Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson’s Mamas Have Words Around Alleged Abuse
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson’s Mamas Have Words Around Alleged Abuse

Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson's mothers have gotten involved in their children's ongoing domestic violence case.

Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson’s mothers have gotten involved in their children’s ongoing domestic violence case.

Jackson is denying Palmer’s claims of physical abuse and responded with receipts of his own. In his response, Jackson included a video recording and a text message after Palmer’s mother Sharon threatened to put a “bullet” in his head, TMZ reports.

A shocking video shows the moments during a heated exchange between Jackson and Palmer over the custody of their son. Jackson claims he requested their son Leodis last Sunday to watch a football game together. But when he arrived, the baby wasn’t there. An argument ensued with Palmer calling her mom on the phone while arguing with Jackson.

That might’ve been the point when Palmer’s mother can be heard threatening Jackson with a bullet to his head. Jackson then tried wrestling Palmer’s phone out of her hand while she was seated on the couch, which can be seen in surveillance stills Palmer provided authorities.

Jackson denies abusing Palmer and says cops came over to the home and found no probable cause to arrest him or file a police report. A screenshot from a text message exchange between Palmer and Jackson’s mother shows Yhinyer reaching out to Sharon after she learned about the threat of the bullet to the head.

“I have tried not to get involve in my son’s personal business, but I heard that you are going to put a bullet in my son’s head???” Yhinyer wrote. “Well then now we have to involve the authorities because you don’t respect or value yourself and I can no my son’s life.”

But that was only half of the conversation. Once Jackson revealed the text his mother sent, Sharon responded with the remaining half of the text where she surfaced claims of Jackson allegedly choking his own sister and having “anger issues.”

“If he attacks my daughter in her own home where she pays the bills he is trespassing and anything can happen so he should stay away,” Sharon wrote. “You should be ashamed to have raised a man who fights women.”

A source says Sharon only made the threat to Jackson to protect Keke. The “Scream Queens” star was granted a temporary restraining order against Jackson and temporary sole custody of their son. A hearing is scheduled for December 5 where Jackson will be able to plead his side on the custody case.

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer Accuses Darius Jackson Of Physical And Emotional Abuse

Palm Springs
by Daniel Johnson

November 14, 2023

Black Palm Springs Residents Fight The City For Reparations

The Section 14 Survivors Group is fighting to receive reparations as a result of what was done to their ancestors by the city of Palm Springs.

A California Attorney General report described what happened to Black residents of the city of Palm Springs in the 1960s as “a city-engineered Holocaust.”

According to ABC News, Pearl Devers claimed the city erased all evidence that her family home existed, telling them, “The home that my father built — it was burned, bulldozed over by the city fire department.”

Devers continued, “There’s no hint or a trace that we ever existed here. Not an ounce. That’s the painful part.”

Devers founded the Section 14 Survivors Group, a group that represents the interests of families of people whose homes were taken and destroyed. The group is fighting for reparations due to what was done to their ancestors by the city of Palm Springs.

Areva Martin, who is an attorney representing some of the families who lived in the area referred to as Section 14, told ABC News, “They were the only community willing to allow Black and brown families to live on their land.”

Martin continued, “The irony was, for a lot of these families, they were escaping the Jim Crow South only to find that some of the same Jim Crow laws and policies were very much prevalent in Palm Springs.”

According to city documents, Section 14 was an area Palm Springs officials wanted to renovate, citing “substandard housing conditions.”

In 1959, a law expanded the length of a lease in tribal land to 99 years, which made that property infinitely more attractive to developers.

“In 1956, the city of Palm Springs approached the conservator with a plan to raze Section 14…the city would then clear the land, using city funds,” documents from the city cited.

Devers says that what the city did by taking her family’s home destroyed her father.

“My mother became a single mom. And my father succumbed to alcohol; [he] could not handle it. The strong-willed man began to drink until he died.”

Palm Springs issued a formal apology in 2021 and took down the statue it had constructed of Frank Bogart, who led the city as its mayor during the 1960s. Though the city began initial discussions of reparations in 2021, no tangible benefit has been given to the descendants of those residents the city forced out of their homes.

The city issued a statement in lieu of accepting an interview request from ABC News, writing, “The City of Palm Springs has apologized for the action taken toward those affected by the Section 14 displacement. The City has an obligation, not only to those who were displaced, but also to its residents, businesses and taxpayers, to thoroughly investigate the history as it develops remedial programs that are fair to everyone.”

