by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 27, 2023

Nipsey Hussle’s Foundation Serving As Charity Partner Of LA Marathon 2024

The marathon continues carrying on Nipsey Hussle’s legacy in the city of Los Angeles. The late rapper will have his memory honored at Los Angeles’ next big marathon thanks to a partnership with the Neighborhood Nip Foundation.

On Monday, Sept. 25, Nipsey Hussle’s Neighborhood Nip Foundation was announced as an official charity partner of the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The foundation created by the late rapper, who was passionate about uniting his hometown, will join the 39th annual L.A. Marathon taking place on March 17, 2024.

“We are honored to be able to partner with the LA marathon,” Sam Asghedom, Hussle’s brother, said. “It means a lot to us because it’s something that Nip spoke about and had an interest in being a part of.”

According to Asghedom, his late brother was a huge fan of the LA Marathon and always had a vision of tying his Marathon brand with the city event. He even had hopes of running the marathon himself one day.

“He told the whole team about it and how he wanted the brand to do something with the LA Marathon, especially since it’s in L.A.,” Asghedom continued.

“Nip actually wanted to run the marathon. He told us all to get ready and get in shape for it. That’s why it feels so good for this to be coming to fruition.”

Hussle was murdered on March 31, 2019, outside his Marathon clothing store in his South L.A. hometown. He’s remembered for his talented lyricism and his passion for uplifting the community.

Now, as a nod to the rapper’s legacy, The Marathon Clothing (TMC) brand will enter a team of 15 or more into the LA Marathon and raise funds that will aid the Neighborhood Nip Foundation. Those looking to support Hussle’s foundation in the marathon can register at themarathon2024.com. The foundation will also sponsor individuals who cannot afford the marathon fees.

“Nipsey Hussle’s iconic legacy is a beacon of inspiration for everyone in the City of Los Angeles, and we are delighted to welcome the Neighborhood Nip Foundation as an official charity partner in March,” Melissa Christian, charity director for the Los Angeles Marathon, said.

“This partnership truly embodies that spirit, uniting our neighborhoods in a shared commitment to build a healthier world while celebrating Nipsey Hussle’s enduring legacy of resilience in the city he loved.”

by Sharelle Burt

September 27, 2023

Washington National Cathedral Replaces Confederate Stained-Glass Windows With ‘Racial-Justice Themed’ Designs

The Washington National Cathedral has a new look.

On Sept. 23, the cathedral revealed new “racial-justice themed” stained-glass windows depicting protesters, the National Review reports. In September 2021, the Episcopal church announced it was working with Black artist Kerry James Marshall on the project that would replace the windows depicting images of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.

The new windows, titled “Now and Forever,” feature images of protesters holding signs saying “FAIRNESS,” “NO FOUL PLAY,” and “NO.” One protester is in a wheelchair, and full faces aren’t shown.

The church’s leadership voted to have the Confederate flags removed from the windows in 2016; after 2017’s deadly Charlottesville, Virginia, rally, the windows were removed entirely.

During the unveiling ceremony, the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral, said the previous images “told a false narrative.”

“Simply put, these windows were offensive, and they were a barrier to the ministry of this cathedral, and they were antithetical to our call to be a house of prayer for all people,” Hollerith said.

“They were intended to elevate the Confederacy, and they completely ignored the millions of Black Americans who have fought so hard and struggled so long to claim their birthright as equal citizens.”

Hollerith says Marshall’s work “lifts up the values of justice and fairness and the ongoing struggle for equality among all God’s great children.” According to NPR, the profound artist has had work housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. His career has been devoted to creating Black lives and Black culture on canvas.

Along with the windows, visitors can view an original poem titled “American Song” by Elizabeth Alexander, inscribed in stone tablets close by. “A single voice raised, then another. We must tell the truth about our history,” the poem starts. “How did we get here and where do we go? Walk toward freedom. Work toward freedom. Believe in beloved community.”

Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, New Jersey, Senate

by Sharelle Burt

September 27, 2023

Got To Go! Sen. Cory Booker Calls For Resignation of Sen. Bob Menendez Amid Bribery Charges

According to Forbes, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) wants his fellow New Jersey colleague Sen. Bob Menendez to resign immediately.

Reports came out on Sept. 22 that Menendez and his wife, Nadine, allegedly accepted bribes from three Jersey-based businessmen—Wael Hana, a/k/a “Will Hana,” Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes– in exchange for using the senator’s official office for financial gain. Booker released a statement saying the charges put the trust of New Jersey residents at risk. The New Jersey politician reportedly used his influence to benefit the Egyptian government.

