by Mary Spiller

December 21, 2024

Marine Charged With First-Degree Murder Of Reality TV Contestant

Willie Ellington is charged with first-degree murder of exotic dancer Tshey Bennett.

Willie Ellington, an active duty Marine, has been charged with killing Tshey Bennett, whose body was discovered in a pond in a secluded Mobile, Alabama, neighborhood. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the 20-year-old Marine was taken into custody on Dec. 18.

Ellington was charged with murdering Bennett, who worked as an exotic dancer on the HollyHoodTV series “Skrippa Bootcamp.” The Marine was based on the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, and Bennett was last seen alive just 50 miles away in Pensacola last Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Office shared that Bennett “was working as an escort and had met the suspect at the Sweet Dream Inn at the time of her disappearance.

The murder of the 26-year-old Bennett resulted in the NAS Pensacola Marine being arrested on charges of first-degree murder and possession of child pornography in connection to her killing.

According to the Independent, police currently suspect that a PlayStation power cord was used to kill her but have refrained from making official statements before a conclusive autopsy report determination.

Jay Jones, Lee County Sheriff, described how Ellington was ultimately arrested. After receiving a tip that he was on a bus stopping in Opelika, Alabama, Jones said, “Our team quickly scrambled to the station and set up a surveillance operation. When the bus arrived, investigators spotted and apprehended a man matching the suspect’s description.”

Sheriff Chip W. Simmons recounted several disturbing pieces of evidence uncovered during the investigation that led to Ellington being ultimately charged. “Throughout the investigation, we completed ten total search warrants on cars, hotel rooms, and phones, and we discovered that the suspect had Googled, before his encounter with the victim, things such as ‘What does a dead body look like after two days?’, ‘How many prostitute murders go unsolved?’ and ‘If you’re strangled can you still scream?’”

The suspected murderer is a private first class in the U.S. Marine Corps. After further searching of his phone, investigators also found child pornography on his device, which led them to hit him with additional charges.

Ellington was on the police’s radar after law enforcement received multiple concerned calls from Bennett’s family members on Dec. 14. After searching the Sweet Dreams Inn where she was believed to be, they discovered the hotel room door left open and Bennett’s car still parked outside. There were also two cellphones, a PlayStation cord, and a bed stripped of its bedding left in the room. The concerning scene prompted authorities to continue searching for Bennett, which led to her body ultimately being discovered.

Bennett was featured in the first season of “Skrippa Bootcamp,” a show where 12 exotic dancers lived together to attempt to “[better] their exotic performance careers.”

American Airlines, lawsuit, racial discrimnation

by Daniel Johnson

December 21, 2024

American Airlines Settles Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Filed By Three Black Men

Neither the airline nor the three men gave details about the settlement.

On Dec. 19, American Airlines announced it would settle a federal lawsuit filed by three Black men who accused the airline of racial discrimination in its treatment of them.

According to The New York Times, although neither the airline nor the nonprofit representing the three men provided details about the settlement, a joint statement issued by the three men indicated that the settlement was a victory for Black passengers.

“We are very pleased that American Airlines took our complaint seriously, and we hope that this never happens to Black passengers or any other people of color again. Our goal in speaking out has always been to create change. We are proud that we used our voices to make a difference in the lives of Black Americans,” Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal said in a statement provided by the Public Citizen Litigation Group, a nonprofit that represented them in court in conjunction with Outten & Golden, a law firm.

As part of the settlement, American Airlines terminated the flight attendants involved in the incident, including a white flight attendant who had accused the three men of having body odor, which led to their removal from the flight.

The settlement also reportedly includes American Airlines’ commitment to prevent discrimination on its flights, but the airline’s representatives did not discuss these commitments.

In its statement, American Airlines indicated that the company’s goal is to create a “welcoming and inclusive environment” for customers and that “the agreement allows all parties to move forward and focus on what matters most — ensuring a safe and inclusive travel experience for every customer.”

“American Airlines is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to all customers,” a spokesperson told CNN. “While we cannot comment on the specific details of the settlement, we have reached an amicable resolution regarding the lawsuit filed earlier this year.”

However, American Airlines has been accused of racial discrimination in the past.

In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Black travelers warning against flying with the airline, citing instances of discriminatory behavior. The advisory was lifted in 2018 after the company addressed the organization’s concerns.

