Basketball Legend Dikembe Mutombo Dies Of Brain Cancer At 58
'Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. 'On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA.'
Former NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo has died after a bout with brain cancer, the league announced on Monday, September 30. The defensive standout was 58 years old. The popular center played for 18 years in the league for several teams, most notably the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a written statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Mutombo, born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was also the league’s first global ambassador.
“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.”
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
The center, who was known for his fierce shot-blocking abilities and the waving of his long index finger toward opponents when he swatted their shots, was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. He pursued treatment in Atlanta.
He played his collegiate career at Georgetown University, which also birthed basketball stars like Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Allen Iverson. Mutombo, Ewing, and Mourning, three of the best centers to play in the NBA in the 1990s, were tutored by the late John Thompson, the university’s revered longtime head coach.
Mutombo is one of only three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert, who just won his fourth one this past season, and fellow NBA Hall of Famer Ben Wallace are the other two.
The 7-foot-2 center retired after the 2008-09 season. Mutombo was selected to the NBA All-Star Game eight times and was a three-time All-NBA pick. He averaged 9.8 points and pulled down 10.3 rebounds per game. He made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The African native spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997. He spent his remaining days involved in charitable and humanitarian causes.
Detroit Man Arrested, Charged With Killing Missing Teenager Na’Ziyah Harris
Jarvis Butts, 41, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and child sexually abusive activity.
An arrest has been made in connection to a teenage girl from Detroit who went missing in January. Jarvis Butts, 41, has been charged with the killing of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, The Detroit News reports. Authorities also say that Butts impregnated Harris.
Butts, who lives in Detroit, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and child sexually abusive activity. He faces the possibility of life in prison.
CHARGED ⚖️ Following an investigation by the Detroit Police Department (DPD), the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Jarvis Ramon Butts, 41, of Detroit with the homicide of Na’Ziyah Harris, (cont.) pic.twitter.com/qMR5cpe5Iy
Prosecutors are also charging Butts with the sexual assaults of two other girls: Four counts of sexual assault of a woman who is currently 20 years old but was underaged when he allegedly assaulted her between 2012 and 2014, and sexual assault of a girl who is now 13 years old from 2015 to 2017.
Harris, a seventh grader at the J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, got off a school bus January 9 but never returned home. Her body has yet to be found. Butts, who had children with the victim’s aunt, met up with Butts, text messages revealed. The meeting took place that day after school at Butts’ auto repair shop in Detroit.
Harris and Butts were seen together by several people who were close to Butts, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a press conference on Sept. 26.
Butts, a coworker, and Harris went to Ypsilanti in the coworker’s car and then returned to the auto shop, according to the prosecutor’s office. Later that night, Butts checked into a hotel at 9:30 p.m. by himself. He was seen on Jan. 10 in the Rouge River area in Detroit. The clothes Harris had on were found in that area, according to prosecutors.
Butts exploited, molested, and sexually abused Harris, who was pregnant with his child at the time that she died, according to Worthy. In September 2022, Butts allegedly sent her sexually explicit texts while she sent him sexual photos of herself. She texted him in September 2023 that she did not have her period. Butts allegedly knew of her pregnancy in November 2023.
“The evidence in this case will clearly show that the defendant’s alleged actions were beyond predatory. They were vulturous—he groomed and preyed upon Na’Ziyah with expertise. We will prove that he killed young Na’Ziyah after he found out she was pregnant at 13 with his child,” Worthy said in a written statement.
US Navy Lawyers Argue In Favor Of Affirmative Action In Civil Trial
According to the attorneys, race sometimes comes into play during the admissions process for the Naval Academy, but it is one among numerous factors that determine admission into the United States Naval Academy and its consideration in the admissions process is often limited.
According to The Associated Press, the same party responsible for the case in which the Supreme Court’s conservative judges ruled that affirmative action was unconstitutional is responsible for this civil case against the United States Naval Academy.
Although the case brought by Students for Fair Admissions in 2023 resulted in the end of affirmative action on college campuses and a subsequent tidal wave of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from several actors, including conservative governors and legislative bodies, the military service academies were left exempt from that ruling.
