Raven-Symoné Watches ‘A Lot More Politics’ Since Leaving ‘The View’
Raven-Symoné is more open to watching politics now that she's no longer being "scolded" on "The View."
Raven-Symoné stopped by The View for a guest appearance following her brief stint as a co-host and jokingly admitted to having “PTSD” from the experience.
The veteran actress, a permanent co-host on The View from 2015 to 2016, returned as a guest on Wednesday to discuss her journey as a former child star and mentor to young talent. The That’s So Raven star also reflected on her time as a co-host and shared how she now watches much more politics since leaving the show.
“Does it feel good to be back here at all?” panelist Joy Behar — who worked with Symoné as a co-host during her short tenure — asked the star, who replied,
“Um, certain things do!” she jokingly replied. “Actually, no, as you guys know, every time I come here, I have to come to this job maybe, like, 45 minutes early to say hi to everybody. And then when I get on this, I have PTSD. Please don’t ask me any questions!”
That’s when Behar segued right into a question about Symoné’s visit to The White House during Pride Month, where she met Vice President Kamala Harris. Behar asked her former co-host if she’s been keeping up with the current presidential election and caught last week’s Vice Presidential debate.
“I watch a lot more politics now that I’m not on the show,” she declared after jokingly telling Behar, “I told you not to ask me any questions.”
Behar claimed that The View didn’t focus as heavily on politics during Symoné’s time as a co-host, but The Cosby Show star disagreed with that statement.
“Well, yes, I got a lot of scolding back in the day that I’m not paying attention to it as much, but I watch it now for actual entertainment,” she replied.
“It is absolutely amazing, and there are so many different ways you can go about it, but the one thing I wanted to say about it is if you’re confused about who to vote for because certain policies sit certain ways, because, like, yeah, there are some things I like about the Republican side and there are some things I like about the Democrat side, but ultimately I’m choosing the person that best represents me as a human to the rest of the world and what that looks like.”
Symoné and Whoopi Goldberg have stayed in touch over the years, with the EGOT-winning actress appearing as a guest on Symoné’s The Best Podcast Ever with Raven and Miranda in August 2023. During the episode, the two laughed at Symoné’s playful remark that Goldberg gave off “lesbian vibes.”
During an interview with NewsNation, Trump attacked Haitians as part of his anti-immigration stance. The Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, has been targeted after false claims that they are stealing and eating neighborhood pets; Trump said if he is elected, he plans to revoke their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a protection granted by President Joe Biden that affords migrants from Haiti and 15 other countries in political turmoil to live and work in the U.S temporarily.
“In Springfield, what’s happening there is horrible…and about 30,000 were put into that community rapidly…you have to remove the people; we cannot destroy our country,” Trump told the NewsNation cable network reporter.
“You had a beautiful, safe community…and all of sudden in a short period, they have 32,000 more people there. It doesn’t work, it can’t work. It has nothing to do with Haiti or anything else. It doesn’t work. You have to remove the people, and you have to bring them back to their own country.”
When asked if he would revoke TPS for Haitians, he boldly responded, “Absolutely, I’d revoke it, and I’d bring them back to their country.”
Donald Trump is running a campaign of blind hate against immigrants even if they're in the country legally. Trump doesn't care that Haitian immigrants in Springfield played by the rules he's cruelly promising to revoke their legal status and deport them. pic.twitter.com/Fgv63pHoG5
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) October 3, 2024
According to HuffPost, the claims by Trump and his VP nominee, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who continued the false claims during Vice Presidential debates on Oct. 1, have resulted in several attacks, including schools having to be evacuated because of bomb threats. Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine has to station Highway Patrol troopers on school grounds at district buildings as an extra precaution.
White supremacists were seen standing outside of Springfield’s City Hall building with a sign that read, “Haitians have no home here.” Residents bantered against them, saying the town is a place of love and not hate.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time Trump has promised to remove TPS status from immigrants. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security, under the 45th president’s reign, announced the end of TPS for Haitians, claiming the protections caused the agency to conclude that Haiti no longer met the conditions. The decision came just two weeks after Trump terminated similar protection for 2,500 Nicaraguans that lasted nearly 20 years.
Kerry Washington Invests In Spill, The Black-Owned Twitter Alternative
Kerry Washington invests her money and celebrity to support a Black-owned social media platform
Kerry Washington is investing her money and celebrity to support a Black-owned social media platform started by a former Twitter employee.
