17-Year-Old Jump On Instagram To Brag About Allegedly Killing A 14-Year-Old

by Daniel Johnson

November 15, 2023

17-Year-Old Jump On Instagram To Brag About Allegedly Killing A 14-Year-Old

Lorenzo Thompson shot Estep as his mother stood behind him and watched. Three days after the shooting, Thompson bragged about killing Estep on an Instagram Live

A 17-year-old in Washington D.C. has been charged as an adult for the shooting of 14-year-old Niko Estep in the Columbia Heights neighborhood on Nov. 3. According to the Washington Post, Lorenzo Thompson shot Estep as his mother stood behind him and watched.

Three days after the shooting, Thompson bragged about killing Estep on an Instagram Live. According to the police warrant obtained by the Post, officers saw the Live as the actions of someone who was not remorseful about the act of taking a life. “The defendant shows no remorse during this broadcast and it appears that [he] is celebrating with others as he demonstrates someone turning around to run and then falling after being shot.”

At present, the police have not ascertained a motive for the shooting, but currently have charged Thompson with second-degree murder while armed, which according to the Code of the District of Columbia, is a felony charge that carries a minimum recommended sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison. Another teenager was wounded in the shooting, but police say that there was no other target besides Estep.

DC Police say Lorenzo Thompson, 17, shot two people at a gas station, killing Niko Estep, 14.

Thompson's own mother is believed to have casually watched the murder while holding her son's scooter for him.

Thompson bragged about the shooting on Instagram three days later. pic.twitter.com/acJqJycWDq
— National Conservative (@NatCon2022) November 15, 2023

Pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, members of the Third District located & arrested 17-year-old Lorenzo Thompson of Northwest, DC yesterday. He was transported to the Homicide Branch and charged, as an adult under Title 16, with Second Degree Murder While Armed. #MPD https://t.co/xK3pSVF2EE
— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) November 10, 2023

Surveillance video from the gas station shows someone whom the police identified as Thompson reach under his jacket and produce a gun which he points in the direction of some individuals in front of him who were on scooters. Officers say he let off at least 12 rounds of the 9mm pistol in approximately seven seconds, some of which hit Estep and another person who was on the scooters. According to the Post, a woman with red braids was seen using a scooter to leave the scene in the same direction that Thompson went in. According to the warrant, a detective has identified the woman with the red braids as Thompson’s mother.

Police informed the Post that they have searched the apartment that Thompson and his mother live in, and found 9mm magazines in a backpack belonging to Thompson, but have been unable to locate a weapon. Video showed the pair entering the apartment approximately eight minutes apart from each other, Thompson entered the apartment first, at 11:39pm. The police have made several attempts to contact Thompson’s family, including his mother, but have not yet been successful. Thompson is currently detained and is awaiting his hearing on Nov. 16. Washington D.C. is currently dealing with a wave of juvenile or youth crime in the city, a lot of young people and teenagers are being killed or arrested for violent crimes like murder or carjackings. There have been 458 arrests made for violent crimes by juveniles over the first 9 months of 2023.

On Nov 13, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of public emergency over the violence and opioid epidemic, telling reporters present at the press conference, “This number alone tells us that we have to provide more intervention for kids who are in trouble,” Bowser said.

“To that end, this public emergency will allow us to increase capacity more quickly and efficiently across the continuum of placements for kids that are ordered by judges into care.”

homebuying, Ohio, Georgia dream, homeownership, the credit bros

by Atiya Jordan

November 15, 2023

37% Of Single Black Women Homeowners Live Alone, Why?

An analysis released last week shows that 37% of Black women who are single and live alone owned a home in 2021.

An analysis by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) released last week shows that 37% of Black women who are single and live alone owned a home in 2021. It also revealed evidence that more Black American homeowners with higher education are choosing singlehood over marriage.

During that same year, data findings revealed that 31.2% of Black folks were married compared to nearly 54% of whites. As for being single, more than 48% of all Black women and 51.1% of Black men had never been married.

Dr. Kris Marsh, a sociologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland, examines the lifestyles of middle-class Black Americans, focusing on destigmatizing singlehood. In her newest book, The Love Jones Cohort, she argues how “racism and gendered racism constrain personal choices.” She also challenges readers to consider how “structural forces and social contexts also fit into the conversation on singlehood.”