Martin filed a tort grievance against the city on behalf of the Section 14 families, estimating the value of the harm done to the families she represents at $2 billion.

Dieter Crawford, one of the group’s members whose family moved to Palm Springs from Texas and Mississippi, said he felt like the group is owed that sum because of the trauma the city passed to them.

“The generational trauma that was passed down to us, as well as the generational wealth that we lost.”

Martin, for her part, believes that her negotiations with the city will result in something tangible for the residents she represents, saying, “When this is done, and I have every reason to believe it will be done, it will be history-making.” 

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK RESIDENTS IN EVANSTON, IL, WILL FINALLY RECEIVE REPARATIONS, HERE’S HOW

middle school, hospital, sick, boy, kid
by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Middle School Violence: Student Arrested for Aggravated Battery

In a shocking incident at a Florida middle school, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student

In an incident on Nov. 9 at L.A. Ainger Middle School in Florida, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student, as reported by NBC 2 Charlotte. According to the arrest report, Carter lifted another student, identified by parents as Patley, by the waist and recklessly dropped him on his head.

The victim, who recently moved from Haiti, was known for his friendly gestures at the middle school, often touching people non-threateningly, according to the outlet. Unfortunately, these actions had reportedly subjected him to bullying by fellow students.

The incident occurred in the school’s lunchroom when Patley approached a group of students to shake hands. In what appears to be an unprovoked attack, Carter, reportedly significantly larger than the victim, lifted him from behind and slammed him onto the ground, causing the victim to lose consciousness and convulse, the outlet reports.

The report alleges that Carter callously kicked the victim’s head and showed no remorse for his actions. School administrators promptly provided aid to the unconscious victim.

​​“We have adequate security, SROs, security guards. There were administrators in the cafeteria at the time this happened. It happened in mere seconds,” school district spokeswoman Claudette Smith said to NBC 2. “Administration immediately escorted students out of the cafeteria.”

The sheriff’s office emphasized the unprovoked nature of the attack and highlighted Carter’s extensive disciplinary history at the school. The victim, now in a medically induced coma after life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to a local hospital for emergency surgery.

Smith assured that the aggressor, Carter, would face disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct. However, Sheriff Bill Prummell revealed that Carter had a history of disciplinary issues.

Amid growing misinformation on social media, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released a statement to clarify the victim’s condition. Sheriff Prummell stated that the victim underwent emergency surgery and, while unable to speak, showed signs of responsiveness. The community was urged to support the victim’s recovery with thoughts and prayers.

New Orleans, mayor , Latoya Cantrell, first-class
by Sharelle Burt

November 14, 2023

New Orleans Mayor Hit With Ethics Charges After 15 First-Class Flight Upgrades Were Made On Taxpayers’ Dime

The mayor maintains her upgrades were for safety reasons, not luxury.

The Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, is being charged with state ethics charges for upgrading her airline tickets for first-class seats.

The Louisiana Board of Ethics found upgrades were made for 13 domestic and two international flights, totaling close to $30,000 at taxpayers’ expense for two years. According to the mayor, she made the changes for “safety, not luxury,” citing first-class accommodations were needed to limit COVID-19 exposure.

“Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn’t understand the world Black women walk in,” Cantrell previously said in a statement.

After the New Orleans City Council pressured her to have her pay docked, Cantrell reimbursed the city in full in 2022, even though she originally refused to do so.

“All expenses incurred doing business on behalf of the City of New Orleans will not be reimbursed to the City of New Orleans,” Cantrell said in September last year. “I do my job, and I will continue to do it with distinction and integrity every step of the way.”

The ethics board will set a date to hear the charges against Cantrell, which include an official censure and a possible fine of $10,000. 

The mayor’s office said the mayor and the administration have addressed the travel issue appropriately and will respond to the ethics complaint in due time. Currently, Cantrell is overseas in Africa with the United Nations for a meeting highlighting plastic pollution.

