by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 27, 2023

Homecoming Queen Punished For Allegedly Wearing Mexican Sash At Graduation

A homecoming queen in San Antonio, TX, is advocating for her right to display her heritage at graduation. Kayleigh Craddock claims she is being punished unjustly for not taking off her Mexican cultural sash at her high school commencement in May.

The school district stated that Craddock’s lack of compliance with the school dress code led to her no longer being invited to crown the next homecoming queen on Sept. 29. However, according to Kens5, Craddock believes that her actions were not worthy of any punishment, and was told by the administration that the display of her identity on the graduation stage was permissible.

When the issue first gained notoriety, the school district issued a statement saying that her “unapproved” accessory to the cap and gown was an infringement on the dress code.

“Graduation dress guidelines are communicated to all graduates. The school policy addresses the wearing of unauthorized sashes or accessories. Unfortunately, a student wore an unapproved sash that was not in the guidelines for graduation dress. The student was asked to comply with the dress guidelines and refused.”

Craddock’s “insubordination” from her refusal to remove the sash has led to her being ostracized by the school; however, the recent graduate stands firm that she was never told to remove it.

“I was never told to take it off. It’s on video. They have video. The whole thing is recorded. There’s pictures, everything,” shared the homecoming queen. “There’s a teacher at each row, he never told me anything.”

However, the punishment for showcasing pride in her identity at the commencement ceremony is of additional concern, as the school insisted that the sash violated the dress code.

Ultimately, Craddock wants the school district to understand her right to display her identity and allow her to be part of this year’s homecoming festivities.

mugshot, Trump mug shot, Trump arrest, politics, RICO

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 27, 2023

Manhattan Prosecutors Explain Trump’s ‘Corporate Death Penalty’

Trump has more legal issues to face beyond his recent RICO indictment. On Sept. 22, a Manhattan judge found the former U.S. President liable for fraud at his organization.

The decision alleged that Trump inflated his worth to banks and insurers by over 3.6 billion in one year, in a case that could result in the rare “corporate death penalty,” so rare that the only time its been attempted previously was shut down. However, if established, it could lead to the Trump organization’s downfall, according to Business Insider.

The details of Trump’s fraud were displayed in 35 pages of the filing by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, resulting in the immediate dissolution of his corporate charter. Any corporate licenses under Trump’s domain, including the Trump organization, his two sons, and any subsidiary LLCs, are canceled, immediately, according to the document.

In addition to the cancellation, Trump and his affiliates overseeing the companies must recommend “potential independent receivers to manage the dissolution of the canceled LLCs.”

“It’s comparable to once a person dies. A dead person can’t sell property. Only the executor of the estate can do that — or in this case, the receiver,” former financial-crimes prosecutor on behalf of Manhattan, Diana Florence, told Business Insider.

However, what is actually happening to Trump and the numerous businesses under his belt remains unknown, given the lack of precedent. The final charges will most likely be delayed. In the meantime, Trump’s corporations cannot operate under regular provisions; the stripping of their charter prohibits them from receiving loans or working on government contracts.

According to Florence, this type of dissolution typically occurs only when a business goes bankrupt. However, the difference stems from this process being court-mandated.

“This is the same thing, but it’s called a judicial dissolution,” she said. “It’s something that is almost never done. It’s a big mess, actually.”

The receiver appointed to the position will facilitate all rents, salaries, and taxes until the assets are sold off to fulfill all debts, including a hefty $250 million that the New York attorney general is asking for in the October trial.

by Derek Major

September 27, 2023

Michigan State University Officially Fires Mel Tucker As Sexual Misconduct Investigation Continues

Michigan State University officially fired head football coach Mel Tucker for cause Wednesday a little more than a week after the university announced it would do just that.

ESPN reports Tucker is currently under investigation due to a sexual misconduct complaint brought by sexual assault awareness speaker Brenda Tracy. In her complaint, Tracy claimed Tucker masturbated during an April 2022 phone call between the two.

Tucker said that the call was consensual, added that the university investigator acknowledged a personal relationship between Tucker and Tracy.

In a release, Michigan State said it terminated Tucker’s contract “for his admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt, and ridicule upon the university and constitute a material breach of his agreement and moral turpitude.”

Michigan State is now attempting to not pay Tucker any of the money remaining on his deal.

Tucker, who was hired in 2020, was suspended without pay earlier this month. The university announced its intent to fire him for cause on September. In his two seasons at Michigan State, Tucker was 20-14, and was 2-0 this season.

In the release, Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller claimed the university has “amassed a body of undisputed evidence of misconduct that warrants termination for cause.”

Tucker said his termination is “unjustified for several reasons.” In a Sept. 19 statement, Tucker said the university “does not care about my rights, the truth, or its future liability for policing its employees’ private lives.”

