by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Rep. Jamaal Bowman Under Investigation For Allegedly Pulling Fire Alarm Ahead Of Government Shutdown Vote

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is under investigation for allegedly pulling a fire alarm ahead of a midnight vote to keep the government from shutting down. As The Hill reports, Bowman is claiming that it was not intentional.

“Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused,” Bowman explained in a statement. “But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite—I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open.”

This is the United States Congress, not a New York City high school. This action warrants expulsion & I’m introducing a resolution to do just that. https://t.co/rfnLDzFHmK

— Office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepMalliotakis) September 30, 2023

Republicans, as some might expect, are calling for an investigation into Bowman’s actions. According to The Hill, House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI), the committee he chairs has video of the incident. On Twitter/X, the chairman announced that an investigation will be pursued against Bowman. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told reporters at a press conference that Bowman’s actions reminded him of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

“We watched how people have been treated if they’ve done something wrong in this Capitol. It will be interesting to see how he is treated on what he was trying to obstruct when it came to the American public,” McCarthy said.

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a noted adversary of Bowman on political issues, took McCarthy’s concerns to their furthest conclusion, saying, “I’m demanding that the Department of Justice prosecute him using the same way they prosecuted January 6 defendants. It’s the exact same law.”

Rep Jamaal Bowman pulled a fire alarm in Cannon this morning. An investigation into why it was pulled is underway. – Chairman Bryan Steil

— House Admin. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) September 30, 2023

Rep. Nicole Mallotakis (R-NY) also used her platform on Twitter/X to figuratively call for Bowman’s head requesting that the senator be expelled from the legislative body they share.

“This is the United States Congress, not a New York City high school,” Malliotakis continued. “To pull the fire alarm to disrupt proceedings when we are trying to draft legislation to AVERT A SHUTDOWN is pathetic…even for members of the socialist squad.”

Rank-and-file Republicans are also parroting the talking points of their leaders on Twitter/X, begging for action against Bowman.

Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came to the defense of Bowman, and criticized the Republican response to Bowman by juxtaposing Bowman to Rep. George Santos (R-NY), who is being indicted.

https://twitter.com/ChaoticLeftistW/status/1708593384909324613

AOC discussed the panic on CNN‘s State of the Union program, “They (Congressional Republicans) are protecting someone who has not only committed wire fraud, not only defrauded veterans, not only lied to congressional investigators, but is openly gloating about it is absolutely humiliating to the Republican caucus and I think that they should really check their own values.”

Regardless of the pulled fire alarm, however, the government managed to avoid another shutdown as the Representatives voted to approve a bill funding the government. The Senate has until midnight on Oct. 1 to approve it, or the government will be shut down for the first time since it shut down over an argument regarding the funding of Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. That shutdown only lasted a month and the border wall project remained without funds.

20 Locations Of Shaq Big Chicken Franchise To Michigan

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

20 Locations Of Shaq Big Chicken Franchise To Michigan

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant chain has been expanding over the last few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

As Franchise Times reported, Big Chicken and H&D Group Investments are partnering to bring 20 franchise locations to several Michigan cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing.

“Aside from its star-powered backing from Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken has a ‘wow’ factor that is rare to come by. I’ve had the privilege of trying a variety of menu offerings at different Big Chicken locations, and both the quality and flavor have been exceptional each time,” said an H&D Group Investments spokesperson. “It was an easy decision to bring the concept to Michigan, and we’re excited to be a part of the brand.”

Afrotech reports that the Michigan expansion follows similar expansions in Texas (where the franchise bloomed), California, Nevada, and Washington, among other markets.

O’Neal brought several franchise locations to the Houston area beginning in June 2023. The grand opening of his first Houston area store located on Westheimer Blvd was so big the fire marshal had to shut it down.

“This is my creation—excuse me, this is my mama’s creation,” O’Neal told the Houston Press. “Coming where we come from, me and this little guy had to eat chicken a lot.”

Shaq laughed and motioned toward his almost seven-foot-tall brother.

“Chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, chicken everything,” he added. “When the opportunity came to create this franchise, we had a meeting and sold over 250. This is the first to open in Houston. I just wanted people to come out, so I’m paying for everything today. Try it. If you like it, cool. If you don’t let me know why because we want to make this one of the best restaurants out here.”

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Tennessee Judge Rules To Dissolve Michael Oher Conservatorship

Judge Kathleen Gomes ruled on Sept. 29 to end the 2004 conservatorship set up for former NFL player Michael Oher by the Tuohy family, all of whom were the focus of the Oscar-winning 2009 film and best-selling book, The Blind Side.

Gomes said after the ruling that she had never seen a conservatorship set up like this one for someone who is not disabled in some manner. As NPR reported, Gomes said the agreement should have been canceled years ago: “I cannot believe it got done.”