“The allegations are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans, as well as those he must work with to be effective, have been shaken to the core.”

The response from the outspoken state official was immediately looked upon since Booker was a character witness for Menendez during an earlier corruption trial, often referring to him as a friend and mentor.

Since the charges were announced, Menendez claimed he would stay in office and fight to clear his name—however, nearly nine Democratic senators—Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Jon Tester, Tammy Baldwin, Bob Casey, Jacky Rosen, Andy Kim, Martin Heinrich, Mark Kelly, and Michael Bennet joined Booker in the resignation call. “Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost,” Booker said, according to North Jersey.

“Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case, he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving.”

The Justice Department is charging the couple with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and conspiracy to engage honest services fraud. The couple is accused of receiving thousands of dollars in bribes in cash, gold bars, and a luxury car for favors. Menendez has denied all the charges, claiming the “allegations leveled against me are just that” and “will be the biggest fight yet.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 27, 2023

Model Fears For Safety In Apartment Building After 2 Found Dead In Their Homes

A young model in Los Angeles is fearing for her safety in an apartment building where one other woman and another nearby were found dead.

Brittany Mason, 26, demanded out of her lease at Skye at Bunker Hill luxury apartments on Figueroa Street after real estate agent Maleesa Mooney was murdered inside her apartment on Sept. 12. However, according to Mason, her landlord refused to end her lease, KTLA reports.

In addition to the murder, Mason witnessed people sleeping inside the building and other activities that made her fearful for her safety.

“Initially, the unit across from me, people were subleasing it so I was seeing different people coming in and out every day and the other thing was, at one point, people were having big parties and there were tons of men coming through here,” she said.

Just weeks ahead of Mooney’s murder, another young model, Nikki Coats, was found dead in her luxury apartment in downtown L.A., just blocks from where Mason resides. As a result, Mason asked out of her lease but was met with opposition from building management.

“Honestly, I don’t feel safe and I shouldn’t be forced to live here if I don’t feel safe,” she said. “I don’t think that’s ok.”

Meanwhile, the families of Mooney and Coats are demanding answers to their unsolved murder cases.

“At this point, all I want is some answers as to how my daughter died,” Sharon Coats, Nikki Coats’ mother said. “I’m not getting anything from the detective, LAPD. The medical examiner told me she could have just went to sleep, died in her sleep!”

“This cannot be another John Doe cold case,” Jourdin Pauline, Mooney’s sister said. “We have to find whoever did this.”

Thankfully, Mason has since been released from her lease.

by Stacy Jackson

September 27, 2023

Actress Viola Davis One Of First Members On U.S. African Diaspora Council

Actress Viola Davis has entered a new role under United States President Joe Biden.

On Tuesday, President Biden announced the 12 inaugural President’s Advisory Council members on African Diaspora Engagement. Among the members chosen by the Secretary of State include The Woman King actress. According to a press release from The White House, council members will “provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa.”

The White House named Davis in the press release and described her as “a critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author.” The EGOT winner dedicated her artistry to her and her husband’s production company, JuVee Productions. They launched their company in 2012 to create innovative and socially relevant content for global audiences. The Julliard graduate’s commitment to social justice landed her the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award in 2022.

Along with Davis, the council’s members include 11 other individuals of the African Diaspora across the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, who have been leaders in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.

Inaugural members of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement include:

Mimi E. Alemayehou, Washington, D.C.
Rosalind Brewer, Georgia
Viola Davis, Rhode Island
Helene D. Gayle, Georgia
Patrick Hubert Gaspard, New York
C.D. Glin, Connecticut
Osagie Imasogie, Pennsylvania
Almaz Negash, California
Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, Texas
Ham K. Serunjogi, California
Kevin Young, Washington, D.C.

The appointed leaders have been selected for the 2023–2025 term under Rev. Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman, who will serve as Chair of the Council.

Plans to establish the council were announced in December 2022 during President Biden’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which Vice President Kamala Harris announced on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the summit included a private meeting hosted by Africa House where Black mayors, business leaders, and investors from the U.S. gathered with African ministers, organization heads, and executives.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 27, 2023

Black American Soldier Detained In North Korea Returns To U.S. Custody

In a peculiar turn of events, a U.S. official confirmed that Travis King, the young American soldier who crossed into North Korea from South Korea in July, is back in U.S. custody. North Korea had announced its decision to expel King, claiming he had confessed to illegally entering the country.