The Emmy-winning actress was announced as the newest investor of Spill, the emerging Twitter alternative Alphonzo Terrell launched after being laid off by the company two years ago, TechCrunch reports. As an active user of Spill, where she has hosted “Tea Parties” — the platform’s term for live video chats — to engage with users on topics like voter registration, Washington felt it was a natural step to invest in the startup tech company.
“In a digital world where marginalized groups, especially Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA folks, rarely feel prioritized, Spill stands out,” Washington said in a statement. “I’m proud to be part of this community as both a user and an investor.”
Washington is thoughtful about the companies she selects for early-stage investments. The Scandal star has previously been an angel investor in ventures like the direct-to-consumer teeth-aligner startup Byte, the celebrity-focused fundraising platform Omaze, the now-closed women’s co-working space The Wing, and the SMS-based marketing platform Community.
Not just one to throw her money behind a brand and walk away, Terrell shares how involved Washington is as an investor.
“She’s incredibly accessible and knowledgeable, especially around these topics and is not scared in any way, shape, or form about really engaging with people directly,” Terrell shared. “I think it really does represent the kind of environment we want to cultivate on Spill … We’re all human here, too. Let’s connect.”
Washington’s investment coincides with Spill’s second anniversary and its growing success, highlighted by the popular Spades feature. Users are now spending over 30 minutes on the app to complete games, signaling a steady improvement in user retention.
“It’s partner-based, so it’s inherently very social,” Terrell said. “This was a suggestion from the community because it’s always played at Black barbecues and things like that, and family gatherings.”
Additional successes include a 400% increase in average ad spend per campaign on Spill. The platform will surpass one million dollars in annualized revenue next year.
“Multicultural ad spending has increased 5-10% [per year] over the last seven years. It’s going to be a $45 billion a year business in just the United States this year,” Terrell said. “We had some entertainment partners that were running some test campaigns, and since that time, we’ve had … a lot of brands coming back for multiple campaigns.”
Elsewhere, Spill aims to remain a voice for marginalized communities. Washington’s investment was announced shortly after users mourned the passing of Marcellus Williams, a Black man who spent over 20 years on death row for a murder he claimed he did not commit, with no DNA or forensic evidence against him. Despite objections from three U.S. Supreme Court justices, their concerns were ultimately dismissed, and the execution—described by the NAACP as a lynching—proceeded on Sept. 24.
“The execution yesterday … really underscored the need for just like, community, like people around you to support you so that you’re not isolated,” Terrell said. “You don’t carry this stuff alone. I think everybody needs that wherever you can find it.”
Atlanta Veneer Scammer Smiles His Way Into 8 Felony Charges
On Oct. 3., Atlanta police raided the offices of Brandon Dillard. Dillard, a self-proclaimed veneer specialist, has been on the radar of the Fulton County district attorney’s office for some time and is being officially charged. Dillard is accused of committing eight felony offenses, including practicing dentistry without a license.
WSBTV reports Dillard is “not a licensed dentist and has been illegally performing veneer procedures.”
Dillard ran his operation in a Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia office, “A List Smiles Atlanta.” The unlicensed technician has been promoting his business on social media since 2021.
“If you went to this and you thought it was a dental office, and you looked at the equipment, it appears to be legitimate. But that’s what the best fraudsters do: they do everything they can to make themselves look legitimate,” said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
Social media users have focused on the rise of veneer technicians. Months before Dillard’s probe came to a head, users commented on the legality of his operation, even calling him a scammer.
His Instagram followers boast over 100,000 and multiple videos of alleged customers, as well as buy now, pay later payment options.
Unfortunately, Dillard is not the only person engaging in illegal practices. His training class equips dozens of students with supplies and knowledge on how to perform the service.
Kevin Hunter Alleges Wendy Williams Hid $48M During Divorce, Demands Judgment Be Vacated
He believes the extra $48 million "was fraudulently concealed in the divorce."
As former talk show host Wendy Williams continues her recovery from health issues, her former husband, Kevin Hunter, is demanding that a court “vacate and set aside” the final divorce judgment granted “based on fraud, misrepresentation, and misconduct.”
According to The U.S. Sun, Hunter alleges fraud based on financial documents submitted in 2019 during the divorce proceedings. In a Wells Fargo portfolio report submitted by her guardian, her “total holdings” were listed at $7,319,032.15. Yet, Williams’ best friend, Regina Schell, submitted an affidavit stating that Williams had $55 million in her bank accounts in 2022.
“In July of 2022, Wendy invited me to stay with her in New York City for an extended period,” she said in the affidavit. “During that visit, Wendy expressed to me that she wished to explore options regarding her estate, specifically a possible change with her current financial institution. She also shared with me documents from Wells Fargo showing a cumulative balance of nearly $55 million.”
