strike, racist slures, brawl
by Daniel Johnson

September 23, 2023

Detroit Brawl After Man Yells Racist Slurs At Striking Auto Workers

During the second week of strikes at American automaker Stellantis, a brawl erupted outside the Detroit plant after a man allegedly yelled racial slurs at a group of picketing workers. According to a report from Fox 2 Detroit, what happened was caught on video via the news program’s chopper camera in the air.

There was a lot of shoving, and at one point, the man grabbed one of the picket signs and began swinging it as an improvised weapon. Eventually, punches were thrown as the striking United Auto Workers were pushed against a fence. The incident eventually began to calm down, but after the man’s wife emerged from the vehicle and threw something in the direction of the workers, the brawl started back up again. Apparently, this was a family affair, as Fox 2 reports that his children were also in the vehicle yelling and throwing objects at the workers. According to the lead worker at the strike, the man drove up and began yelling racial epithets and throwing things at the workers. He also said the man made several motions indicating that he was armed, which made the members check to see if he indeed had a weapon on him prior to fisticuffs ensuing. 

The United Auto Workers have recently expanded strikes at GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers. On Sept 22, UAW President Shawn Fain said that GM and Stellantis specifically are going to need a major push to get them close to a fair deal for the workers. They are sparing the Ford Motor Company, who, according to Fain, has come much closer on wages, job security, and other issues the workers have been agitating for over the last two weeks.

https://twitter.com/abolishnato/status/1705565495645085866?t=Z-QIRR9HQJX0Q9fnm8o_ZA&s=19

Ford released a statement in agreement with Fain’s assessment: “Ford is working diligently with the UAW to reach a deal that rewards our workforce and enables Ford to invest in a vibrant and growing future. Although we are making progress in some areas, we still have significant gaps to close on the key economic issues.”

On social media, the reaction to the fight videos circulating on Twitter/X have been met with a large dose of collective humor. Underneath a post made by The Huffington Post reporter Phillip Lewis, several users have chimed in with references to the Montgomery Riverboat Brawl in Alabama and folding chairs. Others referenced the fact that this happened in Detroit, arguably one of the Blackest cities in the country and others used the moment to call attention to the reaction of users to Rho Bashe who was allegedly hit with a brick by a man she rejected. In any case, it is probably a safe bet that this man in Detroit will not be trying that tactic again after the community beatdown he received from the workers on strike.

https://twitter.com/AcidBurnsx3/status/1705426653042692236?t=p5_jMzW1saQ5jHMx7D25mg&s=19

RELATED CONTENT: United Auto Workers Union Launch Strike At Big Three Automakers, Demanding Higher Wages And Benefits

 

justices , NFL, Super Bowl, ring, Supreme Court, gift, Clarence Thomas, Jerry Jones
by Stacy Jackson

September 23, 2023

Justice Clarence Thomas Allegedly Involved In Undocumented Koch Network Donor Events 

Flashback to January 25, 2018, several private planes landed ahead of a weekend that would be filled with fundraising events for the annual winter donor summit of the Koch Network, a conservative political organization founded by billionaires Charles and David Koch.

Among the people on those planes was Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. According to Pro Publica, the trip raised some eyebrows as far as who paid for it. If the Koch Network had paid for the flight, Justice Thomas would have violated federal laws that mandate reporting of gifts. However, a spokesperson said the Koch Network did not fund the flight, and Justice Thomas did not report it on his financial disclosure form, so it remains unclear who funded the travel.

Thomas is no stranger to Koch events. Interviews showed that he had been a guest at least twice in hopes of encouraging donors to give. 

A donor revealed that Thomas had been in attendance for at least one of Koch’s annual summits, which requires a minimum $100,000 a year in donations to the Koch Network to score an invite to the dinner. A spokesperson for the Koch Network, formally known as Stand Together, said, “Thomas wasn’t present for fundraising conversations.”

Reportedly, Thomas has a long history with the real estate mogul Harlan Crow and the Koch brothers dating back to years of trips and retreats to Bohemian Grove.