The NAACP was also critical of what it described as a “pattern of discrimination” in a June 2024 press release after the men initially filed a lawsuit against the airline in May.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson alluded to the organization’s previous stance in a statement at the time, “The NAACP is proud to champion efforts to hold corporations accountable…Recent discriminatory actions from company employees prove that there is a dire need for continued accountability and resolution to this clear pattern. We encourage American Airlines to come revive the advisory panel and reconvene with the NAACP to devise a path forward that ensures equitable experiences for all American Airlines customers. Without a swift and decisive response, the NAACP will be forced to reinstate an advisory against the airline.”

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, ex-wife, alimony

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 21, 2024

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Sues AMC Theaters For Alleged Disability Discrimination

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II filed a lawsuit against AMC Theaters on Thursday, accusing the company of disability discrimination.

A respected minister, civil rights activist, and theology professor out of North Carolina is suing AMC Theaters after being escorted out of the Greenville location last year on claims his special wheelchair was a fire hazard.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II took his 90-year-old mother to the movies the day after Christmas last year to see The Color Purple but never got to see the film after theater staff had him removed, WITN reports. In his suit, Barber claims he was discriminated against due to his wheelchair, which is used for a severe spinal condition.

“He was embarrassed, defamed, accused of committing a crime, and subject to a horrific injustice by employees at the AMC theater,” his attorney, Harry Daniels, said during a Dec. 19 press conference.

“Seeing that movie at that time is an experience that I’ll never be able to give to her,” Barber said.

Barber, who uses a wheelchair due to his diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis—a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine’s joints and ligaments—believes his disability led to police being called to forcibly remove him from the theater. He claims the experience violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“I said to them I can’t leave. My gut, my heart, my character, my commitment to justice will not allow me to leave this space when I know legally and morally I have a right to it,” Barber said.

Barber, a former North Carolina NAACP president and civil rights activist, revealed that he met with AMC’s chairman and CEO just days after the incident. While he is not seeking personal financial gain from the lawsuit, he is requesting damages exceeding $25,000 on two counts of mental and emotional distress.

The founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School also aims to bring justice to others who may have experienced discrimination due to their disabilities. He is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent AMC from barring him from bringing his wheelchair to any of its locations and to prohibit retaliation against him or others for exercising their rights.

“Whatever your disability is, you may be disabled, but you are not deficient,” Barber said. “You are as much a part of this human family as anybody else.”

AMC issued a formal apology to Barber at the time of the incident and a promise to review “our policies with our theater teams to help ensure that situations like this do not occur again.”

“We sincerely apologize to Bishop Barber for how he was treated and for the frustration and inconvenience brought to him, his family, and his guests,” a spokesperson for AMC Theaters told Religion News Service, as cited by Deadline.

Michigan, racial harassment, school children, lawsuit

by Mary Spiller

December 21, 2024

‘Go Pick Cotton’: Michigan Parents Sue School District Over Racial Harassment Of Black Students

The Baylis children were reportedly called racial slurs and subjected to racist rhetoric at school.

The parents of two Black middle school students in Portage, Michigan, filed a federal lawsuit against the school district and the administration of Portage West Middle School last week. The Baylis family’s lawsuit alleges that their children were racially harassed by their peers and a school bus driver, while the administrators repeatedly failed to take action to address the behavior despite it being brought to their attention numerous times.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court and claims that the Portage Public School District’s lack of action allowed for an environment where racial harassment is pervasive and allowed by the staff. According to the lawsuit, the two children were bullied with racist rhetoric so severely to the point that Adam and Nakia Baylis, their parents, had to remove them from their school, Portage West Middle School, for their well-being.

The lawsuit names West Middle School Principal Jason Messenger, Assistant Principal Sidney Bailey, school counselor Becky Moon, and school bus driver Bob Hayworth as defendants.

The Baylis family alleged that they provided the school administration with evidence of the harassment, but school officials failed to take necessary action.

The Baylis family described several meetings with school administrators between September and November 2023, and each one resulted in the staff allegedly failing to end the harassment. The Baylises were reportedly told that the district at large didn’t have any policies that specifically combatted racial harassment despite Portage’s 5% Black population. The lawsuit reads, “The administration admitted during the meeting that there were no specific policies in place to address racial harassment. This lack of specific policies left both [students], as well as other students of color, vulnerable to ongoing harassment without adequate protection or clear processes for addressing such behavior.”

The lawsuit describes some of the incidents that the Baylis family faced at Portage West Middle School. It detailed multiple instances of other students calling them racial slurs and telling them to “go pick cotton.” The harassment escalated online as well, where they were sent derogatory messages on social media.

One particular incident on Halloween described a school bus driver chasing the Baylis children through their neighborhood while hurling racial slurs at them.