“Singlehood looks different for different people and people arrive at singlehood differently,” said Marsh, who is an associate professor at University of Maryland’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “You cannot and should not have a conversation about singlehood without incorporating race into that conversation.”

Black female participants of the Love Cohort‘s research were “hopeful that if they did decide to partner, it would be with an educated Black man,” Marsh wrote in an article. From 2012 to 2022, the percentage of Black adults with a Bachelor’s degree increased from 21.2% to 27.6%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, Black women are outpacing Black men in higher education, which can lead to a disparity in resources and social standing.

DIGITAL SEXUAL RACISM

In evidence of Marsh’s arguments, online dating brings to light the deep sexual racism that is less visible in our everyday lives. Black women on mainstream dating apps found that they are targets of violent, racist, and sexist behavior.

Sociologist Celeste Vaughn Curington strongly believes that dating app algorithms “encompass a range of discriminatory designs that encode and amplify inequity.” For example, Currington and her colleagues coined the term “digital-sexual racism,” which refers to how Black daters are rendered “simultaneously hyper-visible and invisible” on dating sites. “They are contacted on dating sites specifically because they are Black but also ignored on other user sites entirely because they are Black.”

RADICAL SELF CARE

Despite the uphill battle, single Black women are still striving to overcome the economic struggles by practicing radical self-care and building wealth. Some are intentional about their single lives. Wayne State University assistant professor Jessica D. Moorman calls that strategic singlehood, or “the intentional practice of enacting or maintaining one’s single status for growth, safety, or exploration.”

They devoted their time single-handedly to pursuing important life goals, including home buying.

Van Jones Ridiculed For Speech At ‘March For Israel’ Rally, Booed By Crowd Over Call For ‘Cease-fire’

by Iman Milner

November 15, 2023

Van Jones Ridiculed For Speech At ‘March For Israel’ Rally, Booed By Crowd Over Call For ‘Cease-fire’

Political pundit Van Jones is was in hot water after appearing at the March For Israel held in Washington, D.C.

Political pundit Van Jones was in hot water when he spoke before a crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., On Nov. 14, in support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the West Bank. In addition to being booed by those at the march after he expressed the need for a “cease-fire,” Jones was also openly ridiculed on social media by those who felt his presence and words put him on the wrong side of history, Newsweek reports.

Jones attributed his willingness to speak at the march to the Jewish community’s support of Black people during the civil rights era.

“I don’t want to be silent, because the Jewish community stood with the civil rights movement,” Jones said to the crowd gathered at the National Mall. “Walking arm-in-arm, facing death, going to jail. The Jewish community stood with the civil rights movement and I cannot be silent when Jews are under attack today.”

The CNN contributor addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saying, “I also pray that Hamas ends its reign of terror. I have to say, I’m a peace guy, I’m a peace guy, I pray for peace. No more rockets from Gaza, and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza. God protect the children. God protect the children. Let’s end all the horror and all the heartbreak in the Holy Land. Let’s end all of it.”

The crowd began to chant “No cease-fire” as Jones, seemingly, struggled to continue his speech. Apparently nervous, he said, it would appear accidentally, “Let’s take a stand against Muslims,” causing many to point out that similar harmful rhetoric has linked the actions of Hamas to not only the innocent citizens of Palestine but also to Muslims worldwide.

Soon after the speech began circulating, an old clip that captures a young Jones rocking dreadlocks and addressing a crowd about the atrocities enacted on Black people by the U.S. government made its rounds on social media with many pointing out the irony in his words. “in 1993, when we have the United States government building a death camp, a concentration camp,” Jones said in the video. “For Black people who have don’t nothing but get sick and want justice… that’s all they’ve done wrong. If we can’t close that death camp, if this generation can’t prevent another Japanese American internment in this lifetime, we should all get haircuts, get regular jobs and give it up.”

Many felt that Jones’ new position in support of Israel’s decades-long war with Palestinians, inferred by his willingness to appear at the rally, was in direct opposition to his stance earlier in his life and political career. Others saw his speech at the March For Israel as another instance of his attempt to appeal to both sides of controversial issues.

by Iman Milner

November 15, 2023

Victor Wembanyama’s Debut Jersey Gets $50K Bid On First Day Of Sotheby’s Auction

The debut of San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama was highly anticipated by basketball fans earlier this year. Now the seven-foot-four power forward’s debut jersey is expected to bring in some major cash.