“All of the sitting Justices and many who came before them have contributed to the national dialogue in speeches, book tours, and social gatherings. Our events are no different. To claim otherwise is false,” the spokesperson said. 

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Justice Thomas has been on several luxurious trips funded by Crow and other very wealthy men. Crow is reported to have purchased Thomas’ mother a home and funded private school for a relative Thomas was raising as his son. In a previous statement he regarded Crow as a close friend with whom he attended “family trips.” Thomas said he was not required to report these vacations, however, in August the Supreme Court Justice disclosed that Crow paid for private jet trips in 2022. 

The Guide to Judiciary Policy states, that judges are urged to not associate with groups that have “publicly identified with controversial legal, social, or political positions.” However, Supreme Court justices make their own judgment calls as far as affiliations. 

John E. Jones III, a retired federal judge appointed by President George W. Bush, described Thomas’ actions as a “slow creep toward unethical behavior.” 

The Koch network is branded as the most influential political organization and seeks to influence American law. Their network has shoveled out over $65 million in support of republican candidates in the previous election. An upcoming Supreme Court ruling, if passed, will limit federal agencies ability to regulate a plethora of issues such as environment and labor rights.

Charles and his late brother, David, are known for their opposing views on governmental regulation. And, 2021 records show the company brought in $700 million, which was disbursed to groups in the network to fund social and political agendas. Each network group is located in the same building in Arlington, Virginia, and there is significant overlap in the staff and leadership. 

A former staffer for the Koch Network said Thomas was considered a valuable asset to the organization because he gave donors the opportunity to meet someone of his caliber.

“All the necessary due diligence was performed to ensure the Justice’s attendance at the events was compliant with all ethics requirements,” said Leonard Leo, the Federalist Society leader, who a donor said helped coordinate the events for Thomas in response to the cross-country events he has attended with Justice Thomas.

Thomas was first linked to the network in 2010. The New York Times reported that an invitation showed Thomas was featured at a former summit. However, a court spokesperson said the event, sponsored by Charles Koch, was for Thomas to discuss his memoir at a Federalist Society dinner not connected to the summit, although he made a “brief drop-by” at the summit. Thomas said he “was not a participant.”

Thomas has been a regular guest of Crow for 25 years at the Grove, a private two-week party featuring a $500 bottle of wine, according to documents and interviews with members, guests, and workers at the retreat. Members have to fork over a thousand dollars to bring a guest.

Crow said he has never heard Thomas him “discuss pending legal matters with anyone,” when asked about trips to the Grove with Thomas.

RELATED CONTENT: Senators Ask Billionaire for List of Gifts to Supreme Court Justice Thomas

eric johnson, fallas, texas, republican, democrat
by Daniel Johnson

September 23, 2023

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Leaves Democratic Party, Jumps To The GOP

In what has become a perplexing trend, yet another politician who was elected as a Democrat has decided to switch over to the Republican Party. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal explaining his decision on Sept. 22. In the piece, Johnson claims that it is because of Democratic policies and positions like attempts to end cash bail that cities have become unsafe and in need of Republican leadership. Those who follow Dallas politics, however, have long been suspicious of Johnson and are not surprised.

Vinny Minchillo, a Dallas-based Republican consultant, told the Texas Tribune, “This is one of the worst kept secrets in the world of politics. This has been coming down for a long time.”

Dallas, like the other major metropolitan hubs in Texas, tends to vote heavily Democratic, a point that Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazulda echoes in his remarks to the Tribune.

“I don’t believe that it sets the tone for where the priorities are,” Bazaldua said. “In fact, that’s why I believe it would have been nice for voters to have the opportunity of knowing that party affiliation prior to going to the ballot box in May.”

Political insiders believe that the party switch is part of Johnson angling for a state position, because he will not be able to win re-election in Dallas as a Republican, even if his policies and political bedfellows have tended to lean in that direction anyway.

As Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Dallas’s Southern Methodist University, explains it, “You’ve got to be a Democrat to win in Dallas. You’ve got to be a Republican to win in Texas.”