Conservative activist Edward Blum’s group, Students for Fair Admissions, eventually sued the United States Naval Academy, based in Annapolis, Maryland, in a bid to change that exemption from the affirmative action ruling.
However, Solicitor General Elizabeth Pelogar warned the Supreme Court in a brief that “a lack of diversity in leadership can jeopardize the Army’s ability to win wars.”
Prelogar continued, “Plagued by accusations that white officers were using minority service members as ‘cannon fodder,’ the Army confronted racial violence that ‘extended from fire bases in Vietnam to army posts within the United States to installations in West Germany, Korea, Thailand, and Okinawa.’”
A bench trial for Blum’s group’s lawsuit is currently underway. It is overseen by Judge Richard Bennett, a federal judge in Baltimore’s federal court system who was appointed by George W. Bush. Bennett also served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and Maryland’s National Guard.
Lt. Col. Dakota Wood, a white man who is a retired Marine Corps officer and a 1985 graduate of the Naval Academy, argued that racial and ethnic diversity is irrelevant when creating a cohesive fighting force.
Meanwhile, Capt. Jason Birch, a Black former Navy SEAL commander who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1999, said that his experiences as a Black officer illustrate the importance of having Black people in leadership positions in the military.
One of those reasons, Birch argued, is that diversity is a hallmark of core American values. Birch also recounted instances where he was subjected to racist behavior from white colleagues and contrasted those with experiences abroad where his race earned respect from various foreign leaders.
In court documents, attorneys for the United States Naval Academy spoke to the strife that came with a less diverse military. “For decades, senior military leaders have concluded that the fighting force is stronger when it is racially and otherwise diverse at all levels. The Armed Forces learned this lesson the hard way.”
The lawyers continued, arguing that America’s military has had to deal with “internal racial strife that has risked mission readiness since its inception,” arguing that although significant progress has been made, it remains vitally important to have a military that tries to reflect the demographics of the country because that helps reduce internal conflicts.
According to the attorneys, race sometimes comes into play during the admissions process for the Naval Academy, but it is one among numerous factors that determine admission into the United States Naval Academy, and its consideration in the admissions process is often limited. Despite these arguments, attorneys for Blum’s group argued that merit and achievement alone should be enough for the United States Naval Academy.
“For most of its history, the Academy has evaluated midshipmen based on merit and achievement,” attorneys for Students for Fair Admissions wrote in court documents. “For good reasons: America’s enemies do not fight differently based on the race of the commanding officer opposing them, sailors must follow orders without regard to the skin color of those giving them, and battlefield realities apply equally to all sailors regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin.”
It should be noted that the strategies submitted by Blum’s group all have the potential for increasing the representation of whites in the Naval Academy but decreasing the representation of other groups. Their attorneys advocated for focusing on the socioeconomic status of potential Naval Academy students, noting that they believed it would produce similar results.
However, like Prelogar, Beth Bailey, a professor of history at the University of Kansas, said that the lack of Black soldiers in leadership roles during the Vietnam War severely jeopardized the country’s war effort, and Bailey likened it to a missing weapon of war.
According to the AP, the bench trial is expected to conclude by Oct. 4, and no matter who wins, the verdict will almost certainly be appealed.
Black Pastor Arrested While Watering Neighbor’s Flowers Prevails As Court Rules Officers Lacked Probable Cause
The arrest of Michael Jennings in Childersburg, Alabama, failed to meet the legal standards for qualified immunity.
A three-judge panel on Alabama’s 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Sept. 27 that the arrest of Michael Jennings, a Black pastor in Childersburg, Alabama, made by three officers did not meet the legal requirements for being protected by qualified immunity.
According to The Associated Press, Jennings was arrested by the trio in May 2022 after his neighbor reported him to the police as he watered the garden of a friend while the friend was out of town.
The officers allegedly arrested Jennings because he didn’t show them an ID, but body cam footage captured the man repeatedly telling the officers that he was Pastor Jennings and lived across the street from the residence.
According to Jennings’ lawyers, it was impossible for the officers who arrested Jennings to establish any probable cause because they arrested him within five minutes of arriving on the scene.
