by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 20, 2023

Inmate Makes Daring Escape From Houston Court During Brawl In Another Courtroom

Michael Devon Combs, who was charged with assaulting his girlfriend in March 2022, escaped from a courtroom hearing in Houston after a fight took place in another courtroom and the court officers went to assist their colleagues.

Luckily, Combs was apprehended Oct. 19 after authorities asked the public for help on its Facebook page.

The New York Post reports that the 32-year-old was in leg shackles but removed them during the fracas and walked out of the Texas courthouse. The escape took place around 10 a.m. on Oct. 17. Combs had been in the holding area on the 19th floor of Houston’s criminal courthouse.

“I had my back to him when everything happened. I mean, if I were just able to give him some advice, I would have told him it’s not smart to do that. Don’t do it,” Combs’ attorney, Mark Lipkin, told the Post.

Combs got the chance to escape when, in another courtroom, at the trial of Frank DeLeon Jr., who pleaded guilty to killing 16-year-old Diamond Alvarez, the victim’s family members lunged at DeLeon. Alvarez’s mother claimed that he was “laughing in her face” as she delivered an emotional victim impact statement.

A panic alarm sounded in the courthouse and deputies attending to Combs left to respond to the distress call. That’s when Combs saw his opportunity to escape. Deputies didn’t realize he was missing until 15 minutes after they returned to the courtroom. By that time, he was able to get out of the shackles off his ankle monitor and walk out of the courtroom, prompting this Facebook update from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

“A Harris County Bond Defendant, Michael Devon Combs, 32, escaped from 1201 Franklin after having his bond revoked. He was last seen fleeing the 176th Court (after freeing himself from leg irons) at approximately 10 a.m., and his current whereabouts are unknown.”

After he was caught, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office updated its page.

by Iman Milner

October 20, 2023

Discrimination And Lack Of Capital Keeps Black Farmers In The 1% Minority

With less than 2% of Americans living on farms, careers in agriculture fail to be as lucrative as they once were. For Black farmers, however, the outlook is even bleaker as many struggle to keep their land amid discriminatory lending practices and being shut out of benefit programs.

The Center for Public Integrity reports that Black farmers are the only racial group to have decreased over the last century.

“Historical discrimination in this country has been about Black and white, not that others have got everything they deserve either,” said Lloyd Wright, a former director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Civil Rights. “If you’re trying to address racial discrimination and you don’t address the Black problem, you’re really not addressing racial discrimination.”

Ninety-six percent of all farmers are white; only 1.4% are Black.

The USDA, whom many farmers turn to as a last line of defense when financial hardships arise, was accused of discrimination against Black farmers in 1999 after they “denied, delayed or otherwise frustrated the applications of those farmers for farm loans and other credit and benefit programs.”

The $2.2 billion settlement awarded cash, debt relief, and tax payments to some 35,000 farmers. However, it failed to address the systemic practices that led to the disbanding of the USDA’s Office of Civil Rights and allowed instances of discrimination to continue.

“The culture didn’t change. The employees didn’t change,” said Sylvia Stewart, research communications director and senior research associate at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

“When farmers went in to apply for their loans, they still saw the same people who threw their applications in the trash. You still have that stagnant culture that continues to hang around.”

Then there’s the issue of the land itself, the outlet reports. “Land is the key to all of it,” said Willard Tillman, executive director of the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project. “If there’s anything they’re [USDA] going to do to help the farmer, it’s not going to help them to the magnitude of those that have all the land.”

In 1997, 94% of all farmland was white-owned, according to The Center for Public Integrity. Farm size is yet another way Black farmers often find themselves the target of discriminatory practices.

Due to maintenance and labor costs, Black farmers often face the difficult decision to sell part of their land to keep themselves afloat. An ability to retain more land could cause a significant change in circumstances for Black farmers and workers.