Louisiana elected officials tend to follow the same pattern. Attorney General Jeff Landry faced similar accusations after the Board of Ethics required him to pay a penalty after failing to disclose roundtrip flights he took to and from Hawaii in 2021. The flights were taken on a private jet owned by retired oil and gas businessman Greg Mosing to attend the Attorney General Alliance conference at the Grand Wailea Maui, a luxury beachfront resort.

glocks, Invisalign, North Carolina
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Controversy Ensues As North Carolina Orthodontist Offers Free Glock 19 For Invisalign Patients

A North Carolina orthodontist is offering a Glock 19 for patients getting an Invisalign.

If you want to get Invisalign aligner treatment go to an orthodontist in North Carolina—you my get a gun with your new grin.

According to WFAB 9, “Grins and Glocks” by Dr. Jason Gladwell of Gladwell Orthodontics is causing controversy. He is offering potential customers a free Glock 19 handgun for those who get Invisalign treatment in his office. They can also receive a paid membership at Youngsville Gun Club & Range located in Youngsville.

“Anytime you talk about firearms, it can be a polarizing subject,” Gladwell said. “Instead of them paying for it, I’m paying for it.”

According to the outlet, local residents are not really feeling the combination promotion and question the decision of the dentist to partner with the gun club.

“It’s mind-blowing to me that an organization that I think of as trying to provide health care to the people in the community is partnering their health care with gun death,” said Jennifer Copeland, the executive director of the NC Council of Churches.

The company that makes the Invisalign product, Align Technology, does not want to have anything to do with the promotion.

“Invisalign-trained doctors are independent practices and Align was not involved in the development or approval of this promotion by the dental practice, and only learned of it after the fact,” the company said in a statement. “For more than 25 years, Align has been helping doctors transform smiles and change lives through healthy, beautiful smiles using Invisalign aligners, and this promotion does not reflect our brand purpose.”

Attorney Ron Shook stated that the promotion is perfectly legal. He adds that the most important thing is making sure the patient receiving the oral care can legally own a gun.

According to Kurt Lieberman, the gun club’s owner, patients will need to visit the club in order to actually receive the gun. “You have to be 21 and older, and then, we do a background check here on site,” he told WFAB. It’s also recommended they take a training class.

He adds that he will be recommending that the recipients of the free gun take a training class, but it won’t be required.

Candace Owens, Lil RT
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

9-Year-Old Rapper Tells Candace Owens To Shut Up And Mind Her Business

In a rare occurence, many agreed with Owens' critique of the child rapper.

A 9-year-old aspiring rapper named ‘Lil RT’ tried to put Candace Owens in her place after she criticized the nature of his music, especially for his young age.

Her initial review of his music video, “60 miles,” was posted to her YouTube channel as part of her eponymously named podcast. It has garnered over 926,000 views since its release on Oct. 23. The conservative pundit referred to the crude lyrics as “derogatory,” not mincing words as to what she believes it does to the Black community.

“This completely saddens me,” shared Owens. “It is the destruction of Black culture. It is the destruction, therefore, of American culture. This is a kid who will end up dead…If you think that his mother is setting him on the right path, then it’s because you’re an idiot,” explained the media personality.

Weeks later, Owens’ criticism got back to the child artist, nicknamed “Coco Felon,” who posted a response to her negative review.

“She need to be quiet,” said the elementary schooler, who was with an adult. “Cause they all up in my silk, they always trying to stop my music.”

However, Owens did not back down from her stance, stating that her heart is breaking for the child being “egged on” by the adults in his life to engage in the behavior. Owens condemned those who were part of the exploitation of Lil RT.

“‘Lil RT’ is a child, and my heart breaks for him, genuinely,” said Owens. “I see a child who has so much potential, and yet he is surrounding by monsters, people that know they are not furthering his rap career. In fact, they are probably leading him toward a path of harm.”

Despite Owens often being the subject of ridicule among progressives and the Black community for her controversial takes on social justice issues, many agreed that the child is being exploited for viral fame.

As their unexpected beef wages on, Owens remains adamant that the little boy is headed in the wrong direction, as she believes “every person should be concerned” for his future.

Breast Cancer, diagnosed, diagnosis, before, expecting, after, living with breast cancer, women, breast cancer awareness week, Breast Cancer Awareness
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 14, 2023

34-Year-Old Black Mom Of 5 Dying From Cancer Is Writing A Book For Her Kids

Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St Mary’s County, Maryland, is currently battling terminal cancer with remarkable courage.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Kourtni Smith, a 34-year-old mother of five from St Mary’s County, Maryland, is currently battling terminal cancer with remarkable courage, aiming to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical help early on.