Harry Daniels, Jennings’ lead lawyer, told the AP that the decision is a win for his client and the justice system in general.
“This is a win for Pastor Jennings and a win for justice. The video speaks for itself,” Daniels said. “Finally, Pastor Jennings will have his day in court and prove that wearing a badge does not give you the right to break the law.”
In December 2023, Chief District Judge R. David Proctor dismissed Jennings’ case against the three officers, citing qualified immunity. However, the ruling from the appeals court clarified that although an officer has the right to request a name, address, and an explanation from a person they reasonably suspect is committing or will commit a crime, they do not have the right to demand a physical ID.
Jennings had been initially charged with obstructing government operations, but the police chief dismissed that charge within a few days.
A few months later, Jennings filed a lawsuit, alleging that the incident violated his constitutional rights and caused other problems, including emotional distress and anxiety.
According to Daniels, the case has the potential to impact other cases involving the police and the violation of the civil rights of Alabama’s citizens in the state.
“This has major implications for anyone who has been subjected to unlawful arrest because they wouldn’t give their ID,” Daniels said.
‘Athletes For Harris’: Magic Johnson, Candace Parker, Billie Jean King Among Sports Stars Campaigning For Kamala Harris
The initiative will mobilize athletes and coaches to vote, while also inspiring other players to do so.
Kamala Harris has a new cohort campaigning on her behalf. Her campaign announced the launch of “Athletes For Harris,” as sports legends join the cause.
The initiative will mobilize athletes and coaches to vote. while also inspiring other players to do so. Specifically, the movement will target Gen-Zers and young men, as written in a statement obtained by USA Today.
“Athletes are among the most trusted voices for key voting blocs, especially young men, making them uniquely qualified campaigners for Vice President Harris and Governor (Tim) Walz’s campaign,” read the statement. “Sporting events and games are also key moments that draw in large and politically diverse audiences, audiences that are increasing their reach with Gen Z and younger men.”
Alongside the news, multiple all-star athletes announced their support as co-chairs of the endeavor. These athletes range from a multiple sports, including tennis legend Billie Jean King, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, and Philadelphia Eagles lineman Thomas Booker. Other co-chairs include WNBA champion Candace Parker, long-time NBA coach Doc Rivers, as well as NBA all-star Chris Paul.
“I have known Vice President Harris for over 25 years, and you can count on her to deliver on what she says she is going to do,” Johnson said in a statement. “She’ll be a President for all people, no matter the race, language, sexual orientation, or party line. She showed all of us — and showed the world — that she was ready to be President, how smart she is, and her plan for the country in that debate. We are not going backwards; we are moving forward.”
Many consider the push to take action began with the “Win With Black Women” virtual fundraiser. After Harris announced her candidacy in July, thousands of Black women banded together, raising over $1M for her historic campaign. Its success led to other groups creating calls, such as white women and Black men, to fundraise for Harris.
Now, professional athletes across the country are following the trend to get Harris elected. Their support will accompany a media blitz by the Democratic campaign, which includes outreach to fans at major sporting events.
Johnson added, “For all of the athletes out there, don’t be afraid to use your platforms — we need all of you to get involved. Share this with your friends that Vice President Harris has an agenda that will move the country forward. The Magic Man is on board.”
BLACK HEALTH MATTERS—PROSTATE CANCER IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND THE ROLE OF CLINICAL TRIALS
According to Euvon Jones, his journey with prostate cancer is “not a testimony you usually hear.”
For starters, Jones is African American and Black men not only experience a disproportionately high incidence of prostate cancer,[1] but are more than twice as likely to die from the disease than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.[2] Furthermore, age plays a significant role in prognosis, and Jones was 59 years old at the time of his diagnosis fifteen years ago.
Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia causing massive damage as 90 people were killed.
The devastation of Hurricane Helene, as inclement weather tore through the southeast, claimed at least 90 lives.
According to Reuters, Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, causing massive damage as 90 people were killed and destruction was left along its path. Millions were left without power, and roads were left in ruins after the hurricane flooded some towns. Local officials anticipate that the death total will grow.