Oher filed a lawsuit against the couple who led him to believe that they had adopted him in high school, only to find out that they were allegedly cashing in on his story.

Gomes allowed that separate suit to go forward. Oher is asking for Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy to produce accounting information to show how much they have received under that agreement. Oher alleges that the couple used his name, likeness, and image to make themselves money.

At the center of the suit is the alleged misrepresentation of the agreement as a document that established their adoption of Oher. This misrepresentation caused pain for Oher, he said.

“We’re pleased with the proceedings this morning,” Oher’s lawyer, Don Barrett, told CNN.

As the Associated Press reported, Oher’s suit claimed that “despite the fact that he was over 18 years old and had no diagnosed physical or psychological disabilities,” the conservatorship was still approved by the state of Tennessee. The Tuohys’ lawyer, Martin Singer, previously claimed that Oher’s suit was a shakedown and that the couple viewed it as an attempt to extort the family.

“In reality, the Tuohy opened their home to Mr. Oher, offered him structure, support and, most of all, unconditional love,” Singer told ESPN. “They have consistently treated him like a son and one of their three children. His response was to threaten them, including saying that he would plant a negative story about them in the press unless they paid him $15 million.”

According to CNN, the Tuohys responded to Oher’s lawsuit in a court document forcefully denying Oher’s assertion that they were “enriching themselves at the expense of their Ward [Oher].”

The Tuohys also maintained that they looked at Oher as a son, saying, “they have always acted in the best interest” of the former Baltimore Ravens star. Oher’s suit explains that the Tuohys never really saw Oher as a person, but as a means to an end.

“Where other parents of Michael’s classmates saw Michael simply as a nice kid in need, Conservators Sean Tuohy and Leigh Anne Tuohy saw something else: a gullible young man whose athletic talent could be exploited for their own benefit,” court documents state.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Man Accused Of Dismembering Fiancée Was Ex-Republican Official In San Francisco

Joseph C. Roberts, who is accused of dismembering his fiancée, law student Rachel Imani Buckner, is also known in local conservative political circles. Roberts was a previously elected Republican official in San Francisco and an advocate for those falsely accused of sexual assault.

A deeper look into his past, as detailed by the San Francisco Standard, shows Roberts being a delegate elected to represent the city’s Republican Party County Central Committee in 2020. Prior to his political endeavors, Roberts also took up the social cause of false sexual assault claims, heralding former Trump-appointed education secretary Betsy DeVos when new Title IX’s regulation upheld due process rights for those accused.

After being accused of sexual assault himself, and subsequently removed form Savannah State University due to the case, he began a campaign on behalf of others “unfairly” punished for claims. On ABC’s Nightline, the Trump supporter, wearing a Make America Great Again hat, spoke of his experience of hitting “rock bottom” due to the whole ordeal, which he said led to a suicide attempt.

The 42-year-old continued on his brigade of conservative ideals after the incident. Embarking on local politics in San Francisco under the slogan, “For God. For Country. For San Francisco,” he spoke of uplifting the police. His victim and former girlfriend, Buckner, was listed as the treasurer for the 2020 campaign.

Roberts was exposed for apparently doctoring images with him and San Francisco’s Mayor London Breed. A former vice chair of the local Republican Party he was part of, Jillian Shannon, admitted that his actions were always “questionable,” as she alleged he made consistent attempts of sexual advances toward her, leading to her resignation.

An GoFundMe hopes to establish a “Life and Legacy” fund on behalf of the slain law student. While Roberts’ motive remains unknown to the public, he has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Santa Rita Jail without the option of posting bail.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Chipotle Sued By EEOC After Employee’s Hijab Allegedly Snatched by Manager

A Chipotle manager in Kansas is facing a federal lawsuit after being accused of snatching an employee’s hijab off their head. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 27 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The assistant manager allegedly harassed the employee by repeatedly asking her to remove the headscarf, often worn due to religious beliefs held by Muslim women. After the woman refused, she was questioned for several weeks by management. Then, the supervisor proceeded to snatch off her hijab anyway. The “offensive” action, according to the agency’s lawsuit, “created a hostile working environment based on religion.”

“We have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind and we have terminated the employee in question,” Chipotle said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, the harassment began when the then 19-year-old began working under the supervisor at the restaurant chain in 2021. Although she notified upper-management of the negative interaction, she claims nothing was done to ensure her safety and the workplace harassment continued.

After he began touching her headscarf and pulling it down, the Muslim woman submitted her two-weeks notice. However, she was allegedly not placed on the work schedule for those two weeks.

The lawsuit wants to ensure that Chipotle guarantees that all employees of any religion have safe policies provided for them, in addition to paying damages to the former employee.

Her harassment claims have ties to Islamophobia, which remains a global issue, as the policing of Muslim women’s hijabs continues to be upheld in countries such as France.