Kourtni’s battle with cancer began in 2021 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma.

“I’m asking them question like, could it be this, stuff I’ve read about online and they said ‘no, it’s cancer,’” she told WUSA9, reflecting on the initial diagnosis.

By April, it had progressed to Stage 4, and recently, doctors informed her that the cancer had spread to her brain, leaving her with only a few months to live. Amidst the heartbreak, Kourtni focuses on creating lasting memories with her family and preparing for what lies ahead.

Her husband Andre said, “Our 2-year-old son, he always keeps us smiling. So it’s really the kids that’s keeping us up like this.”

Looking back, Kourtni said she regrets not going to the doctor sooner when she noticed a dimple in her breast. Unfortunately, her fear at that time prevented her from seeking medical attention until after her baby’s birth and she couldn’t produce milk.

After enduring 3 rounds of chemo and radiation and spending 3 weeks in hospice, Kourtni now relies on pain medication for comfort. She will leave behind her husband and 5 children.

“I would want them to know that I love them, and I love them so much,” Kourtni said. “I would go to any drastic measures to make sure they’re okay. Even behind the grave.”

To support her family during this difficult time, Kourtni has personally set up a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses.

Additionally, she is working on a children’s book as a lasting legacy for her children.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Woman Founder Of Nonprofit Launches Magazine To Support Minorities Affected By Breast Cancer

Dr. Amber Robins
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 14, 2023

Black Doctor, Owner Of Period Panty Brand, Launches Empowering Puberty Course For Girls

Dr. Amber Robins launches My Period University Puberty Course.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews 

Nationwide — Dr. Amber Robins, Founder and CEO of Sanxtuary MD, a Black-owned period panty brand that offers women maximum protection from leakage during their periods, has now also launched a course for parents and guardians looking to equip their daughters adequately for puberty. It’s called the My Period University Puberty Course.

Puberty is one of the most life-changing events in a girl’s life. These changes can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect will make the journey easier. Unfortunately, many parents feel out of their depth to talk to their daughters about the natural changes that come with this stage of life.

My Period University Puberty Course is a comprehensive course designed to empower girls with a deep understanding of puberty’s physical, emotional and mental changes while equipping them to undertake the transition confidently. Far from the average puberty course, this interactive course consists of fun activities and easy-to-understand content taught by expert instructors. Girls will learn to deal with heavy periods, menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms and other puberty changes. The course also offers an inclusive community, allowing participants to connect with their peers and express their thoughts on the topic throughout the course.

One of the most exciting aspects of the My Period University Puberty Course is that it includes Sanxtuary’s My First Period Kit to help participants complete the preparation process for menstruation. The kit consists of a slip and leak-resistant period panty, a meditation book, a Sanxtuary MD Binder, Career Queens (featuring women in science, tech, engineering, arts, and math) and two free bracelets.

Family Physician and Founder of Sanxtuary MD is the creator of My Period University Puberty Course. Sanxtuary MD is a period panty brand dedicated to offering women maximum protection from leakage during their periods and ending period poverty. Consequently, the company has committed to donating one period panty for each one sold to girls who cannot afford this necessity during menstruation.

As a family physician, Dr. Robins has seen first-hand the impact of inadequate preparation for puberty. When asked about her motivation for creating the course, she explained: “Puberty is a natural part of growing up, but sadly, it’s often shrouded in secrecy and shame, especially concerning menstruation. I created this course to provide girls with factual information and help them celebrate instead of dreading the changes their bodies undergo.”

RELATED CONTENT: The Honey Pot And Other Period Care Brands Are Fighting Back Against The ‘Tampon Tax’

Physicians in Clinical Research, Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, APCR, APCR
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

HBCU Grad Makes History as First Black President Of The Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research

Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, RPh, MD, FAPCR a New Orleans and Shreveport, LA distinguished gynecologist was recently elected President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR). Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Weather’s extensive academic background includes a Pharmacy degree from Howard University and an MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. He further honed his expertise through comprehensive training, completing his internship, residency, and fellowship in gynecology and obstetrics at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital. 

Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Weather is a multifaceted individual, embodying roles as a health educator, professor, ordained minister, artist, author, and photographer. His literary contributions include three inspirational poetry books, an infertility handbook, and his most recent publication, Endometriosis: the Name of the Pain and How to Repress It, released in June 2023.