 

Johnson’s defection makes him the second Republican mayor to lead a major city in Texas, joining Dallas’s sister city, Fort Worth, and their mayor, Mattie Parker. Dallas is now the largest city in the country run by a Republican, The Washington Post reported.

Johnson seems satisfied with his decision, as he says in his article: “Today I am changing my party affiliation. Next spring, I will be voting in the Republican primary. When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican.”

Republicans, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott, were all too eager to welcome Johnson into their fold. Abbott, along with Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, posted congratulatory messages on Twitter/X with the latter saying, “Mayor [Johnson] is absolutely right. Conservative policies are the key to safe, thriving, and successful cities. His leadership is a shining example of that. Great news.”

 

Texas Democrats, however, were less than thrilled and pointedly made remarks critical of Johnson’s record and signaling of conservative values over his tenure as Dallas mayor.

Gilberto Hinojosa and Shay Wyrick Cathey, the Texas Democratic Party chair and co-chair, respectively, issued a joint statement denouncing Johnson’s party change.

“In a city that deserves dedicated leadership, Mayor Johnson has been an ineffective and truant mayor, not only disconnected from Democratic values, but unable to even be an effective messenger for conservative local policy,” the statement read. “This feeble excuse for democratic representation will fit right in with Republicans — and we are grateful that he can no longer tarnish the brand and values of the Texas Democratic Party.”

RELATED CONTENT: Allen West, A Black Republican Running For Texas Governor, Released From Hospital After COVID-19 Diagnosis

Oldest Black-Owned Business In The U.S. Honored By Small Business Association With Legacy Status
by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Oldest Black-Owned Business In The U.S. Honored By Small Business Association With Legacy Status

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage in Columbus, Ohio is the first recognized Black-owned business in American history. After more than140 years of service, the company was recognized by the SBA as a National Legacy Business on September 20.

The United States Small Business Association (SBA) honored E.E. Ward Moving & Storage and 67 other small businesses for their community contributions and outstanding service.

“The SBA’s Legacy Businesses all demonstrate the strength and impact of entrepreneurship and how the federal programs at the SBA fill gaps in the marketplace to ensure small businesses have the support and resources needed to start, grow, and thrive,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

“We are proud of every small business the SBA has helped in our 70-year history and are working hard in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure they have the capital and know-how to leverage opportunities as we Invest in America so they can do what they do best: innovate, create jobs and propel our economy.”

The company was founded in 1881 with ‘two horses and a wagon’ and began as a stop on the Underground Railroad before becoming a multimillion- dollar moving corporation. The family business is now owned and operated by Brian and Dominique Brooks who are committed to upholding the legacy of founder John T. Ward. In the 1830s, Ward and his wife Catherine Ross moved to Columbus, where they ran an underground railroad helping enslaved people realize freedom.

Nearly fifty years later, Ward founded Ward Transfer Lines alongside his son, William. The business name would be changed in honor of his late son Edgar Earl years later; however, the company’s mission would remain the same.

“They went through depression, bigotry, competition, but they still made it. They weren’t the people that wanted to just get rich, it was just to take care of family,” said Dolores White, the great-great granddaughter of Ward and the oldest living member in the family’s bloodline.

For Brooks, the recipe of success for E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has been hard work and perseverance. “They just preserved through just, finding niches. It’s very important and it means a lot to me because I think about a lot of the other long-time businesses,” he said.

The company is still headquartered in Ohio but has branched out to include another location in Charlotte, North Carolina.

RELATED CONTENT: Small Business Associations React to State of the Union Address

Africa, africa travel
by Stacy Jackson

September 23, 2023

Black-Owned Travel Company Takes Travelers On Curated African Adventures

Jay Cameron is dedicated to introducing Americans to the rich culture and history of Africa.

Through his travel company, Maximum Impact Travel, Cameron does just that. The company hosts group trips for travelers to experience the authenticity of the continent beyond what Cameron said is the misconstrued portrayal in Western media.