Based on that statement, Hunter feels the money was hidden from him during the divorce proceedings. He believes the extra $48 million “was fraudulently concealed in the divorce.”
As Hunter continues his pursuit of more money from Williams, he has argued with the New Jersey court where the divorce took place that Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, may not even be allowed to represent his former wife. Morrisey has the authority to do so in New York State, but he doubts she can do so in New Jersey.
In July, he filed court papers saying Morrisey repping Williams is “akin to practicing law without a license as she is neither a barred attorney nor a Guardian appointed by a New Jersey Court.”
The judge has given Morrisey 21 days to prove to the court that she has the authority to represent Williams in New Jersey.
ONE MUSICFEST Will Celebrate 15th Year At Atlanta’s Central Park
Organizers switch from last year's venue, Piedmont Park.
ONE MUSICFEST will be held on Oct. 26 and 27. The festival was first held in Atlanta’s Central Park in 2022 and moved to Piedmont Park last year, but organizers just announced that it is returning to Central Park for this year’s event.
The organizers posted the information on social media to inform guests about the change.
#OMF2024 will now be held at Atlanta’s Historic CENTRAL PARK! Read above for details
Y’all remember #OMF2022, right? SAME energy for this year!
New location, same vibes! The countdown is ON, and we can’t wait to party. Let’s make this 15th anniversary one for the books! “
WSB-TV reported that the change occurs at the smaller park as it celebrates its 15th year.
“By moving to Central Park, we can continue to deliver the activations and experiences you love without compromising on quality. We believe deeply in the power of culture and the significance of independently owned Black festivals,” a written statement from the organizers read. “We’re committed to making the best choices for our music-loving community and keeping ONE MUSICFEST strong.”
On Oct. 26, people can expect to see performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasia, Method Man & Redman, Nelly, and Cardi B. Atlanta DJ Greg Street’s OMF Anthem will also allow local talent Young Dro, Crime Mob, Travis Porter, and Trillville to take the stage.
The following day, Jill Scott, Victoria Monet, Keyshia Cole, Dru Hil, Gunna, Glorilla, and Sexyy Red are expected to take the stage. DJ Drama will also have special guests. DJ Mars Block Party will also have T.I., Keri Hilson, Lloyd, and other artists.
Tickets for the event, starting at $99 for a single-day ticket, can be obtained on the ONE MUSICFEST website.
Viola Davis Receives Humanitarian Award From Kelly Rowland At HollyRod DesignCare Gala
Viola Davis silenced the audience with an impassioned speech at the HollyRod DesignCare Gala.
Kelly Rowland expressed her honor in presenting Viola Davis with an honor at the 2024 HollyRod DesignCare Gala on Saturday.
Stars gathered to support Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete at the annual HollyRod DesignCare Gala, celebrating the nonprofit’s 26 years of advocacy for the autism and Parkinson’s communities. The event honored EGOT winner Davis for her philanthropic contributions with an award named for the late humanitarian Jacqueline Avant.
Davis became the second Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award recipient, following 2023 honoree Naomi Campbell. Recognized for her partnerships with various programs to end childhood hunger in the U.S. and her dedication to other social justice causes, The Woman King star gave an impassioned speech that spoke to her 6-year-old self.
“And if anyone understands the definition of a hero, they are always born into a world where they do not fit in,” Davis told the audience.
During her speech, the Fences star admitted to having a desire to leave behind a legacy that lasts a lifetime. But her explanation of how that impossible feat might be possible left the room in awe.
“Until the last person who has a memory of you dies, then you will never be dead,” Davis said.
Her charitable work includes serving as an ambassador for Hunger Is, a campaign focused on ending childhood hunger, and supporting organizations such as Children’s Hunger Alliance, the clothing and shoe nonprofit Soles4Souls, and the women’s addiction recovery group Friendly House. Reflecting on her contributions, Davis shared how her difficult childhood has driven her philanthropic efforts.
“I want to be the hero that she is at six. I want to be that person that came through the dark and said, ‘I see you,'” she said. “It’s why I work with hunger. It’s why I work with education. It’s why I work with domestic violence. I see you. And as long as I am breathing, I know that my end of this race is to pass it on to the next great woman who’s going to give it and put it out into the world and make others feel less alone.
“I thank her for her life,” she continued. “I thank her. Thank you for even thinking that I am worthy of this award, and while I’m still breathing, I am going to leave something in people.”
HollyRod, founded by actor Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for families affected by autism and Parkinson’s Disease.