U.S. officials reported that King appeared in good health and high spirits as he returned home. The Pentagon spokesperson, Brigadier Gen. Patrick Ryder, expressed appreciation for the extensive efforts by U.S. military personnel and the cooperation of the governments of Sweden and the People’s Republic of China in bringing Private King home.

According to North Korea’s KCNA, they decided to expel the soldier who had illegally entered their territory in compliance with their laws. According to a U.S. official, King was transferred to China before being placed in U.S. custody.

The incident unfolded when Private 2nd Class King was on a guided tour of the border village of Panmunjom while in South Korea. He had absconded from an airport in Seoul, where he was scheduled to board a flight back to the U.S.

North Korea alleged that King had expressed grievances against alleged “inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army” during its investigation. Still, the U.S. military couldn’t verify these claims.

King was initially set to return to the U.S. after serving time at a detention facility in South Korea for assaulting two people and damaging a police car during his stay in the country. However, he departed from his U.S. military escort at the airport, skipped his flight, and joined a civilian tour group bound for the border town, where he crossed into North Korea.

In an interview with The Associated Press last month, King’s mother, Claudine Gates, highlighted her son’s numerous reasons for returning home to the U.S., emphasizing the presence of family and a strong desire to reunite with them.

King’s journey in the U.S. Army began in January 2021, and he had not yet been deployed for active duty. He had been stationed in South Korea as part of the Pentagon’s regular Korean Force Rotation. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul speculated that King might have appeared “unsuitable for propaganda purposes” to North Korea, as he entered their territory as a fugitive, which presented challenges for North Korean authorities. Yang also noted that North Korea’s decision to deport King could have been influenced by the lukewarm response from the U.S. in handling the incident.

This article was written by Black Enterprise Contributor Rafael Pena.

by Stacy Jackson

September 27, 2023

NYPD Swears In First Black Female Police Surgeon

On Sept. 25, the New York Police Department (NYPD) swore in Dr. Lynn O’Connor as its first Black female police surgeon. Her role will consist of treating injured NYPD members, providing consultations, and assessing their fitness level regarding their roles.

“This is incredibly [meaningful] to me,” O’Connor said in an interview with Good Morning America. “If you would have told me at 10 years of age that I’d be sitting here speaking with you and soon to be sworn in as the first Black female police surgeon for the NYPD, I wouldn’t believe it.”

The new Black female police surgeon addressed the need for Black physicians in the country. “Studies have shown when a patient is treated with a physician that is of the same race or ethnicity, they have markedly improved outcomes,” she said.

“They’re diagnosed quicker, they’re seen quicker, their overall health is improved. And that leads to saving lives, that leads to longevity, which is what I want to do when we get into the NYPD.”

According to ABC News, O’Connor is also the chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. NYPD Chief of Personnel John Benoit shared his enthusiasm about welcoming the new police surgeon to the NYPD.

“We’re very excited about this historical appointment of the first Black female police surgeon in the department’s 178-year history,” Benoit said. “Dr. O’Connor is an inspiration to all employees, and her expertise will prove to be valuable to our members—especially those who have been impacted by colorectal cancer,” he continued.

O’Connor acknowledged that officers are constantly tending to others and caring for them that they seldom have the time to focus on their own care.

“With my background in this position, I am uniquely positioned to develop colorectal cancer awareness programs, screening programs, and various other initiatives that are going to be key in keeping our officers safe, and keeping them healthy and keeping them fit for service,” the board-certified colorectal surgeon said.

The cancer specialist also encourages young girls who observe her in her roles. “You can be what you can’t see,” she said. “Perseverance pays off.”

She wants young girls to know they are important and their dreams and goals matter.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 27, 2023

Slutty Vegan to Land at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Slutty Vegan continues its rapid expansion. Next up: a new permanent location at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

The Atlanta-based vegan burger chain announced its new brick-and-mortar location at the world’s busiest airport, 11 Alive reports. Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole-Hayes took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the “iconic” news in a video post filmed at the bustling airport.

“Slutty Vegan will be a PERMANENT LOCATION in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport! WE JUST WON THE BID!! ✈️,’ Cole wrote.

“Y’all, this is the busiest airport in America, and my restaurant will be there!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pinky Cole Hayes (@pinkycole)

Cole-Hayes received support from her followers, including her husband, Derrick Hayes, who reminded his wife that “God has a special hand on you ✈️.”

“Yassssssssss. Congratulations!!!! I’ll be there. What terminal?!?” asked MC Lyte.

“My God is awesome! He is always giving you blessings on top blessings! Love it ♥️,” added someone else.