Despite Tucker’s termination, a hearing will still be conducted in October 2023 to decide whether Tucker violated university policy.

Tucker’s first season at Michigan State in 2020 was successful: an 11-2 record and a victory over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl. The school rewarded Tucker with a 10-year, $95 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Michigan State has struggled to find its footing since Tucker’s departure, losing its first two games under acting coach Harlon Barnett to Maryland and Washington by a combined score of 72-16.

Months After Herschel Walker Loses Bid For Georgia Senate, His Wife Puts Atlanta Home Up For Sale

by Sharelle Burt

September 27, 2023

Months After Herschel Walker Loses Bid For Georgia Senate, His Wife Puts Atlanta Home Up For Sale

The wife of former Republican Georgia senate candidate Herschel Walker is selling the house that was listed as his residence during his campaign, The Associated Press reported.

Julie Blanchard has been the owner of the house for more than 20 years. Sitting on a 1.5 acre lot, the three-bedroom home is located in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood. It’s listed for $1.45 million. A report from the Atlanta Business Chronicle showed that Blanchard, who has been married to the former NFL running back since 2021, bought the house in 2002 and had it listed for $1.3 million in 2020.

During Walker’s campaign, he faced raised eyebrows on whether he actually lived in Georgia, since he continued to maintain a homestead exemption on a house in Westlake, TX, which has lower property taxes.

The exemption only stands for people using the home as their primary residence. Walker asked officials in Texas to remove the exemption from the residence for the 2021 and 2022 tax years, as he listed the Atlanta home as his mailing address. On his application, he wrote that he no longer lives in Texas.

The exterior of the Atlanta house was featured in at least one campaign ad for the former University of Georgia football star, and financial statements proved the home was used as a rental property as recently as 2021.

In a December 2022 runoff, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) beat Walker by close to 3% of the points, securing a Democratic majority in the Senate. Walker’s campaign was overshadowed by pressing allegations, including being accused of paying for the abortions of two ex-girlfriends despite portraying an image of being pro-life and supporting the Roe v. Wade overturn.

Since failing in his political efforts, Walker has been relatively quiet. It was reported that he may be going back to the home of the Bulldogs as a student after being seen inside an academic adviser’s office at the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 27, 2023

‘Love & Hip Hop’ Cast Discusses Erica Mena Calling Spice A ‘Monkey’

For the first time in “Love & Hip Hop” history, a roundtable discussion was held around racism and colorism as a result of Erica Mena referring to Spice as a “blue monkey.”

The “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” cast, minus Mena, sat down for a candid talk about race and colorism in the Black community. The roundtable aired after the season finale on Sept. 26.

Clips from the much-needed discussion included cast members Yandy Smith-Harris, Kirk and Rasheeda Frost, Cierra Gates, Karlie Redd, and others who shared their thoughts on Mena’s racist outburst that came after Spice made a comment about Mena’s son not liking her.

Jay’s Reality Blog reposted a portion of the discussion that highlighted the cast reactions and a private unaired conversation Yandy had with Mena where she attempted to get the Puerto Rican reality star to acknowledge her wrongdoing and apologize.

“Seeing it live, seeing the scene, and hearing the sounds, it was like you felt it,” Kirk said.

“It turned from like a one-on-one to a one on the culture,” Rasheeda said.

The group discusses Erica Mena calling Spice a blue monkey. #LHHATL pic.twitter.com/TI5gsaUVky

— jay (@JaysRealityBlog) September 27, 2023

Yandy said her first reaction whenever she gets angry is not to go the racist route. Hence, her questions around Mena’s intent in not only referring to Spice as a “monkey” but also making monkey noises at her during the heated exchange.

📺 | Things went LOW between Erica Mena and Spice on the most recent episode of ‘Love & Hip Hop.’ After Spice suggested Erica’s own son hates her, Erica proceeded to call her a “monkey” who should have died. 😳 pic.twitter.com/mpHFxc1euc

— KenBarbie™ (@itsKenBarbie) August 30, 2023

In addition to the roundtable, Yandy showed her hope in getting a sincere apology from Mena after learning of the racist remark. But cameras captured how unremorseful Mena was once confronted by Yandy and other Black cast members.

“You was offended because you chose to be offended, Yandy,” Erica said.

The Bronx native was so focused on the remark Spice made about her son that she had no regret for making a racist remark in return.

“Was it wrong, yes. But at the same time, how fu*king dare she,” Erica quipped.

Since being fired and learning of the roundtable, Mena has spoken out to accuse the show and network of using her to “save face” in a scene they allegedly only reacted to after receiving backlash from viewers. Mena says she continued to film the show after the racist remark and only got fired after the scene aired.