According to some insurers, the estimated damages from the hurricane that ravaged the region over the past several days may range from between $15 billion and more than $100 billion. The weather drastically affected all manner of living, including knocking out cellphone towers and causing rippling effects throughout the water systems, communications, and critical transportation routes.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden plans to visit the areas affected by the hurricane this week once it is clear that he can do so without disrupting emergency services.
Referring to the tragedy and mayhem left behind, the president told reporters, “It’s tragic. You saw the photographs. It’s stunning.”
Both presidential candidates, Vice President Kamal Harris and former President Donald Trump will also stop in the region. Both the Democratic and Republican candidates will receive briefings on the particulars.
A U.S. Energy Department official stated that approximately 2.7 million customers throughout the South were without power on Sept. 29, down 40% from Sept. 27.
South Carolina reported that 25 people had died, while Georgia stated 17 people were found dead, and Florida reported 11 deaths, according to the governors of those states. Sheriff Quentin Miller from North Carolina told reporters that 30 people died, and most of the victims lived in Buncombe County.
Hurricane Helene impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast on Sept. 26 before making its way up the coast, affecting six states.
Tiffani Bailey Lash and Tashni-Ann Dubroy Are Revitalizing The Nation’s Only Black-Owned Beach
Their mission extends far beyond real estate
By Dr. Dionne Mahaffey
In the heart of South Carolina’s coastline lies a small but profoundly significant stretch of land known as Atlantic Beach. Once a vibrant sanctuary for Black travelers during segregation, this four-block town boasts a rich history of African American land ownership and community-building. Today, it is experiencing a revitalization, thanks to the dedication and vision of two extraordinary women: Dr. Tiffani Bailey Lash and Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy.
Lash and Dubroy, both HBCU graduates and co-founders of Tilair Capital, are spearheading efforts to preserve and reinvigorate Atlantic Beach, known affectionately as “The Black Pearl.” Their entrepreneurial spirit, honed through years of friendship and collaboration, has led them to invest in this historic community. But their mission extends far beyond real estate — at its core, it’s about legacy, culture, and ensuring that Black land ownership endures.
Serenity by Tilair: A Vision for the Future
Central to their efforts is Serenity by Tilair, a seven-bedroom luxury rental property designed to offer more than just a place to stay — it provides an experience. Lash first discovered Atlantic Beach while vacationing with her family and quickly recognized its potential. “One of my neighbors had purchased in Atlantic Beach and raved about it,” Lash recalls. “I walked the streets, met friendly neighbors, and it just felt like a happy community. I told Tash, ‘This is an amazing place, not just for business purposes but for our family legacy.'”
The property, which can accommodate up to 16 guests, was built with a meticulous eye for detail. “We wanted people to feel the peace and serenity that we felt when we first visited Atlantic Beach,” says Dubroy. “When professionals come to Atlantic Beach, they’re not just getting a vacation experience. They’re also getting an education in what this place means, its past, and its future.”
Serenity by Tilair offers high-end amenities, including butler services, personal chefs, and concierge services.
“We paid attention to every single detail,” adds Lash. “From the silk sheets to the fireballs by the pool, it’s designed to make guests feel like they’re somewhere special.”
But for Lash and Dubroy, Serenity by Tilair is just the beginning. Their long-term vision for Atlantic Beach includes attracting more Black investors and developers who share their passion for preserving the area’s cultural heritage. “We want more people to fall in love with Atlantic Beach,” Dubroy says. “We’re looking for compassionate investors who understand the importance of preserving Black ownership while also helping to grow the local economy.”
A Shared Journey of Entrepreneurship and Community
Lash and Dubroy’s friendship began during their doctoral studies and their entrepreneurial journey soon followed.
“We quickly realized that we shared an entrepreneurial spirit,” Dubroy recalls.
“When time came for us to be creative and think about what we could do next, we realized the haircare product industry was one that we could participate in.”
This led to the successful launch of their natural haircare brand, Tea and Honey Blends. However, even as they transitioned into new ventures, their partnership and drive for innovation only grew stronger.
Their latest endeavor, Tilair Capital, reflects their combined passion for business and community development.