“By bringing Black farmers to parity on per-farm revenue and profit, there is $5 billion in economic value that can be created,” according to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company. “Increasing business participation for Black farmers could create ladders of opportunity for 66,000 Black workers employed in the agriculture sector and beyond.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 20, 2023

Jay-Z Felt Hype Williams Was ‘Trying To Play’ Him With A $1.8M Quote For ‘Sunshine’ Music Video

There was a time when if a music video was blowing up, it most likely was the creation of video director Hype Williams, the “It” guy for great visuals. And when the go-to director had the opportunity to work with fellow New Yorker Jay-Z for the single “Can’t Knock the Hustle” off his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, all went well. Then came their second project together: “(Always Be My) Sunshine,” from the album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. And for that, Williams had big ideas — that came with a big price tag.

He quoted Hova a price that was close to $2 million, and that didn’t sit well with the rapper.

In a discussion with Complex, the Brooklyn rapper recalled getting upset at the proposed price and thinking the director was trying to play him.

This took place in 1997, when Roc-A-Fella Records was still an independent label. The budget for Hype Williams’ videos around that time was between $750,000 to $1 million. He and Jay-Z had already worked together filming the Mary J. Blige-assisted song “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” For “Sunshine,” Williams had an idea for a video that caught Jay-Z’s attention.

“He pitched this really grand idea that was amazing,” the “Hard Knock Life” rapper said. “It was this whole circus. I think he had elephants. I think he may have given the idea to Busta. I don’t remember exactly what it was, but I remember being blown away by it. And then he said the number, and I think it was, like, $1.8 million or something. And I was like, ‘Hype, come on, bro.’ Like I got mad at him. Like are you trying to play me? You think I’m dumb?”

They ended up working on the video together, but it didn’t play out the way Williams originally envisioned. Still, the rapper said he learned a valuable lesson

“So to fit the budget we stripped the idea down. And I learned a valuable lesson from that. Either I’m going to trust Hype’s vision or I’m going to go with another idea. Don’t condense ideas. Either shoot the brilliant idea or move to another idea. Don’t take a brilliant idea and make it less and then expect brilliant results. That’s not how life works. We broke down the idea and it looks like a cheap version of what we were trying to shoot. So we did it to ourselves. But then you realize in hindsight that the money, it’s just money. But the visuals are priceless. The Missy video is priceless. The Busta video is priceless.”

This was what the video ended up looking like:

Williams also did the video for the hit record Jay-Z recorded with UGK (Underground Kingz), “Big Pimpin.”

Netflix Increases Subscription Prices After Record Subscriber Growth

by Rafael Pena

October 20, 2023

Netflix Increases Subscription Prices After Record Subscriber Growth

Netflix announced price increases for some of its streaming subscriptions, citing the recent crackdown on password sharing as one of the factors behind the decision, reported Money Week report.

The streaming giant recently reported substantial subscriber growth, with nearly nine million households joining worldwide between July and September, the outlet reported. This surge in new subscribers is the most significant since the pandemic-fueled growth in 2020. Additionally, Netflix is anticipating an additional nine million subscribers by the end of the year.

The price hikes will primarily affect premium plan subscribers, with an annual increase of £24, equivalent to a 13% rise in the UK. The United States and France will also experience price increases on their Netflix subscriptions. These adjustments took effect for new customers in the UK on October 18th, 2023. Existing customers will receive notification of any impending price changes via email within the next month. However, it remains uncertain whether this notification means they will be charged the new rate from their next billing date.

Standard plan subscribers will not experience any price changes. The current pricing for these plans are £4.99 for the standard plan with ads and £10.99 for the standard plan without ads.

Despite the recent Netflix price increases, viewers have several alternative streaming options to consider. If you’re on a premium plan, it’s important to know how the cost of similar subscriptions with other popular streaming services compare. Apple TV Plis & Paramount Plus are £6.99 per month. Disney Plus is £7.99 per month and Amazon Prime is £8.99 per month.

Furthermore, some streaming services can be even more budget-friendly when you explore potential discounts offered by your mobile provider or bundled bank account. For example, certain mobile providers offer a year of Disney Plus for free with specific account types. Additionally, it’s a good time to consider switching to a Lloyds Club account, as they provide a £175 reward when you transfer your account to them.