Now Mena is no longer a part of the “Love and Hip Hop” franchise and has to contend with more scrutiny from her former cast members and the general public.

by Iman Milner

September 27, 2023

Black Father Accused Of Kidnapping While Traveling With His Biracial Children

A Georgia father claims he was accused of kidnapping while traveling with his two biracial children on American Airlines. The troubling incident unfolded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

David Ryan Harris says the encounter took place on a six-hour flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles. During the flight, a flight attendant attempted to engage with his children, one of which is 7 years old, and found their unresponsiveness alarming.

“A flight attendant had called ahead with some sort of concern that perhaps my mixed children weren’t my children because they were unresponsive during an interaction with her,” Harris explained in a video uploaded to his Instagram.

The musician said that his children were not obligated to engage with anyone, especially on a 7:17 a.m. flight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Ryan Harris (@drh3)

Harris says he was stopped upon arrival at LAX by four police officers who questioned the children about their safety before deciding their father posed no threat and letting them go.

“I don’t care what you say if this had been a white dad/mom with 2 little black kids, they would probably been offered an upgrade, not an interrogation,” he captioned his post. “I forgot to note that American has been my airline of choice since 2004. #fixyourshit.”

The musician made attempts to contact the airline before going public but was met with silence from American Airlines’ customer service.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David Ryan Harris (@drh3)

The father of two claims officers never explicitly mentioned child trafficking as their concern but did express their need to ensure he was not traveling with minors that were not his without permission.

“And if they’re so concerned about child trafficking, shouldn’t the airlines have some protocol in place to stop me from flying with a child I stole long before I’m ON THE PLANE??,” Harris questioned in a second video on the incident. “You’re telling me that they can stop me from carrying a capri sun through TSA, but they can’t put safeguards in place for actual human beings?”

American Airlines is now investigating the incident and has given Harris 10,000 frequent flyer miles as an apology in the meantime.

by Stacy Jackson

September 27, 2023

Smackdown! Professional Wrestler Jade Cargill Signs With WWE

All Elite Wrestling’s longest-reigning TBS champion, Jade Cargill, has made her way to WWE.

The 31-year-old AEW champ has officially signed with the professional wrestling company, which WWE reported is a multiyear contract. According to ESPN, promotion officials shared that Cargill’s official start with WWE was September 26.

The Florida native began her professional wrestling career two years ago, with her in-ring debut in March 2021 at AEW’s mixed tag-team match. Partnered with NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, she faced off against her mentor, WWE’s Cody Rhodes, and AEW star Red Velvet. Cargill held the title as the first AEW TBS champion for 508 days, from Jan. 5, 2022 until May, 28, 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jade Cargill, B.S., M.S. 🇺🇸🇯🇲 (@jadecargill)

WWE called the 5-foot-10 fitness model a “standout performer.” Cargill talked about joining WWE during an interview on The Ringer’s “The Masked Man Show.”

“I felt like this was always the mission,” she said. “This was all expected.” She shared that she feels like being with WWE will also push her closer to her outside-of-the-ring ambitions. “I have more eyes on me now. You know, I have a target on my back. So, it’s going to do nothing but help me obtain those goals that I know that I can do.”

The pro wrestler is ready to continue upholding the visual of what a strong Black woman is in America. “I am here to create footsteps for the next generation. I want to see little Black boys [and] little Black girls…to know there’s no ceiling. I wear the shattered glass because I’m here to break [the] glass ceiling.”

Cargill’s career has garnered her a fan base of nearly 1 million Instagram followers. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, she reflected on being a Black co-owner for the Austin-based professional softball franchise Texas Smoke, a business venture the former Division I college basketball player has explored with her partner, Brandon Phillips. The Women’s Professional Fastpitch team won their first championship title under the couple’s ownership.

The rising star was present at the professional wrestling company’s Performance Center in Orlando on Sept. 26; however, it has not been confirmed if Cargill will make her debut as part of WWE’s main roster or perform for its developmental brand, NXT, before moving up.

Gallon, Yuvonda, alona, King, Gallon, California, shooting

by Stacy Jackson

September 27, 2023

Father Allegedly Kills The Mother Of His 7-Year-old Son In California Toyota Dealership

Alona Gallon, the 24-year-old mother of a 7-year-old boy, was allegedly shot to death by her son’s father on Sept. 21. The tragedy has left the family with more questions than answers, Yuvonda Gallon, the victim’s grieving mom, said.

The deadly shooting took place in a Toyota dealership in Albany, CA, where Alona worked in the service department, according to KTVU News. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, the gunman allegedly entered the dealership around 11:15 a.m. and killed the woman.

KTVU News reported that the police arrived on the scene, resulting in the suspect being shot and killed.

Yuvonda explained it took more than six hours for law enforcement to relay the details of her daughter’s death as she waited at a police station nearby.