“Our commitment to anticipating the needs of every traveler, regardless of their age or background, has earned us a remarkable rate of repeat clients,” Cameron said, according to Black News. “We ensure they are taken care of and nurtured during their new adventures exploring African nations.”

Maximum Impact Travel takes its customers’ travel worries off their hands. According to the website, the company makes sure customers are well-prepared to take part in the curated African Adventure Tours. The company will design the itinerary, arrange ground transportation and reserve accommodations. Cameron also offers pre-destination services for travelers to obtain their passports, travel visas, and travel insurance. The company conducts research to inform travelers about local customs, regulations, events, and other travel concerns, including potential scams and medical facilities’ locations.

Cameron told Black News that he is thrilled to “venture into new destinations” along the African diaspora. Upcoming trips hosted by the company include Tanzania in December 2023, followed by Ghana, Tanzania, and Zanzibar in April 2024. The new year will also introduce tours to key destinations in Europe, Central, and South America.

“With our expertise in hand-holding first-time visitors, from booking to homecoming, and our dedication to exposing travelers to local African experiences, our exponential growth since 2019 comes as no surprise,” he added.

Cameron details the ways Africa has changed his life in ways he said “America never could,” on his “Maximum Impact with Jay Cameron” YouTube channel. Cameron narrates how his perspective of the continent shifted from the misconceptions to his own view after indulging in its culture.

RELATED CONTENT: Africa Business Travel Do’s and Don’ts Amid COVID-19

remote work, work from home
by Derek Major

September 23, 2023

Battle Between Employers And Employees Over Office Return Continues

The matter of whether the commute to and from work counts as part of the work day is putting companies across the U.S. in an endless war over a return to the office.

Fortune reports a working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) pinpoints two big disconnects between managers and workers who are holding up efforts to return to the office. First, workers believe eliminating the morning commute leads to greater productivity because it gives them more time to work instead of spending time commuting. Second, workers do not understand the difficulties managers face leading a remote workforce.

Both sides make valid points. Jose Maria Barrero, one of the researchers for the paper, told Fortune accounting for commute time is a “big deal” when assessing the effectiveness of remote work, and the data backs it up. Nearly 86% of respondents told Barrero they’re more productive working from home, adding it saves time and money and is one of their favorite reasons for working from home. Working from home also leaves more time for employees to conduct other activities, including childcare.

According to data from Clever Real Estate, each year the average American spends almost $8,500 and more than 200 hours traveling to and from work, meaning those who work from home save 31% more money and 20% more time than the pre-pandemic days.

On the other side of the coin, managers, particularly senior managers, are worried about the effect remote work has on company culture. According to the paper, managers fear working from home reduces opportunities for training and upskilling among newer workers, which could have a domino effect on company productivity of up to 20%, according to the researchers.

“Supervising, training, mentoring, and building firm culture is much harder” with fully remote workers than with workers who come in once to twice a week. Barrero told Fortune previously. Managers say remote work can lead to issues in communication and building relationships among workers.

Additionally, managers said remote work has given them more responsibilities than they had before COVID, leaving them burned out. Business Insider reports almost half of managers said their company went through restructuring in 2023 and many noted budget cuts at their organizations have left them saddled with more work, new workflows, and tighter budgets.

Managers have also been forced to figure out how to oversee a virtual team and other responsibilities they did not have before the pandemic.

Experts believe that a hybrid schedule, where workers come in once or twice a week is the best option as it gives workers and managers a chance to come into the office for face-to-face interactions and the ability to save time and money from commuting.

RELATED MATERIAL: New Survey: 66% of Financial Executives Would Rather Quit Than Give Up Remote Work

gentification, Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy
by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Empowering Black-Owned Businesses And Fighting Gentrification In A Historic Brooklyn Neighborhood

A committee known as “Building Black Bed-Stuy” in the popular Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is taking a stand against gentrification. Comprised of Black women, the group’s mission is to safeguard, maintain, and elevate the neighborhood’s rich historical heritage.