One piece of evidence included in the lawsuit shows a photo of a white student in blackface that was posted to social media. It included the caption, “I made myself into a n***er.”

Other evidence includes photos of racist messages sent to the Baylis children, including images of Ku Klux Klan members.

Adam and Nakia said the racial harassment left her children traumatized.

Nakia is also a social justice advocate, and she told the Detroit Metro Times that pursuing legal action was an incredibly important step in making sure that Black children in Portage in the future are protected.

She said, “Our goal in pursuing this case is not to shame others, but to utilize our privilege in the pursuit of justice — not only for our family but for all families who may not have the same resources and have faced similar challenges within the district.”

She added, “It is regrettable that ensuring a safe and equitable learning environment for every student, regardless of race or ethnicity, requires such measures.”

by Kandiss Edwards

December 21, 2024

Entertain Holiday Guests With These Black-Owned Games

Bring these Black-owned games to the holiday function to spice up the party.

Catching up with family and friends during the holidays creates its own type of joy. The holidays present the opportunity to love on the new babies in the family and out-of-town cousins, enjoy holiday shenanigans, and more. Still, some hosts have a hard time keeping their energy up before and after the meal. Hitting the domino or spades table is always fun, but not everybody has the confidence to sit with the “grown folks.”

For guests that haven’t learned how to slap down a Big Joker correctly, BLACK ENTERPRISE compiled a list of Black-owned games that will engage the entire house.

Issa Black Thang $29.00

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYVqmYGh

Act out your favorite movie scenes, TV shows, Black sayings, and music videos. Issa Black Thang is charades with a Black flair. If your holiday crowd consists of elders, try the ’70s and ’80s versions to hopefully bring a little nostalgia and joy to the gathering.

Culture Tags $16.99

Culture Tags prompts players to guess acronyms based on everyday scenarios. If you drive by an over-the-top home Christmas display, you or someone you know might say: IKTLBH (I know their light bill high). Guess the acronym and earn a point. The prompts are categorized as Black Twitter, Family and Friends, or Daily Sayings, giving everyone the opportunity to tap into their cultural knowledge.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYVbmLsf

Show What You Know $19.99

This trivia game is multiple-choice. It’s giving “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” with fun, entertaining, and engaging questions and answers. So, if you know any ’90s lore, you might have a shot with the ’90s edition set.

Charge It To The Game $19.99

This drinking game is 21+ unless you pour a few glasses of juice for the youngins. Each card in Charge It To The Game gives a task, dare, or question. You can accept the task, answer the question, or drink!

Lyrically Correct $24.99

Lyrically Correct allows partygoers to test their knowledge of music. Akin to Don’t Forget The Lyrics, the game gives musical prompts and asks participants to follow the corresponding lines. Many people think they know their favorite song bar for bar, but this game is going to put that theory to the test.

AuxGod $27.99

This game tests your ability to dig into your music knowledge quickly. Two teams listen to a prompt, then play their response in song format. The best music response wins. Potential AuxGods can play one of four decks: Party Starter, Vibe, Anthems, and After Dark.

Kulture Karaoke $19.99

Karaoke is a tried-and-true holiday activity. All you have to do is pick a song, go forth, and be great. Still, making it a challenge with prompts adds a little flair. You’ll be challenged to sing a breakup song, dance tune, Trap classic, or any number of other jams.

Let’s Argue $24.98

Let’s Argue is going to spice up the holidays. Each card in the game has a thought-provoking question about life, love, and relationships that will elicit a strong response. The provocative questions will have your guests deep in thought, deep in their feelings, and deep in their debate bag.

Wendy Williams, Guardian, Manhattan Penthouse

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 21, 2024

Wendy Williams Makes Rare Public Appearance to Attend Son’s Graduation

Wendy Williams was present for her son's graduation despite reports of her being "permanently incapacitated."

Wendy Williams made a rare public appearance on Dec. 19 to attend her son’s college graduation despite her ailing health.

The former daytime talk show host was seen in an electric wheelchair with her father, Thomas Williams Sr., 93, and her sister, Wanda Finnie, watching her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., 24, receive his diploma from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami. Photos shared by the NY Post show Williams wearing a sparkly dress with Chanel shoes and a Louis Vuitton purse while wheeling herself around the commencement ceremony.

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1869923298315772289

Kevin Jr. earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from FIU. It followed his transfer from Barry University, where he took time off from 2021 to 2022 to care for his mother. Williams was seen wiping tears from her eyes while watching her son, an only child, accept his diploma.