As an active gynecological clinical trials researcher, Dr. Weather has presented over 210 peer-reviewed presentations and papers specializing in pelviscopic surgical treatment of infertility, Endometriosis, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Notably, he is credited with inventing the revolutionary surgical procedure known as Optical Dissection Pelviscopy, a groundbreaking advancement in laparoscopic surgery that aids in the prevention of organ injury.

Dr. Weather’s impact extends beyond the APCR, as he is the Past President of the National Medical Association, the Louisiana Medical Association, and the New Orleans Medical Association. He currently holds a position as a board member of the State of Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and serves as the National President of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity.

The APCR is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing the fields of clinical practice, academic research, and pharmaceutical industry engagement in clinical research (clinical trials). Its mission encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases, as well as safeguarding the welfare of patients and study subjects through acquiring, disseminating, and evaluating knowledge concerning medicine and device development.

The APCR provides a vital platform for enhanced education, professional development, qualification, and certification for physicians participating in clinical research endeavors. It is the sole organization representing the physician research community within the American Medical Association (AMA), thus influencing national policies on numerous issues related to clinical research.

Dr. Weather brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and vision to his role as President of the APCR. His historic election is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to advancing clinical research.

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com

‘QAnon Shaman’ Expected To Run For Open Arizona Seat
by Daniel Johnson

November 13, 2023

‘QAnon Shaman’ Expected To Run For Open Arizona Seat

Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman due to his distinct appearance during the Jan. 6 insurrection, filed paperwork on Nov. 9 to run for Congress in Arizona.

Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman due to his distinct appearance during the Jan. 6 insurrection, filed paperwork on Nov. 9 to run for Congress in Arizona. According to Axios, Chansley, who completed roughly half of his 41-month sentence in federal prison, was released to a halfway house in Phoenix in March of 2023. Axios reported that the United States Constitution does not bar people convicted of a felony from holding any public office they aspire to. 

According to NBC News, Republican Rep. Debbie Lasko announced in October that she would not be seeking reelection; thus, her seat is now up for grabs. Chansley, as NBC reported, became the public face of the insurrection because not only was he among the first group to enter the Capitol building, but he grabbed a bullhorn and began riling up the crowd by demanding that legislators be brought out, according to a sentencing memo. The memo indicates that Chansley photographed himself in the Senate galley, refused to leave when ordered by Capitol police, and left a note for then Vice-President Mike Pence that read,“ It’s Only A Matter Of Time. Justice Is Coming!”

Chansley, however, will be running as a Libertarian candidate, not a Republican, according to the Arizona Republic, which reported that a candidate statement of interest was filed by Jacob Angeli-Chansley indicating that he intends to run affiliated with the Libertarian Party. The race to fill the vacant seat is so crowded that the Republic reports that Angeli-Chansley is not the only former insurrectionist to run for Arizona’s 8th District seat.

In general, Libertarians describe themselves as being fiscally conservative and socially liberal while also believing in a small or limited government that does not interfere in the lives of people. According to the California Secretary of State’s office, Adrian F. Malagon, the Chair of California’s Libertarian Party, describes their beliefs as follows: “We believe that the most peaceful, prosperous, socially fair, and tolerant society is one that solves its problems without government force.”

According to the outlet, there is a logjam of Republicans vying for the seat, which includes Arizona state Sen. Anthony Kern from Glendale, who, along with Angeli-Chansley, was among the insurrectionists at the Capitol. In addition to Kern, Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma; Blake Masters, who lost his bid for U.S. Senate in 2022; candidate for Arizona Attorney General in 2022 Abe Hamadeh; Trent Franks, who previously held the seat but resigned in 2017 due to controversy; Seth Coates; Isaiah Gallegos; Jimmy Rodriguez; Rollie Stevens; and Brandon Urness. 

According to Oregon Public Radio, Angeli-Chansley has disavowed the QAnon movement despite previously referring to himself as the QAnon Shaman. They attempted to reach Angeli-Chansley and his attorney to clarify his political aspirations, but those emails were not returned. 

RELATED CONTENT: JAN 6. RIOTER ARRESTED FOR TARGETING THE OBAMAS’ DC RESIDENCE

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