Founded by Dana Arbib, Nana Yaa Asare-Boadu, Kai Avent-deLeon, and Rajni Jacques, this collective embodies a sense of communal responsibility put into tangible action. The group is dedicated to empowering the few remaining Black-owned businesses in the heavily gentrified Bed-Stuy area.

“The main objective was to find a way to foster our own support and not have to rely on anyone or anything outside of our people to liberate us,” says Avent deLeon.

Meeting bi-monthly, the committee focuses on raising money for nominated entrepreneurs who need support to keep their doors open.

“We want it to help be a driver of Black financial growth and prosperity in our local community and beyond,” says Jacques.

Among the values the group looks for in choosing which businesses to support are service, innovation, and a desire to pour back into the neighborhood, which has lost 35 percent of it Black residents to an influx of new developments, culture vultures, and skyrocketing living costs.

“Building Black Bed-Stuy” has raised $180,000 since its first fundraising term in 2020.

In addition to funding, the committee hosts a weekly marketplace for Black vendors and artisans to sell products. The growing gathering amassed 500 attendees in its first offering. Every Sunday between 12 pm and 5 pm, the community comes out in droves to take in local DJs, dance, and express their joy on Tompkins Avenue.

“The market is an opportunity for small businesses to have a space to come and share their products,” said group member Shani Coleman. “And not just with the community, but with each other.” The last marketplace of the year will take place on October 1.

Currently on their fourth round of funding, “Building Black Bed-Stuy” is raising $30,000 to support Alfreda’s Cinema, Order of the Tents, and Hattie Carthan Community Garden via their GoFundMe.

RELATED CONTENT: End of Gentrification In Black Neighborhoods? ‘First of its kind’ Ordinance In Louisville May Jump Start This Movement

Lizzo
by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Lizzo Honored With Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, Joined By Dancers Amid Allegations

Singer and plus-size icon Lizzo was honored with the Black Music Action Coalition’s (BMAC) Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award on Wednesday, September 21, amid ongoing allegations and a pending lawsuit from former employees.

The 35-year-old pop artist was joined onstage by the dancers who make up the “Big Grrls”— a highlight of the singer’s “Special Tour”—as she accepted an award for her philanthropy and activism as well as the groundbreaking nature of her Prime Video series Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.

“Black Music Action Coalition, y’all really are about that action. Thank you so much for this, because I needed this right now,” Lizzo said during her speech. “God’s timing is always on time! I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these.”

Seemingly hinting at the onslaught of negativity thrown her way in recent months, the “About Damn Time” singer promised to continue her work to shine a light on individuals who are often left in the shadows.

“It’s easy to do the right thing when everybody’s watching you, and it’s what you do in those moments when nobody’s watching that defines who you are,” she continued.

“And I’m going to continue to be who I am, no matter who’s watching. I’m going to continue to shine a light on the people who are helping people, because they deserve it. I’m going to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people because I have a microphone and I know how to use it.”

Before she took the stage, a video montage of her philanthropic efforts was capped off by cast members of Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, who paid tribute to the singer for her trailblazing efforts as a champion for plus-sized women. They praised her for being the “first person to ever believe in us, show us love and believe in our talent and our craft” and for loving “with her whole heart.”

Though the night ended in celebration, just hours before the BMAC gala, Lizzo was named in a second lawsuit from a former employee who alleged the singer created a toxic work environment in which she was sexually and racially harassed.

Clothing designer Asha Daniels is also claiming disability discrimination and illegal retaliatory termination. Daniels alleged that after being hired to make alterations on costumes made for the dancers on tour with Lizzo, she was “almost immediately…introduced to [a] culture of racism and bullying” that resulted in “constant anxiety and panic attacks.” While the designer doesn’t accuse Lizzo directly of displaying the behavior in question, Daniels alleged the singer turned a willing blind eye to the actions of wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura and tour manager Carlina Gugliotta, who are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

RELATED CONTENT: Lizzo And Music Exec Sylvia Rhone To Be Honored At 2023 BMAC Gala

Sen. Tim Scott Raises $1M In 24 Hours Just In Time For Second Round Of GOP Debates
by Sharelle Burt

September 23, 2023

Sen. Tim Scott Raises $1M In 24 Hours Just In Time For Second Round Of GOP Debates

Things are looking up for Sen. Tim Scott in his hopes for the White House.