Her latest sighting at her son’s graduation comes days after fans spotted Williams picking up a take-out order from Sho’nuff Oysters in Fort Lauderdale. The radio and TV personality has maintained a low profile since announcing her dementia diagnosis earlier this year.

In October, Williams’ legal guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, revealed that the former talk show host “has become cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated” as a result of her early-onset dementia. The claims are part of Morrissey’s ongoing legal battle with A+E Network over the release of Lifetime’s “Where Is Wendy Williams” documentary, which she argues exploited Williams for public entertainment.

The documentary unveiled Williams’ struggles with her health, finances, and alcohol addiction. After the documentary was released, her team revealed the talk show alum has aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in 2023 and that the conditions have already “presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”

“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” her team said. “Most importantly, she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.”

Since 2022, Williams has been under a court-ordered guardianship that manages her health and finances, following allegations from her bank, Wells Fargo, that she was “incapacitated.” Williams’ legal team is demanding all profits from the Lifetime documentary.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 21, 2024

Glorilla Gives Back To High School Alma Mater And Purchases Her First Property

Glorilla is giving back to the children of Memphis.

Gloria Hallelujah Woods, known as Glorilla, is celebrating multiple achievements, according to a Facebook post. The rapper recently became a property owner and was honored by her former high school.

The Memphis native also found time to give back to her community. The “Let Her Cook” rapper donated $25,000 to her alma mater, Melrose High School. During the ceremony, the school’s administration announced that the Melrose High media center would be named after the Yeah Glo! rapper.

Woods accepted the honor and expressed her excitement to give such a sizable gift. The 25-year-old also joked about graduating many years ago.

“This is a nostalgic feeling, I can’t belive I’m this old now,.” She continued, “I hope [the students] are happy, I hope they are excited.”

Dec. 19, Woods announced the donation and her new status as a property owner in an X post.

”Bought my first piece of land in my city today along with giving back to my high school I graduated from,” she wrote.

In the accompanying images, Glo can be seen holding a sign congratulating her on her “commercial purchase.”

Woods has yet to divulge if the commercial property has an intended purpose. The rapper is, most likely, considering her next steps as she’s admitted to struggling with money management in the past.

BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the F.N.F singer’s financial realization. In an interview on The Shop, with co-hosts Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera, Glo spoke candidly about her finances. In the interview, she admitted to disregarding her earnings and spending money as quickly as she earned it.

Luckily for the rapper, label-head and fellow rapper, Yo Gotti, set her up for success by hiring her an accountant.

“I was just spending money, and I’m like, ‘OK, I’m getting it. I’m making it, but I’m spending it too,’” she said. “So, like, I really wasn’t just in tune… So, Gotti had got me an accountant.”

Glorilla seems to be putting her money to good use by giving back to her community and purchasing land. Property ownership is a gateway to generational wealth, and with Glorilla’s continued success in the music industry, she is well on her way.

MC Lyte Tells Bowie State Graduates To ‘Keep On, Keepin On’ At School’s Winter Graduation

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 21, 2024

MC Lyte Tells Bowie State Graduates To ‘Keep On, Keepin On’ At School’s Winter Graduation

The entrepreneurial recording artist spoke to the graduates at the Winter Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 19.

Legendary recording artist and entrepreneur MC Lyte shared some wisdom during her keynote address to the graduating students at Bowie State University’s Winter 2024 Commencement ceremony.

The ceremony took place on Dec. 19 at the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex in Maryland. ABC 7 News spoke to the Brooklyn-bred artist, and she shared the message she communicated to the students.

“Just as much as I would want the HBCU students to understand how much power they have, how much change can occur due to their voices and their activity. I’d want the world at large to know that, but specifically here at Bowie today, that was the message: they’re at the precipice for everything new and everything great,” MC Lyte told the media outlet.

Lyte often gives back to the community and is a voice for young girls and women everywhere. Her nonprofit organization, the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, continuously assists those in need. Through the foundation, she has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to help students realize their dreams through education and empowerment.

While talking to the media after the ceremony, she stated how she felt the love from the attendees, including the students, families, and friends.

“I can’t even tell you how many times I held back tears today,” Lyte said. “Specifically with the moments where I could see that they had others here to cheer them on, and sometimes that’s all it takes, is someone while you’re doing the work is to support you while you’re doing it.”