The NBA announced its official partnership with Sotheby’s on Nov. 14 with the release of 60 game-worn threads. Bids on Wembanyama’s jersey from his first game quickly rose to $50,000, making it the auction’s most sought-after offering, Daily Mail reports.

Bidders will have until Nov. 21 to hedge their bets on the collector’s item.

The auction giant predicted that the French-born rookie’s jersey would sell for between $80,000-$120,000; however, that valuation could rise as Wembanyama continues to show signs of dominance in his first NBA season.

Currently, the 2023 No.1 draft pick is averaging 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game—a well-rounded stat line for such a young player. In his opening night game against the Dallas Mavericks, Wembanyama put together a 15 point, five rebound, two assist, and one block performance that more than satisfied sports enthusiasts, ESPN reports.

Though the NBA rookie does not have a signature shoe yet, he signed a multi-year deal with sports giant Nike rumored to be worth $100 million before entering the league.

Wembanyama also boasts over 3.2 million followers on Instagram and has lucrative deals with several sports-related brands. His deal with the plant-based sports energy drink, Barcode, is said to be worth $500,000 annually, Sportcal reports, while his deal with the memorabilia and trading card company, Fanatics, will notch the young player an estimated $5 million per year. Additionally, Wembanyama’s agreement with the video game publisher, 2K Games, is valued at $3 million annually.

The ink on his brand deals were already dry before the 19-year-old suited up for his first NBA game.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 15, 2023

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Currently Not Target Of FBI Investigation

City Hall Chief Counsel: "There has been no indication that I’ve seen that the mayor is a target.”

After the Department of Justice raided the home of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs on Nov. 2, questions have been raised if the mayor himself is a target of the FBI.

Right now, “there has been no indication’ that Mayor Adams is, said City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg.

According to The Associated Press, while speaking to the press, Mayor Adams denied any wrongdoing and assured “we follow the law” in regards to the FBI investigation into his 2021 campaign. He didn’t answer any direct questions about the inquiry, including if anyone else is involved, due to not wanting to “impede the investigation.”

The FBI also seized the mayor’s electronic devices as part of an investigation into whether his campaign was involved in a conspiracy to send money to the Turkish government in 2021. There is speculation that the investigation centers around a potential straw donor scheme for building permits for a new Turkish consular compound in Manhattan, according to The Daily Beast.

Zornberg also commented on that theory as well.

“I can guarantee you that the U.S. Attorney’s office does not want their investigation playing out in the press in dribs and drabs and through leaks,” she said. “My expectation is that any improper leaks by federal law enforcement officers will be fully investigated by federal law enforcement.”

When the FBI raided the home of Suggs on Nov. 2, agents reportedly took several items, including three iPhones and two laptop computers. They also seized papers and other evidence, including a “manila folder labeled Eric Adams,” seven “contribution card binders,” and other materials, according to the outlet.

Investigators were looking for evidence that may bring charges, including the theft of federal funds and conspiracy to steal federal funds, wire fraud, and wire fraud conspiracy. They are also looking to see if there were campaign contributions from foreign nationals and if there was a conspiracy to make such contributions.

Compton Pays Tribute to Eazy-E with ‘Eazy Street’ Unveiling

by Rafael Pena

November 15, 2023

Compton Pays Tribute to Eazy-E with ‘Eazy Street’ Unveiling

Compton, home of legendary rapper Eazy-E, is set to pay homage to its native son by renaming the 100 block of Auto Drive South, Eazy Street.

According to the L.A. Times, Compton, the city that birthed legendary rapper Eazy-E, is set to pay homage to its native son in a distinctive way. On Nov. 22, the city will officially rename the 100 block of Auto Drive South, now leading into the Gateway Towne Center shopping plaza, as “Eazy Street,” immortalizing the late rap icon.

Born and raised in Compton, Eazy-E, whose real name is Eric Lynn Wright, co-founded N.W.A. alongside Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince, influencing the West Coast rap scene with groundbreaking albums.