However, the EEOC maintains that religious freedoms and outward display must be respected by employers. Both the victim and assailant’s identities remain undisclosed to the public, but, according to the EEOC, Islamophobic harassment must be addressed in the workplace.

Robert Lee, Boopac Shakur, pedophiles, Universal Coney Island, Pontiac, hero

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 1, 2023

Michigan ‘Hero’ Gunned Down After Confronting Suspected Pedophile In Restaurant

A Southeastern Michigan community is reeling after the tragic shooting death of “hero” Robert Lee after he reportedly confronted a suspected pedophile at a local restaurant.

Robert, also known as Boopac Shakur, was shot Sept. 29 at Universal Coney Island in Pontiac, Michigan. The self-proclaimed “concerned citizen” reportedly confronted two men inside the restaurant and accused one unidentified man of being a pedophile. The 40-year-old father followed up the indictment by punching the person, and a fight ensued. The man brandished a knife while the second assailant pulled a gun, shooting Robert inside the Universal Coney Island. He later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and the Pontiac Gun Violence Task Force partnered to apprehend the suspects– ages 17 and 18. They were arrested Saturday night and will be arraigned next week.

In January, the Oakland Press interviewed the brave Pontiac resident. Robert explained that his efforts to stop pedophiles and child predators in their tracks began by watching NBC’s Dateline “To Catch A Predator” segment with Chris Hansen. The father of three also revealed that Dads Against Predators inspired him to catch predators. To lure potential violators, Robert used his cell phone and social media sites.

“There’s a lot of kids out here and a lot of pedophiles. They could be people sitting next to you. I want to uncover as many as I can.”

Before the incident claimed his life, Robert boasted about helping to catch 82 alleged pedophiles. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told the publication that while he understood why the family man pursued predators– he didn’t recommend the vigilante approach.

But he advised against citizens taking matters into their own hands. Robert’s Boopac Shakur videos also have led to four arrests, including another Oakland County deputy, Jared Salisbury. The 34-year-old former deputy was terminated from his post in September 2022 after being charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes. Jared had attempted to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex.

Since Robert’s death, there’s been an outpour of love from supporters and family members alike on Facebook.

On Sept. 30, a vigil was held at Universal Coney Island for the 40-year-old victim.

Quin Lee has set up a GoFundMe on Robert’s family’s behalf. The $30,000 goal is roughly 10% complete. Quin explained that proceeds would go to his daughter, Ah’vyana.

“Funds raised will be dedicated to ensuring [Ah’vyana’s] future is secure, providing her with the opportunities and education that Robert dreamt of for her. Together, let’s stand united and show our love for a true hero and offer solace and assistance to his precious daughter.”

Our prayers go out to Robert’s family.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Bodega Clerk Sues Manhattan District Attorney For Racial Discrimination

A bodega clerk is suing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for what he claims was racial discrimination in a lawsuit filed on Sept. 29. The man, Jose Alba, was thrown into Rikers jail after he fatally stabbed an attacker while working at a Harlem convenience store.

In July 2022, Alba was at the Blue Moon Bodega when ex-con Austin Simon attacked him. In what he claims was an act of self-defense, the 61-year-old fatally stabbed Simon, according to the Daily Mail. He was originally charged with second-degree murder for killing the 35-year-old, whom he stabbed in the neck and chest.

However, many believed the charges were unjustified, prompting a social outcry against the prosecution. In the wake of the unanticipated backlash, Bragg’s offices decided to drop the charges. However, Alba is not accepting his release after six days in Rikers as a remedy for his suffering.

Intense public scrutiny and pressure from elected officials led to his reduced bail and subsequent dropping of charges.

“My heart goes out to the employee who was in the store doing his job, ” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I am hoping that we take all of that into consideration, as this hard-working New Yorker was doing his job, and someone aggressively went behind the counter to attack him.”

Alba believes that he was used by the district attorney and his office after the charges against him were dropped. The filing stated that the attorney’s “racial equity” policies have, in turn, had a negative effect on certain races,

‘While in theory, Bragg’s ‘racial equity’ policies are a well-intentioned attempt by him to implement even-handed justice, the means and methods employed by Bragg have instead had an opposite effect and resulted in discrimination against certain defendants based on race.”

Alba is also suing Department of Corrections Commissioner Louis Molina and additional staff on the grounds of “unconstitutional” and “inadequate” treatment he endured at the Rikers facility.

Bragg pulled back on the hefty charges after a further evidence review determined Alba was not using excessive force in defending himself. While a settlement was attempted at first, Alba is now continuing his suit in the hopes of receiving damages.