The devastated mother had not received her deceased daughter’s belongings the night of the shooting, nor was she told how many times her daughter was shot. Yuvonda further explained that her grandson, King, has been left without both of his parents. She said King and Alona had a very close relationship.

“That is saddening for me for real,” Gallon said. “I told him that his mom and his dad [were] gone, and he laid his head back and said, ‘No, they’re not.’ He walked out crying. He’s seen everyone crying.”

King’s father had recently returned to California after moving back from Atlanta.

Yuvonda shared that Alona had not been with King’s father for a while and that the two were co-parenting.

“It’s going to be hard for me [and] hard for my family, of course, because she was loved by everyone. Everyone loved my daughter,” she said. “Her son is going to need therapy. I’m going to need therapy.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up by the family to help raise money for therapy for King.

by Derek Major

September 27, 2023

Exclusive: Secretary Of Education Miguel Cardona Speaks On Black Education During HBCU Week

The Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, joined BLACK ENTERPRISE for an interview Tuesday during HBCU Week to discuss numerous topics concerning the Black Community and education from pre-K to college.

During the interview, Cardona highlighted the accomplishments of HBCU students and how the Biden administration and the Department of Education have supported HBCUs.

“We know HBCUs produce 70% of Black doctors in our country, 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black teachers, and 40% of Black engineers,” Cordona told BE.

“So we know they punch above their weight and we need to make sure we’re supporting our HBCUs.”

The Education Secretary added that since President Joe Biden has stepped into office, his administration has worked to give HBCUs the support they need, providing more than $7.3 billion for HBCUs, including $1.6 billion in loan forgiveness and infrastructure funding.

Cardona also mentioned the letter he and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack sent to 16 governors across the U.S. urging them to address the more than $12 billion funding disparity between land-grant HBCUs and their non-HBCU peers in those states.

The 16 states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Cardona said he has not heard back from the governors, but closing that disparity would significantly boost HBCUs.

“Just think about the difference that would make for HBCUs, talk about parity, talk about having labs where students are able to learn different curriculums and universities would be able to compete for research grants that would keep their funding going,” said Cardona. “HBCUs have to do more with less and it’s time we called that out. When we were discussing it at the Department of Education I talked to Secretary Vilsack and I said this so what we’re thinking and asked for his co-sign he didn’t hesitate, he said ‘I’m in.'”

The Secretary also discussed the Supreme Court ending affirmative action in college admissions earlier this year, calling it “another bad decision” by the High Court that took the country a step back. However, he added that it will likely lead to an increase in HBCU enrollment for Black college students, reversing a downward trend from the mid-2010’s.

“Quite frankly, I think it’s going to result in an increase in HBCU enrollment because students are going to feel like they’re not welcome at other campuses,” Cardona said. “So we need to make sure we’re fighting for funding to address the increases they might see and making sure that they have the infrastructure necessary to have those scholars compete.”

by Iman Milner

September 27, 2023

Slam Dunk Into Pickleball: NBA Star Trae Young Scores Co-Ownership Of Atlanta Bouncers

Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young is the latest athlete to take their talents to the world of pickleball by way of ownership.

Young joined the ranks of players who have invested in the sport when he announced co-ownership of the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s major league pickleball team.

“Atlanta! Proud to announce I’m the new co-owner of the @AtlantaBouncers,” Young said via Twitter. “Come help me #backthebouncers at the first @majorleaguepb tournament of the year on Sep 22-24.”

Considered by enthusiasts to be the “fastest-growing sport” in the country, the Washington-born sport has caught the eye of some of the biggest athletes in the world, including LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mahomes, and Draymond Green.

Atlanta! Proud to announce I’m THE NEW CO-OWNER of the @AtlantaBouncers

Come help me #BackTheBouncers at the first@majorleaguepb tournament of the year on Sep 22-24 pic.twitter.com/mYvUpdRji8

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) September 20, 2023

The sport has grown in popularity in recent years, with the Association of Pickleball Players reporting over 30 million professional pickleball players in the country as of January 2023. Interest in the sport can be attributed to the ease of play, making it a game many can participate in. Less technical than tennis and more social than ping pong, pickleball allows players to burn calories in a fun way without overextending physically. The size of the playing area, generally four times smaller than that of a traditional tennis court, also allows for ease in communication between those looking to find fresh ways to connect with their loved ones and their opponents. It’s also a sport that can be played indoors, with no adjustment needed between seasons.

As with any popular sport, making pickleball accessible to all has raised its fair share of challenges. Among them is noise in residential neighborhoods where the sound of the paddles reverberate off of buildings, sending echoes throughout the streets. A group of residents in a Massachusetts city filed a lawsuit against the zoning board of appeals over the “daily injurious and obnoxious noise levels” emanating from nearby pickleball courts.