“We’re not simply in Atlantic Beach to try to make a buck, but we are there contributing to the preservation of land and ownership and culture,” Dubroy said.
“This is about legacy, ensuring our children and the next generation understand why this place is important.”
The Rich Legacy of Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach was established in 1934 by George Tyson, a Black businessman who envisioned a haven where African Americans could enjoy the ocean, free from the discrimination of the segregated South. Over the years, it became a bustling resort town for Black travelers, attracting famous entertainers such as James Brown, Billie Holiday, and Ray Charles. It was a place where Black-owned businesses thrived, from hotels to nightclubs, offering a rare space for relaxation and joy during the harsh Jim Crow era.
However, like many other Black-owned communities built during segregation, Atlantic Beach faced challenges as integration expanded. After the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many Black beachgoers began to visit previously restricted white-owned beaches, leading to a decline in Atlantic Beach’s popularity. Over time, economic hardships and underinvestment left the town a shadow of its former self.
Despite this, Atlantic Beach remains unique in its ownership.
“It’s still primarily owned by African Americans,” Dubroy shared. “90% or 92% of the ownership is still in the hands of Black people, which is amazing considering the history of Black land loss in other parts of the country.”
Preserving Black-Owned Beachfronts: A Broader Struggle
The decline of Atlantic Beach is part of a broader story of Black land loss across the U.S. Black beach communities such as Bruce’s Beach in California and Sag Harbor in New York faced outright theft or gentrification that slowly eroded Black ownership. Daufuskie Island in South Carolina, another historically Black enclave, has also seen Black landowners pushed out as developers move in.
This history of loss is not lost on Lash and Dubroy. “We’re at risk because even when land has been in our families’ names for a long time, someone can negotiate with one family member who wants to sell, and they can get access to the property,” Dubroy explains, emphasizing the importance of education about Black land ownership.
“It’s important for us to teach the next generation about legacy and ownership. We have to hold onto these properties and ensure they produce monetary benefits for us while preserving the culture.”
A Call to Action for the Future
As they look ahead, Lash and Dubroy are focused on continuing to build and develop Atlantic Beach, not just as a vacation destination but as a thriving community for Black families and businesses.
“We need economic investment — physical infrastructure, small businesses, and educational resources,” Dubroy emphasized.
“The shoreline needs to be protected, and we need more recreational areas for young people. It’s about building from the ground up.”
Lash echoed this sentiment, calling for more people to get involved. “We want more people to tell Atlantic Beach’s story, to help with historic preservation, and to invest in its future.”
Through their work, Tiffani Bailey Lash and Tashni-Ann Dubroy are ensuring that the legacy of Atlantic Beach, the last surviving Black-owned beach in the U.S., remains intact for future generations. Their commitment to revitalizing the area while honoring its history is a powerful reminder of the importance of Black land ownership and cultural preservation. And as they continue their journey, they invite others to join in safeguarding the rich heritage of Atlantic Beach — the Black Pearl that once shined so brightly, and is now shining again.
Former NYC School Superintendent Takes New Education Department Role Amid ‘Fake’ Anti-White Discrimination Allegations
The Department of Education found that the messages were fabricated.
Dr. Marion Wilson was removed from her position as school superintendent of Staten Island’s District 31 in New York City on September 20,amid accusations of making racially charged statements, including allegedly declaring “no more white principals” in her district. After her removal, she was reassigned to a role at the New York City Department of Education’s Manhattan headquarters as a facilitator in the Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP), which focuses on promoting racial equity in training future school principals, The Gateway Pundit reported.
This move follows a period of controversy where Wilson faced allegations of discriminatory comments against white principals. Despite these accusations, which were widely shared online, an investigation in March by the Department of Education concluded that the claims were unsubstantiated. Wilson has maintained her innocence, expressing her dedication to improving education on Staten Island. She also reported receiving death threats related to the allegations.
According to SI Live, Wilson released a statement after the investigation was announced. “As superintendent, my top priority is to increase excellence across all schools throughout Staten Island. The accusations that I sent those text messages are completely false. I have always made strides to build relationships with educators, school leaders, parents and community members with the intention to serve all students and families to the best of my ability.”