Erica Wright, Eazy-E’s daughter, expressed the profound significance of the event, stating to the LA Times, “My dad loved where he was from. Nothing could keep him from Compton. This will forever be a highlight in my life.” Reflecting on the symbolic gesture, Eric Darnell Wright Jr., known as Lil Eazy-E, emphasized, “The street naming serves as a symbol of recognition and commemoration, ensuring that our father has a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Wright Jr., set to perform at the celebration alongside DJ Yella, lauded the initiative as a wonderful way for Compton to honor Eazy-E’s profound influence and cultural significance in the community. Eazy-E’s journey from a high school dropout involved in the drug trade to a hip-hop icon is a testament to his impact on the genre and the city of Compton.

Compton native Eric Lynn Wright, through N.W.A.’s debut album “Straight Outta Compton” and his solo project “Eazy-Duz-It,” played a pivotal role in reshaping the hip-hop landscape. These releases, under Wright’s label, Ruthless Records, marked a turning point for the genre, challenging East Coast dominance.

Alonzo Williams, often referred to as the godfather of West Coast hip-hop, heads the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce and spearheaded the naming of Eazy Street. Williams, an early collaborator of Wright, emphasized the importance of the initiative in preserving Eazy-E’s legacy and showcasing Compton’s cultural contributions.

“People come to Compton to see what Compton has to offer,” said Williams to the LA Times, noting the lack of tourist attractions. In addition to Eazy Street, Williams envisions starting Compton’s own walk of fame, further celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.

As the city prepares for the unveiling of Eazy Street, Compton stands ready to honor the trailblazing rapper whose influence continues to resonate in the world of hip-hop.

Hundreds Of ‘Stop Cop City’ Protestors Clash With Atlanta Police

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 15, 2023

Hundreds Of ‘Stop Cop City’ Protestors Clash With Atlanta Police

The protestors were halted by police due to lacking a permit for the march.

As over 400 people gathered to protest “Cop City,” an area designated to become a massive police training facility in Atlanta, police and firefighters resorted to extreme measures to stunt their march.

According to the Associated Press, tear gas and flash-bang grenades were used by law enforcement during the Nov. 13 demonstration, deemed “Block Cop City,” as protestors marched for nearly 2 miles in the ongoing mission to stop the training site’s development.

Among the chants was “Viva Viva Tortuguita,” referring to the slain activist shot by police during a camp-out in the forest for the cause.

As the protestors and police began to collide, marchers donned equipment to protect against the commonly used chemicals to quash resistance efforts. The tension escalated as more tear gas was thrown; one protestor threw a canister back at the cops.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said law enforcement was brought out to stop the march because protestors lacked a permit. He suggested, based on their preparation by bringing gas masks, that their intentions were for violence to erupt.

March organizers were adamant that their activism is aligned with civil disobedience.

“The police continue to show themselves to be a group that is weaponized against the larger public, particularly the larger public that has the nerve to protest against police violence and police actions,” said Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders. Franklin also told protestors to refrain from vandalizing or damaging any persons or property.

The warning comes after 61 activist were indicted in August on racketeering charges obtained by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.

However, the fight against Cop City continue. Protestors argue that its completion would lead to damaging effects on the environment on the surrounding Black neighborhoods as well as an increased police presence in Atlanta.

Despite the physical escalation at the most recent demonstration, no arrests were made.

by Derek Major

November 15, 2023

Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Out For Season

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the season due to a fractured shoulder

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the NFL season due to a shoulder fracture.

According to ESPN, an MRI performed on Nov. 13 revealed Watson had a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder. Team doctors say Watson needs immediate surgery in order to avoid further damage.

Watson, who has thrown for 1,115 yards seven touchdowns and four interceptions this season, is expected to be ready for the 2024 season.

The former Houston Texans quarterback, who returned two weeks ago against the Arizona Cardinals, had his best game since signing with Cleveland. He led the Browns from a two-touchdown fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens, 33-31.

According to the Browns, Watson suffered the injury during the first half of the game, but didn’t tell the team about his shoulder discomfort until after the game, which led to the MRI. A second MRI revealed Watson also suffered a high ankle sprain during the game.

Earlier this season, Watson missed four games due to a rotator cuff strain, but Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Wednesday the injury is unrelated to the shoulder fracture Watson suffered.

“We are very disappointed and devastated for Deshaun, especially given all that he has battled and gone through medically this season,” Berry said. “We look at this as an incredible challenge and opportunity for our organization.”