The vegan fast food joint’s new location at Concourse B Hartsfield-Jackson is part of the airport’s efforts to renovate its retail experience for travelers as part of the ATL Skypointe Reimagined initiative.

At the start of the summer, the airport officials teased the new businesses coming to concourses B, C, E, and F. More concessions are expected to open this fall.

Meanwhile, Slutty Vegan is fresh off opening its 13th location at Spelman College. The chain operates locations in and throughout Georgia, but new locations are coming to places like Harlem, NY, and Washington, D.C.

Last year, Slutty Vegan secured $25 million in Series A funding with some coming from Danny Meyer, who successfully scaled the fast-food concept Shake Shack, according to Veg News. Along with Slutty Vegan, Cole-Hayes opened a sister restaurant, Bar Vegan, and launched vegan CBD gummies with other plant-based products.

Mother Gets 30-Day Jail Sentence for Baby Waterboarding, Freezer Incident

by Stacy Jackson

September 27, 2023

Mother Gets 30-Day Jail Sentence for Baby Waterboarding, Freezer Incident

On Sept. 12, a mother from Oregon was sentenced to jail for actions she was found guilty of committing two years ago. During that time, according to authorities, she subjected her infant son to dangerous acts, such as holding him under running water and placing him in a freezer, all in an attempt to reportedly “test” the child’s father.

Sharday McDonald, 30, was ordered to spend 30 days in jail for first-degree criminal mistreatment, identity theft, and, in an unrelated event, tampering with a witness, People reported. The woman who pleaded guilty to all charges on July 28 is expected to be released next month and will be on supervised probation for three years, a spokesperson said.

On Oct. 28, 2021, police were called to her apartment in Gresham to perform a welfare check after receiving a tip that McDonald had put her unidentified son in the freezer to see if the infant’s father, Kendrick Neal, would notice.

Fox 12 Oregon reported that court documents revealed the police arrived at the door to the apartment and overheard the woman yelling at the father. McDonald was heard saying, “I’m about to show you real quick. You don’t want him? Let me show you about this little f—-ng baby, I don’t f—-ng give f–k about.”

The woman reportedly told the officer that she did not intend to cause any harm to the infant, but wanted to see if the father “gave a f— at all,” Law & Crime reported. However, pictures of the woman holding her son “by his onesie” under running water might suggest otherwise. An officer said pictures provided showed the woman waterboarding the baby.

“It looked like [the baby] was trying to hold his breath while water was pouring over his face…,” the officer said, according to Fox 12.

McDonald will be released Oct. 6, according to records from Multnomah County Detention Center.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 27, 2023

Tory Lanez Leaves Voice Message Updating Fans On Prison Conditions, Upcoming Projects

Tory Lanez reached out to his fans through a recorded phone call posted to his Instagram account on Sept. 25, 2023.

The message was recorded at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, where Lanez was recently transferred after being sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year.

Lanez used the phone call to update his nearly 12 million Instagram followers that he was doing better at the new prison he just entered.

“Ay yo, umbrellas, man, what’s good? I’m talking to you live from prison right now. Man, I’m just happy to get out from that bulls**t county jail. They was hating on a young fly n**ga, ya heard? Had me on 24-hour lockdown. Half-sized cell by myself. No windows, no mirrors. N**ga ain’t even seen himself in a whole year yo.”

He reassures his fans that all will be good and that he is preparing to drop some music, videos, and his next project, “Alone at Prom Deluxe.”

“But with all them disadvantages against me, my head has always been held high, man. And I want y’all to know I’m in great spirits. My drive and my ambition is growing stronger and stronger every day. And I’m so proud of how y’all been moving in my support. Man, I know this feels like a scary time, but don’t be afraid, man. This s**t don’t spark no fear in my heart at all. In fact, I’m more prepared than ever. The music, the videos, and all the projects you wanted—they all ready to drop. So let’s just start with the one that we want most, “Alone at Prom Deluxe.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FARGO’S CRAZY LIFE (@torylanez)

This voice recording comes right after Lanez’s attorney disputed claims that he was “scared for his life and safety” due to his celebrity status.

According to TMZ, one of his attorneys, Ceasar McDowell, stated that the artist was in isolation but would prefer to be among the general population. McDowell also said Lanez is not afraid of being around the inmates and doesn’t want to get special treatment. McDowell explained that Lanez feels he can handle himself in that environment.

Lanez was convicted for shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the foot on July 22, 2020. The two attended a party at Kylie Jenner’s house in California earlier that evening. A jury found Lanez guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.