single?” or “Why didn’t you invite your boyfriend/girlfriend?” Prepare yourself by practicing responses ahead of time.

Think before you respond

Sometimes a fight over the last piece of pie has been years in the making. Tension between in-laws, old grudges, and other disagreements are bound to happen. To minimize your stress, think before you respond. If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict, consider if you really mean what you plan to say or you’re just itching to one-up your family member. Think about how you feel when you’re on the receiving end of conflict, and try to remember that what you say in the heat of the moment can stick with someone for a lifetime and leave you full of remorse.

Ask for help

The demands of the holiday season can feel like too much at one time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, try asking family members for help with tasks. Maybe you’re missing a loved one who passed on and need to talk out your emotions. Get professional help from a therapist or doctor if needed. While the holidays can bring happiness, the season can also stir feelings of sadness and stress. Acknowledge that your feelings are valid and lean on family, friends, or professionals for support.

Now go and enjoy your stress-free Thanksgiving, and remember to save some food for everybody else when you fix your plate.

by Sharelle Burt

November 23, 2023

Equity Firm Co-Owner Kneeland Youngblood Sues Oil Company For $900M Over Land On Behalf Of Enslaved Ancestors

Victory for descendants sets a precedent for equitable land ownership.

The founder of a Black-owned equity firm is suing one of America’s largest oil firms on behalf of his enslaved ancestors, the Daily Mail reported. Kneeland Youngblood, co-founder of Pharos Capital Group, has filed a lawsuit against ConocoPhillips for $900 million for allegedly keeping money from him and his family for the property – a 14.77 acre tract of land – in Texas that he claims was bought by his freed slaved ancestors. The land in question is 60 miles southeast of San Antonio and could be worth millions. The lawsuit is on behalf of Youngblood’s great-great-grandfather’s descendants for royalty payouts.

According to the suit, the oil giant ignored the Youngblood claim of the land and decided to side with another family, listed as the Korths. The firm signed with the Korth family in order to streamline oil royalty payments and allegedly cut Youngblood completely out of the equation.

Disputes over the land date back to a period after the Civil War. Youngblood’s great-great-grandfather, Louis Eckford, bought the land in Karnes County in 1889 after he and his wife were freed from slavery. Following his death in 1896, his half passed on to his wife, Eliza, while the rest went to their nine kids. When Eliza died, a well-known white money lender, named Fritz Korth, took over her interest in the property as repayment for a $300 loan. The loan was secured by a deed of trust on the land.

Now, both sides are fighting for their legacy on the land as Korth family descendants claim he bought her children’s shares as well.

Fritz paid $735.50 for the land in 1939 after none of Eliza’s children claimed the land after her death, essentially passing control of the tract to the Korths. As of 2023, the family runs a cattle operation on the ranch. Two-hundred Eckford descendants, including Youngblood, have never profited from the land.

Decades later in 2008, ConocoPhillips approached the Kroths to begin drilling for crude oil. The company then acquired leases with the family and signed leases with some of the Eckford heirs. Since 2011, when Youngblood’s family first heard about the plot of land, the former emergency room doctor has been formally trying to establish his family’s shared ownership rights.

According the Daily Beast, Youngblood said in an interview with The Wall Street Street Journal that the fight is about legacy.

“This is about legacy,” Youngblood said. He continued to say that the outcome of this fight “for many of my relatives, it could be transformative.”

A Texas jury confirmed during the summer of 2023 that the Youngblood’s family were the rightful co-owners of the oil-rich land. Youngblood describes the victory as win, especially for other Black families who may have missed out on the benefits from Texan land that has been dispossessed in the last century.

ConocoPhillips has denied any wrongdoing in court filings.