The couple founded the nonprofit in honor of Holly Robinson Peete’s late father, actor, writer, and producer Matthew T. Robinson Jr., who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 45. HollyRod’s mission later expanded when their son RJ was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
In addition to Davis, the 2024 HollyRod DesignCare Gala also honored Dr. Chantale Branson with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award; Camille Proctor and Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr with the Karen E. Smith Angel on the Path Award; Jason McElwain and Morgan Harper Nichols with the HollyRod Hero Award; Eric Aquino with the Matthew Robinson Jr. Award of Courage; and Julian Maha and Michele Kong with the HollyRod Corporate Champion Award.
A Single Vote For Angel Reese Prevented Unanimous Win For Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie Of The Year
Clark receives 66 votes from a panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters, while Reese received one vote.
The numbers are tallied, and in an almost unanimous vote, Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark wins the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. She loses that perfect vote to her nemesis, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.
The WNBA announced that the Fever guard received 66 votes from a panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. The lone vote that did not go to Clark was placed for Reese. It’s the second straight year a Fever rookie has won the award. Aliyah Boston took home the honor last season.
Although Reese had an amazing season, breaking several records along the way, her season ended early when she suffered a wrist injury, which led to surgery. The battle between Reese and Clark made for an exciting season for the league, igniting interest in the WNBA that had never been seen before both women entered the league this year.
Clark did something Reese was unable to do: lead her team to the playoffs. The Fever lost the opening series to the Connecticut Sun. Clark helped her team improve their win total for this season to 20-20 after the Fever had a 13-27 record last year. The Fever also made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Reese’s team did not qualify for the playoffs and ended the season with a 13-27 record, the third-worst in the league.
According to ESPN, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.3 steals during her first season in the WNBA. Meanwhile, Reese averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in the 34 games she appeared in.
With 3337 assists, Clark set a WNBA single-season record. She also had two other WNBA single-season rookie records with 769 points and 122 three-pointers made. Clark led the league in three-pointers made.
Clark will be rewarded $5,150 with a trophy to commemorate the honor.
Colman Domingo Partners With W.K. Kellogg Foundation To Promote Racial Healing
Colman Domingo wants people to know that racial healing is an ongoing practice.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) launched the National Day of Racial Healing eight years ago. This year, the organization—led by La June Montgomery Tabron, the organization’s first African American and female President/CEO—has partnered with Academy Award-nominated actor Colman Domingo to amplify the movement to share personal stories and encourage individuals to practice racial healing daily.
Colman Domingo’s Role in the Racial Healing Movement
Domingo, widely known for his powerful storytelling, is lending his voice and influence to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s ongoing work. The actor believes in the transformative power of racial healing and is using his platform to share stories that empower individuals and communities to take action. Through personal reflection and fostering empathy, Domingo and WKKF hope to demonstrate that racial healing isn’t a one-day event but a continuous process.
“Just as working out or eating well, I think that you have to take personal responsibility to do the work, and it doesn’t have to be scary work. It feels like– I think sometimes, there could be something about racial healing that feels like it’s going to make me feel bad,” Domingo explained to BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“I actually think it’ll make you feel much better because you’re actively taking part of racial healing every single day.”
Domingo’s passion for racial equity stems from his own experiences. As a Black Latino man in America, he has witnessed the profound impact that systemic racism has on marginalized communities. His partnership with WKKF is driven by a desire to inspire others to practice racial healing in their everyday lives—whether through self-reflection, recognizing our shared humanity, or building trusting relationships.
“Racial healing is as simple as the connection you make with someone that you thought you had nothing in common with just having a conversation and getting to know them and them getting to know you to be curious about someone else. That’s what racial healing actually looks like to me,” the Euphoria star says.
The prolific multi-hyphenate emphasized that incorporating these habits can address the systemic challenges children, families, and communities of color face.
Domingo also shared a touching story of how stepping outside of himself triggered an endearing interaction with a stranger.
“You know, I recently engaged with someone literally. We were at Martha’s Vineyard, and I went and sat by the water. I sat next to this gentleman who eventually told me about himself. We just got to know each other organically. It was related to the water and then our coffee. And he couldn’t have been more different in background and experience, but also politically, all those things. But we sat with such civility, talked to get to know each other, and asked questions. ‘Well, why? Why do you think that way? Or why do you feel that way?’ Great.”
When asked about incorporating racial healing as a daily practice, the Fear of The Walking Dead star said, “It feels like a daily practice and not just something that happens truly one day a year. But it’s something that gets kick-started one day a year, which is what I love about our partnership. It’s letting you know that it’s something that can become a daily practice and something that is helpful for the evolution of society, especially our society in America.”