For dedicated Netflix enthusiasts who wish to retain their subscription, there’s an option to switch to a more cost-effective plan. The standard plan (without ads) is £7 cheaper than the premium plan, offering a more affordable way to continue enjoying Netflix content.

The streaming landscape continues to evolve, and viewers now have more choices than ever to find the perfect entertainment package that fits their preferences and budgets.

D.C. , service program, Washington, DC, HBCUs, service careers, Muriel Bowser, Howard,

by Sharelle Burt

October 20, 2023

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Creates Public Service Program For HBCU Students To Serve The District

Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a program for HBCU students to take an interest in public service, WUSA9 reports. In partnership with two HBCUs, Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia, the Public Service Program will create a secure pipeline for seniors interested in pursuing public service careers.

In a press release, Bowser says the program is designed to “keep talent in D.C. and bring young leaders into DC Government.” We want the best and the brightest, the people who are passionate about our community, to work at DC Government,” Bowser said.

“We want people to know that they can change the world, one person, one program, and one community at a time, in DC Government.”

Participating government agencies are set to convert 25 due-to-hire full-time positions into apprenticeships for the program launching in early 2024. They will remain open for one year for graduating seniors. With more than 320 apprenticeship sponsors registered in the nation’s capital, apprenticeships give special access to opportunities for those participating. Seniors selected for the program will start in June 2024 and must be D.C. residents. After completing the one-year program, students will be eligible for a status increase within DC Government.

Seniors from these HBCUs interested in the program can apply through the new i-team-designed careers.dc.gov website. For more than two years, the i-team has been working to revolutionize the hiring process for District Government roles, making the process user-friendly and transparent.

Cities nationwide have been working tirelessly to ensure current and future HBCU students have equal opportunities. In Charlotte, North Carolina, guidance counselors purposely introduce their students to HBCUs if they are still deciding where they want to go.

According to WCNC, North Carolina houses the second-most HBCUs in the United States. Administrators like Stepfon Portlock are pushing to show the value of HBCUs. “Finding people that look like you and understand you and can make the most out of what you have can be very pivotal in building confidence, which is what happens in college,” Portlock said.

“I didn’t do it as a student, but I did it as a professional, and it was, you know, some of my fondest memories are working on that campus and helping connect students.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 20, 2023

Atlanta Welcomes First-Ever AI Supermarket

Metro Atlanta’s first-ever artificial intelligence supermarket has officially opened. Its owners hope customers at the store, located in DeKalb County, will welcome the technological advancement.

According to a profile by WSB-TV, Green Picks Market is a resource for high-quality food in Chamblee. Described as the “future of grocery shopping,” the unusual supermarket operates through its use of QR codes to scan items, a concept envisioned by its founder, a Georgia Tech-educated aerospace engineer-turned-entrepreneur.

The system tracks products placed into customers’ carts upon their entrance, and they pay for the items instantaneously as they exit the store. Green Picks’ developers say this method will provide shoppers with a seamless and stress-free environment.

Ismael Fernandez, president of the consulting firm behind Green Picks, spoke of the store’s mission to bring accessible healthy food to the community, saying that addressing gaps in food quality within the neighborhood is the primary focus.

“The concept is not so much around the technology, but about the fact we are given access to health food to locations that might not be covered by other health stores,” shared Fernandez.

Chamblee is a diverse neighborhood with a substantial portion of its population, approximately 35%, identifying as Hispanic, as reported by DataUSA. A significant presence of individuals from Black and Asian backgrounds also reside in Chamblee. Green Picks’ placement in this Atlanta area hopes to uplift the hub and ensure everyone is included in a technological, health-focused movement.

Green Picks offers a wide range of health-conscious foods, from organic produce to ready-to-eat meals and gluten-free and vegan options. The new shopping experience, its team hopes, will combat unhealthy food consumption through an innovative system.

Fernandez says plans to expand to other parts of the Metro Atlanta are already in the works.