The United Federation of Teachers also supported Wilson in their own statement released by Sean Rotkowitz, the Staten Island borough representative for the UFT.
“Dr. Wilson cares deeply about our students and school communities. One of her talents is her ability to bring people together behind the common cause of raising student achievement in all our schools,” Sean Rotkowitz, Staten Island borough representative for the UFT,” Rotkowitz said.
In the alleged text messages, Wilson is accused of promising not to hire any more white principals, allegedly writing in one message, “No more white principals.”
According to Politico, on Sept. 24, it was announced that Wilson would be joining the New York City Department of Education’s central office via a memo from Danika Rux, the Department of Education’s Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership. It is the department’s policy not to publicly comment on personnel matters, per DOE spokesperson Nathaniel Styer.
“Dr. Marion Wilson will be transitioning to a central team to serve New York City Public Schools. We thank her for her many years of service to Staten Island and her contributions to District 31,” Rux wrote to her staff in an email.
TheNew York Post reported allegations that Wilson was recorded making racially charged remarks to Black parents. In one audio recording obtained from a complainant, Wilson allegedly told a Black parent, “I said no more white principals. I meant it.” In another recording, a voice identified as Wilson purportedly stated, “Us Black folks got to stick together. Ain’t nobody helping us.” These recordings, tied to a discrimination complaint, have fueled further controversy around her tenure as superintendent.
Notably, the accusations have been amplified online by right-wing and conservative accounts on Twitter.
Black Supremacist, Marion Wilson, ousted from her DEI job. What did you say again? Oh, that's right…that you needed to "clean up the Island." Well, it looks like you took your own trash out.https://t.co/fmqBIML7C9
Despite these allegations, Styer said that neither of these cases alleging discriminatory statements by Wilson have been substantiated by his office.
“The cases involving these allegations were not substantiated,” Styer told The Post.
A white principal, Heather Jansen, claims in a pending discrimination lawsuit against the DOE that Wilson removed her as principal of PS 46 in June 2023, and it is her lawsuit, which includes the alleged text messages, that has renewed attention around the controversial alleged messages.
Despite this lawsuit, Wilson’s supporters have rallied behind her. State Assemblyman Michael Reilly told The Post that Wilson has always been professional with him and his staff, “In her three years as superintendent, I have only known Dr. Wilson to be professional with me and my staff and an ally for our public schools and an advocate for students, parents, and teachers.”
Donald Trump Mocked With 43-Foot-Tall Naked Statue Outside Las Vegas
While taking on Trump's likeness, the statue makes its own assumptions about more sensitive areas.
Donald Trump’s complete package is on display and in a big way. A 43-foot-tall naked statue was unveiled just outside Las Vegas on Sept. 27.
One might see the larger-than-life figure on a drive from Sin City to Utah through Interstate 15. The figure, complete with a protruding gut and blonde hair, bears enough resemblance to Trump that most can immediately tell. An Instagram account shared the 702-times-reposted images of the statue.
While taking on his likeness that the public often sees, the statue makes assumptions about more sensitive areas. The nude figure towers over the highway, offering those who dare to look a peek at his envisioned private parts. According to whoever created the monstrous figure, there’s little “down there” to gawk at.
TMZreported the figure with its teeny genitals holds the name “Crooked and Obscene.” Its apt title comes from the unattractiveness of the figure itself and how the artist views its political muse.
The installation weighs approximately 6,000 pounds. Moreover, the artist wanted the hefty piece to be as interactive as possible. The unknown person even included strings over the arms, making the figure a marionette that can move when prompted.
While this version of Trump may stump viewers just like the real-life person, it’s apparently meant to do exactly that. As the election draws near, the artist reportedly wanted the piece to spark conversation about the GOP nominee.
However, the creator is not the first to approach this in this way. When Trump first ran in 2016, multiple naked, yet quite smaller, statues were erected, and one even sold for $28K.
While the artist’s intentions for the statue after the election are unclear, it surely will raise eyebrows across Nevada, especially on Trump’s lower half.