As the first African American and first female President-CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Tabron has played an integral role in leading WKKF’s racial healing initiatives. Under her leadership, WKKF remains dedicated to implementing long-term changes, particularly in communities facing high poverty and racial inequities..
“I’m the first woman to lead this philanthropic organization, whose mission was to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children in the world. And I do that with purpose. It’s not from anger. It’s from a sense that children deserve the absolute best, and we, as adults, deserve to create the conditions for them to thrive.
“So, never anger,” she adds. “Our work around racial equity and racial healing is not about shaming or blaming but about connecting people to pursue equity.”
What does that work entail?
“I think part of the work is about connecting our humanity. And then the other part is very specifically addressing these racialized structures and being very truthful and honest about how they hurt people and how they oppress people,” Tabron told BE. “And so the work starts to look the same. And it’s about, you know, our history of systems that have oppressed people and the pursuit to dismantle these systems and to build new systems that allow everyone opportunities to thrive. And again, it’s about the conversation that you have there.”
How to Practice Racial Healing Year-Round
While the National Day of Racial Healing serves as an annual reminder of the work needed, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Tabron, and Domingo want individuals to understand that racial healing is an ongoing practice. Some key strategies to incorporate racial healing into everyday life include:
Personal Reflection. Reflect on how racial biases might shape your worldview and interactions. Honest self-assessment is critical in identifying and addressing these internalized beliefs.
Cultivating Empathy. Build empathy by listening to the experiences of others, especially those who have faced racial discrimination. Empathy helps bridge divides and foster more profound connections between communities.
Recognizing Common Humanity. Acknowledge the shared struggles, hopes, and dreams that unite all people, regardless of race. This mindset fosters unity and creates space for understanding.
Building Trust. Invest in relationships with people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Trust grows through shared experiences and open dialogue, which is essential for lasting racial healing.
The Foundation’s efforts span the United States and internationally, with priority places in Michigan (Battle Creek, Detroit, Grand Rapids), Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans. Additionally, WKKF has global initiatives in Mexico and Haiti aiming to address the systemic barriers that prevent children from thriving.
Through its partnership with Domingo and ongoing commitment to racial equity, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation inspires individuals and communities to embrace racial healing as a daily practice. By fostering empathy, reflecting on biases, and building trusting relationships, Tabron and the actor substantiated that collectively, we can work toward overcoming the systemic challenges that affect marginalized groups.
The former cops—Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, and Taddarius Bean—were accused of using excessive force, obstructing justice through witness tampering and other crimes that deprived Nichols of his rights. They all entered a not-guilty plea, but a jury disagreed.
Haley was convicted on one count of conspiracy to witness tamper and one count of obstruction of justice for witness tampering. Smith and Bean received guilty verdicts on one count of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. None of the men were found guilty of deprivation of rights under color of the law for excessive force and failure to intervene or deliberate indifference; however, Haley received a conviction of the lesser counts for each involving bodily injury.
Charges of witness tampering carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Haley’s civil rights charge holds up to 10 years in prison. If convicted on the harshest charges, state murder charges, all three could face life in prison.
“All of them have been convicted of something, and they’re all going to jail. That’s how I feel,” Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, said. “This has been a long journey for family.”
Nichols’ case made national headlines after he was declared dead at a Memphis hospital three days after being pulled over for reckless driving on Jan. 7, 2023. After two confrontations with the officers, Tyre was arrested following reports he was beaten. Days later, a graphic video was released on national networks showing the brutal attack. Compared to the likes of Rodney King, the video showed officers, according to family attorney Ben Crump, giving “blow by blow, kick by kick, deplorable, excessive use of for by police.”
The five officers involved in the case were members of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit. They were fired after Nichols’ death for violating police department policies and the unit was disbanded.
“Tyre’s family is relieved that all three officers were found guilty and taken into custody for their loved one’s death,” Crump and fellow civil rights Antonio Romanucci said in a statement following the Oct. 3 verdict. “Tyre should be alive today, and while nothing can bring them back, today’s guilty verdicts bring a measure of accountability for his senseless, tragic death.
“We hope this moment serves as a reminder that our fight for justice for Tyre is far from over. We will continue to push for justice in the state criminal case and civil cases so that no family has to endure this heartache again. Our thoughts are with Tyre’s family as they continue to navigate this painful journey.”
The two other officers involved in the case, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills, pleaded guilty to civil rights violations and conspiracy charges before the trial began. Mills was the only officer to enter a guilty plea to state-level offenses.
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