Utah Jazz , Jumpman, Michael Jordan, Charlotte hornets victory,

by Iman Milner

October 20, 2023

Utah Jazz Fans Continue To Hold Grudge Against Michael Jordan As ‘Jumpman’ Merchandise Is Pulled From Team Store

Sports rivalries apparently don’t die. At least that’s what some Utah Jazz fans seem to feel after online outrage over a Jumpman T-shirt featuring Michael Jordan’s iconic logo emblazoned over the team name has caused the merchandise to no longer be sold, according to Cinema Blend.

Fire whoever allowed this design. pic.twitter.com/do05OVagtd

— Laird (@lairddoman) October 15, 2023

On Oct. 14, an X user posted a photo of the T-shirt being sold at the Utah arena to the platform, causing a firestorm of comments from Jazz and sports fans alike. Over 1.2 million viewers saw the post before the team confirmed that the shirt had been removed from the Delta Center merchandise store, the outlet reported. The long-standing beef between fans of the Utah Jazz and Michael Jordan began in the ’90s, when the Chicago Bulls routinely faced off against the team in the NBA Finals, winning every meeting.

With Karl Malone and John Stockton leading the way, the Utah Jazz were a force in the Western Conference; however, the dominance of Jordan and the Bulls in the East prevented them from taking home the Larry O’Brien Trophy on two separate occasions.

Apparently the pain still runs deep.

“This is a pretty depressing option,” one X user said. “Is there ever going to be a point where he stops beating us?” another commented.

While Jazz fans found the shirt offensive, fans of both Jordan and the Bulls found the merchandise to be ironically fitting.

‘”It looks historically accurate,” one comment read. “The one guy and the team that squashed back-to-back Finals for the Jazz. Too Good. #GoBulls,” said another.

The Utah Jazz have struggled to reclaim their glory days in the years since their last Finals appearance; however, they do have a winner in their front office, as Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade now owns a minority stake in the team.

Pageant That Celebrates Black Excellence And Beauty Across The Globe To Take Center Stage In Arizona

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 20, 2023

Pageant That Celebrates Black Excellence And Beauty Across The Globe To Take Center Stage In Arizona

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Get ready to witness the dazzling world of Black Globe International Pageants™ where excellence, beauty, and inspiration collide to create an unforgettable experience. The Black Globe International™ Crowning of the Nations and Fashion Extravaganza is set to take center stage in the gorgeous city of Glendale, Arizona, United States.

This extravaganza will introduce the world to the extraordinary queens of 2024 who will represent multiple countries, united by their unwavering commitment to empowerment and change.

Black Globe International Pageants, a beacon of empowerment and representation, is thrilled to announce this year’s extraordinary event. The mission is clear: to showcase the brilliance, resilience, and beauty of Black women from across the globe. These incredible women are poised to make an impact, not only on the pageant stage but also in the realms of health, wealth, self-development, entrepreneurship, and more.

One of the characteristics that sets Black Globe International Pageants apart is its three distinctive divisions:

Miss Black Globe International™: A platform for beautiful young ladies, ages 18 to 35, that radiate charisma, intelligence, and ambition.

Ms. Black Globe International™: A celebration of the grown and sexy ladies, ages 36 and better, who embody charm, elegance, and grace.

Mrs. Black Globe International™: Honoring the jewel of the married woman, this division recognizes the strength, resilience, and beauty of women who excel in both family and career.

These exceptional women are not merely competitors; they are impactful leaders. Each participant represents a unique story, a powerful journey, and an unwavering commitment to empowerment. They exemplify Black excellence in its truest form.

Following the Crowning of the Nations and Fashion Extravaganza in Glendale, Arizona, our newly crowned queens will embark on a transformative journey. They will continue to inspire, educate, and uplift, as they prepare to compete in the next country in 2024 for the illustrious and coveted titles of Miss, Ms., or Mrs. Black Globe International™.

Their incredible journeys can be followed on the pages of Black Globe International Magazine and across global media platforms. These queens will transcend borders, break barriers, and redefine beauty standards. They will be ambassadors of empowerment, proving that when excellence and beauty unite, the world becomes a more beautiful place.