Berry added the Browns will attempt to sign another quarterback. Backup quarterback PJ Walker will likely start in Watson’s place, but he has struggled this season, throwing for 618 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in five games.

The Browns, who have won four straight games, are currently 6-3 and tied for second place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are half a game behind the Ravens. The two second-place teams will play each other this weekend.

Ye, Kanye West, drake, Adidas, carnival, rant, independent, song, artist

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 15, 2023

Kanye West Recording New Music In Tranquil Saudi Arabia Desert

New image stills give a peek inside Kanye West’s serene studio set-up in the quiet desert of Saudi Arabia.

Kanye is getting back to the music after experiencing a huge drop in his net worth due to his antisemitic rants online and in the press. In recent months, Kanye has traveled the world with his current muse, Bianca Censori, and has been spotted in the studio with Ty Dolla Sign working on their collaboration.

On Nov. 13, new images surfaced online showing where Kanye has been hard at work on his upcoming music: the mini-tent community in Al-‘Ula, Saudi Arabia, that Kanye turned into a recording studio.

Kanye West's current studio setup in Al-'Ula, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/pD9A37RXOq
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) November 13, 2023

Ty Dolla Sign recently performed for fans and gave a huge update on his highly-anticipated collaboration album with him. “I just landed on a flight from Saudi Arabia,” Ty said in a video captured by Akademiks. “I’ve been out there recording a part of my album with my brother, Ye, and that’s coming real soon.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Last month, Billboard announced a “multi-stadium listening event” with the pair that was scheduled for Nov. 3 but never happened. The announcement came a few weeks after sources revealed Kanye was shopping the joint album around to distributors and would “make a decision soon.”

The album will be Kanye’s first musical release since his fall from grace. In addition to losing his deals with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, Def Jam’s parent company, Universal Music Group, also distanced itself from the artist.

“Def Jam’s relationship with Ye as a recording artist, Def Jam’s partnership with the GOOD Music label venture, and Ye’s merchandise agreement with Bravado all ended in 2021,” the label said at the time.

Ultimately, Kanye went from billionaire status back to a multi-millionaire in the blink of an eye. Since then, Kanye has taken an absence from social media and doing interviews and has seemingly been back at work on his music and fashion.

In October, Kanye made a bold move by filing a trademark for the name “YEWS” where he sought exclusive rights to the term in sectors like finance and fashion.

by Daniel Johnson

November 15, 2023

Two Prairie View A&M Graduates Use Poetry And Education To Reach Youth In Houston

The pair held a school supply drive in October, which Howard says was inspired by an interaction he had with two students who were caught stealing uniforms and pastries from a nearby store.

Two Prairie View A&M graduates are using the power of poetry to help their community.

Varion Howard, a middle school counselor, and Jirma Proctor, a Houston Community College professor who has a doctorate in education, use their business, Poetry Lounge Houston, to create spaces for their community to come together.

Howard and Proctor met in 1994 as students at Prarie View A&M University and quickly bonded over their passions for poetry and community service.

Proctor told the Houston Chronicle, “We are very much tapped into what’s happening with our youth, especially our boys,” Proctor said. “We’re both inner-city kids, went to Prairie View A&M, discovered a different world, and benefited from being around others who helped.”

In 2000, Howard founded Poetry Lounge Houston, which is now the longest-running poetry venue in the city. Proctor uses the event to spotlight up-and-coming spoken word artists as well as Houston’s best spoken word artists. Proctor functions as its chief financial officer, while Howard performs and hosts.

The pair held a school supply drive late in October, which Howard says was inspired by an interaction he had with two students who had been caught stealing uniforms and pastries from a nearby store. “When the student told me, ‘Tomorrow my brother is going to look like me’, I didn’t realize what he meant,” Howard told The Chronicle. “But he was saying that he and his brother didn’t have enough uniforms for school.

“This is our community, and there are a lot of obstacles in the way of our children with social media, bullying and trafficking. Uniforms and food should be the last thing they should have to worry about.”

The pair’s backgrounds play a vital role in their efforts to create a positive change in and for the city’s youth.

“I’m from Sunnyside. Jirma is from Fifth Ward,” Howard said. “We come from underprivileged communities. We come from poverty. We know what many of these kids are going through, but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for education. I don’t want to see our kids steal and struggle with basic needs to get an education.”