Tabitha Brown Headlines Hallmark Mahogany’s Black Women Empowerment Event In Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Tabitha Brown Headlines Hallmark Mahogany’s Black Women Empowerment Event In Atlanta

Tabitha Brown is leading a star-studded list of speakers at Hallmark Mahogany’s inaugural event, “Mahogany Moment.” The “curated brand experience” will host panels and discussions for Black women to connect and empower one another.

The event, taking place in Atlanta Oct.1, will also feature Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey and TV host Egypt Sherrod, and other influencers and professionals who will share their experiences and insights.

“We’re calling it the Mahogany Moment because right now, as we think about what’s happening in culture for Black women, it’s a movement,” Mahogany’s vice president, Alex Kerr, told Rolling Out. “It is a time for us to gather but also support each other. So, the Mahogany Moment is about empowerment. It’s also about taking a step from behind the curtain and discussing what it means to be soulful.”

Of Brown’s inclusion as headliner, Kerr touched on how the content creator “exemplifies” all that they are trying to promote with the experience.

“The intersection of a person like Tabitha Brown is that person when you think about Hallmark; everything about us is about care. When we think about Tabitha, I feel like she exemplifies friendly, sisterly, motherly, auntie, and, in some cases, depending on the age, that grandma care and love,” Kerr said.

The “Mahogany Moment” strives to speak to every women’s purpose in segments such as “Self-Care in the Midst of Ambition” and “Nurturing All Aspects of Your Creativity,” in which Brown is the keynote speaker.

Hallmark Mahogany is a personal expression brand, part of the card company’s portfolio, that centers and caters to the African-American demographic. This event seeks to not only engage further with their intended community but be a beacon of networking and support for Black women as they pursue their personal and professional ambitions.

Tyler Perry Visits The Bahamas To Celebrate 50 Years of Independence

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Tyler Perry Visits The Bahamas To Celebrate 50 Years of Independence

Following his efforts to help the island following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Tyler Perry visited the Bahamas recently to help celebrate 50 years of Bahamian independence from the colonial rule of the United Kingdom.

In a Sept. 24 Facebook post Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Office of the Prime Minister acknowledged Perry.

“Earlier this weekend, Tyler Perry paid Prime Minister Philip Davis a courtesy visit to celebrate The Bahamas’ remarkable milestone of 50 years of independence,” the post read. “During their meeting, Perry shared warm congratulations and expressed his admiration for the nation’s achievements. He also highlighted the incredible potential for growth in The Bahamas’ Orange Economy, emphasizing the exciting new opportunities for the creative arts and cultural industries.”

According to the Bahamas Development Bank, The Bahamas’ Orange Economy refers to all sectors of the country’s economy based on the creation of intellectual property.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that the “main purpose of the Orange Economy, is the production or reproduction, promotion, dissemination, and/or the marketing of goods, services and activities that have cultural, artistic, or patrimonial content.”

Perry, who owns a private island in The Bahamas, has described himself as an adoptive son of the island in the past.

“I very much feel like a part of the Bahamian people,” he told The Tribune. “If we go back to our history and our culture, and how we all got into America and this part of the world, you know, we all have a common bond. So to have a country celebrating 50 years of independence is pretty amazing, especially being people of color who know what it takes to be independent and to make their way through things.”

Perry also stated his commitment to involving The Bahamas in future projects.

“I write what I know and what I understand,” Perry said. “I never want to be insulting to anyone. So until I fully get immersed and understand and spend time with some real downhome Bahamians—and here’s the other part of it, each island is going to have their own different flavor and feel so until I can understand all of that I don’t want to insult anybody,” he said.

by Jameelah Mullen

October 1, 2023

Hughes Brothers’ Take Home Pay For ‘Menace II Society’ Was Meager

After a four-way split, and taxes and fees, the Hughes brothers received a mere $24,000—if that—from their debut film Menace II Society despite the movie being a box office success.

Albert Hughes, who directed the cultural classic with his twin brother Allen, confirmed the meager earnings in an exclusive interview with VLADTV.

“$100,000 between the two Hughes brothers, right, after taxes, agents … we probably made less than $24,000 and not a dime more,” Hughes said.

When asked if he has ever seen royalties the director responded, “yeah, enough to pay a light bill maybe.”

“Sometimes, you get a check that’s like five cents,” Hughes said. “This ain’t even worth the labor.”

Thirty years ago, Menace II Society was released in theaters May 26, 1993, grossing $3,839,638 opening weekend after producing the film on a $3.5 million budget, The Numbers reported. The movie which contributed to the success of Hollywood actors Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett Smith and Larenz Tate, went on to gross $30 million, making the Hughes brothers’ profit that much more abysmal. Luckily for the filmmaking duo, their sophomore effort fetched them far more from Disney Studios.

The brothers received a $1 million check to direct Dead Presidents, another hit movie that raked in $24,000,000 after its 1995 release, and solidified their talents in Tinsel Town.

Menace II Society and Dead Presidents is now streaming on multiple platforms.

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