Earlier this month, the “Paper Thin” rapper appeared at music producer and art curator Salaam Remi’s art installment, MuseZeuM, in Miami during Art Basel weekend. The event featured an art unveiling that featured her and Brand Nubian’s frontman, Grand Puba.

by Stacy Jackson

December 21, 2024

‘Unique The Unicorn’ Is The Star Of Afro Unicorn’s New Build-A-Bear Collab

Afro Unicorn and Build-A-Bear have embarked on a magical collab, offering shoppers a chance to create a unique plush friend.

April Showers runs the first female, Black-owned business with a licensed character brand in major retailers. Her Afro Unicorn plush toys have now reached Build-A-Bear stores nationwide.

The established real estate agent and insurance business owner, who designed the brand with the uniqueness of women and children of color in mind, is proud to see her brand expand into the popular retailer where kids build their own furry friends. “When dreams become reality,” Showers captioned an Instagram video. “Our NEW Afro Unicorn collection is made of magic! Get ready for an Afronia adventure with enchanting arrivals now in stores and online, including our new Unique Afro Unicorn plush and adorable new fashions!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by April Showers (@gotaprilshowers)

The new collab with Build-A-Bear offers several options to take home a new Afro Unicorn plush designed with soft brown fur, a fuzzy mane and tail, purple and gold hooves, blue horn, and gold crown. Shoppers can dress up their stuffed animal in the Afro Unicorn halter dress, “Made of Magic” T-shirt, or sparkly bow, with the option to add the “Magical Ride” song or “Go Magic…It’s Your Birthday” jingle to their furry friend. Kids will find a pair of sequin flats included in the complete gift set.

“In the bright and colorful world of Afronia, Unique the unicorn is known for being playful, curious, adventurous and brave,” Build-A-Bear’s product description states. “Known for her love of singing and dancing, Unique is also a problem solver and strategic leader.”

Unique the Unicorn is a reflection of her founder. According to the brand’s website, Showers’ creation of the inclusive stuffed animal was inspired by a close friend who referred to her as a “unicorn.” The term celebrates Showers’ ability to maintain balance in her life as she juggles several business ventures, motherhood, personal matters, and her continued advocacy for women and children of color. The unicorn has become the businesswoman’s favorite emoji. After working with a graphic designer, she transformed the idea of the white unicorn into a diverse, magical creature of her likeness.

The variety of shades of the Afro Unicorn character represents a range of women and girls of color. The brand offers over 25 products, including a collection of plush toys, apparel, puzzles, books, bedding, bandages, backpacks, and collectibles. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Showers launched her Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses haircare line in 2023. Along with its new home in Build-A-Bear stores, Showers’ Afro Unicorn brand can be found in Target, Kohl’s, Amazon, JCPenney, HomeGoods, NovaKids, and over 3800 Walmart stores nationwide.

Shop Afro Unicorn’s Build-A-Bear collection now.

Bank of America, employee, disabled client

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 20, 2024

‘RHOA’ Star Peter Thomas Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison for Tax Fraud

Peter Thomas is headed to prison for 18 months after pleading guilty to tax fraud.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Peter Thomas is headed to prison for 18 months after pleading guilty to tax fraud.

The Neighborhood Talk reports that a reporter at the federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced Thomas’ sentence following the verdict. In addition to prison time, Thomas must pay $2.5 million in restitution fees and undergo two years of supervised release.

Following his sentence, Thomas, the ex-husband of RHOA star Cynthia Bailey, was friendly with the reporter who asked him for clarification on the verdict. It came one day after Thomas took to Instagram to warn, “All young business owners, please learn from my mistake.”

“I’ll be making an appearance in the United States government federal courthouse here in Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the music,” he explained in the video message. “The music of … consistently withholding taxes for [my] businesses [for] over ten years.”

“I thought it was something that I could rectify by getting on that payment plan and paying it. But it doesn’t work like that,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PETER THOMAS (@peterthomasrhoa)

The charges against the Bar One owner stem from his failure to pay employment taxes for his businesses. Instead, he spent nearly $375,000 on travel and ride-sharing services and $250,000 on luxury goods from brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.

“Thomas’s flagrant violation of his federal payroll tax obligations over many years that served to unjustly enrich his companies and himself by more than $2.5 million and deprive the federal government funds used to provide important retirement and disability benefits to employees,” a memo from a federal prosecutor reportedly read.

Thomas was reportedly “motivated by greed,” the memo stated, adding that “Thomas defied the tax laws, expanding his business, hiring more employees, increasing overhead and adding more business locations at the expense of his legal obligations.”

The 18-month sentence comes after Thomas pleaded guilty to failing to pay trust fund taxes, having been accused of tax evasion for several of his businesses between 2017 and 2023.