In just 24 hours, Scott raised $1 million for his presidential campaign just one week ahead of the second GOP debates, The Hill reports. With Scott trailing behind his Republican opponents, the massive fundraising effort gives his chance at the Oval Office a boost in national polling.

His numbers had a positive look in Iowa after announcing his relationship with “a lovely Christian girl.” However, he still has his work cut out for the debate set in Simi Valley, California. Scott’s campaign spokesperson, Matt Gorman, said in a statement that the candidate’s debate tactics will surround policy outlooks.

“Tim looks forward to being back on the debate stage to draw the serious policy distinctions between the candidates,” Gorman said.

“Whether it be the economy, parental rights, or his vision for the country, Tim is prepared to have a conversation with voters, be the adult in the room, and demonstrate why he is the strongest candidate to beat Joe Biden.”

A memo was sent out to potential donors as speculation of poll numbers started to spark, according to Politico. Ahead of the second debate, the Republican National Committee requires candidates to prove the support of at least 50,000 donors and 3% support in two qualifying national polls or a combination of one national poll and polls from two early states. Scott’s campaign manager, Jennifer DeCasper, points out polls showing Scott having “the best net favorability score among the candidates — regardless of the state.” “I’m here to tell you to ignore the noise and focus on the facts in front of us,” DeCasper wrote.

“I’d encourage you to remember that these nights are merely a single moment in time. Any candidate who hopes to truly capitalize on it must be disciplined and built for the long haul.”

Luckily for Scott and the other candidates, Republican head honcho Donald Trump is reportedly skipping the second debate on Sept. 27 to speak in front of union workers in Detroit regarding talks of a major autoworkers strike.

RELATED CONTENT: Tim Scott Slams Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ New Black History Curriculum

Valera, father, renaissance, tour, Beyonce
by Mary Spiller

September 23, 2023

Dad From New Jersey Sews Custom Dress For Daughter’s Beyoncé Renaissance Tour Experience

New Jersey native Geselle Valera has a superhero father.

Just days before she was set to go to the July 29 Beyoncé Renaissance concert in East Rutherford, Valera still didn’t have an outfit. In an interview with Insider, Valera described how her dad came to the rescue and hand-crafted her a Beyoncé-worthy outfit.

Valera took to TikTok on Aug. 1 to show the process of her dad, Jose Peralta, designing a replica of one of Beyoncé’s tour outfits for her to wear to the concert. The video has garnered nearly 1.5 million views, with watchers praising her father for his dedication and love for his daughter.

@geselle_v My dad made my outfit for the beyonce concert the night before! #rwt2023 #beyonce #cozydance #cozydancechallenge #renaissanceworldtour @Beyoncé ♬ THIS A REMINDER – Beyoncé

The heroics occurred after Valera searched online for an adequate dress to see Queen B perform. She was initially searching for a silver dress to accompany the album’s theme, but with all the popularity, everything she liked was sold out or had an arrival date too far away to make it in time for the concert.

According to Insider, her cousin and date to the Beyoncé concert luckily stumbled across a dress made of a fabric similar to one that Beyoncé wore during her Stockholm tour date on May 10. Beyoncé’s dress was created by a famous British designer, David Koma, but Valera’s father decided to take the basic dress her cousin found and rework it to look like Beyoncé’s. 

Peralta, a Dominican Republic native, told the outlet that he started sewing when he was 13. After immigrating to the United States in his mid-30s, he continued using his sewing skills to take side jobs, tailoring clothes to pay for his children’s education. 

Valera explained, “Without his side job, I wouldn’t have been able to live the life I did or get the education I did.”

She continued telling Insider that she didn’t expect the TikTok video to have such overwhelming support because “Running to my father for last-minute assistance was nothing out of the norm for me; he is truly an incredible man.”

“My father always comes to the rescue.”

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Has Record-Breaking One-Month Gross

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