Join them in celebrating Black excellence and beauty at its finest at the Black Globe International™ Crowning of the Nations and Fashion Extravaganza in Glendale, Arizona. Witness the rise of these remarkable queens who will inspire generations to come.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 20, 2023

Black Founder Of Women CEO Project Reveals All-Star Lineup For Nearly Sold-Out Global Power Tour In Houston

Nationwide — On November 8-12, Black women leaders and CEOs will come together for the ultimate business and luxe weekend at the Global Power Tour in Houston, Texas. With just 26 tickets remaining, the popular two-day event will offer unforgettable masterminds, learning sessions from top leaders, and an unforgettable setting of luxury.

Founded by White House-recognized innovator and founder of the Women CEO Project Kristi Jackson-Muhammad, the two-day conference will be hosted at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, the only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa in Texas. As part of the tour’s 30-city stop, Houston will make the 25th event in 2023 and is expected to be the biggest stop yet.

“It is incredible to see the growth of Global Power Tour since its humble beginnings in 2016,” said Jackson-Muhammad. “We are nearly at capacity and I believe this demand is a reﬂection of the quality experience and learning that we offer guests. Women will not only walk away with new skills and inspiration but a new set of supporters and friends.”

Each day will bring together powerful and impactful workshops and events to help women master topics on content creation, sales strategy, inﬂuencer branding, public relations, online marketing, and more. This year, the conference reveals a new powerhouse lineup of speakers that will join Jackson-Muhammad. Guest speakers include:

• Erica Savage, founder of Evolve Savvy is a Celebrity Wellness Lifestyle Coach + Consultant who helps women burn the self-sacriﬁcing cape to create their transformative culture of wellness after a life-changing traumatic brain injury in 2021

• Kendra Abney, PMP, founder of Remote Up, a tight-knit community for remote female workers seeking to expand their connections beyond their everyday normal lifestyle

• Sarah Fletcher, founder of Welcome Reinvention, ampliﬁes the voice of women and leaders around the world
Nikela Kelley, Creator of She Has Goals Journal, The #1 Journal for Accountability and Consistency

Jessica Williams, Systems Expert helps high-performing entrepreneurs build efficient and proﬁtable workﬂows

• Janice Bond, Director of Art is Bond, a contemporary art museum situated in Houston’s vibrant Montrose district

This event is projected to sell out. Tickets start at $1,000 and can be purchased by visiting GlobalPowerTour.com

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 20, 2023

TRIGGER WARNING: Man Arrested For Allegedly Beating A Dog With A Baseball Bat

A Florida man is being held by police after being accused of using a baseball bat to beat a dog so badly that it had to be put to death. The attack was caught on video.

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Gary Holmes was arrested in connection to the incident that led to the animal being euthanized. The suspect was free on bond after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman, before the Oct. 15 dog attack.

Police officials said 35-year-old Holmes was apprehended Oct, 17, and charged with felony cruelty to animals. He is in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond.

Holmes himself called the police and told authorities he was attacked by a large dog in the 400 block of Jean Street. When police arrived, he was holding a bat and a pocket knife. Cops instructed Holmes to drop his weapons before they spoke to him about the incident.

Holmes told police that he was walking when a large dog approached him, became hostile and bit him on the face. That’s when he “took it to the dog” and nearly beat it to death, according to the report.

He told officers the dog was still on the ground and he didn’t know who owned the dog. Holmes did have a small cut on his face.

Several days later, police officials were given surveillance video that disputed Holmes’ claim. The footage revealed a man who appears to be Holmes walking with a black and white dog on a leash that showed no signs of aggression toward him.

TRIGGER WARNING

Reportedly, the video shows the man attaching the leash to the stairwell of a building on Jean Street. He then took the bat and hit the dog several times. The dog got away and tried to flee but the man caught the animal on the second-floor landing and continued to beat it with the bat.

A police officer later found the dog bleeding on the ground. The canine was taken to the Ormond Beach Emergency Animal Hospital where it was put down.