CAU Dorms Flooded After Severe Storm Sweeps Atlanta
by Mary Spiller

September 16, 2023

CAU Dorms Flooded After Severe Storm Sweeps Atlanta

Severe flooding has caused damage throughout Atlanta. Late Thursday afternoon, Fox Weather reported that the storm poured down 2 inches of water in a little over an hour, leaving the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) students scrambling to escape their dorms as they filled with water.

Viral social media videos taken by CAU students show the water flooding into the dorm buildings, which subsequently lost power. A video taken in a dorm hallway by student Ashley Clark revealed that the floor was covered in water, and one student even seemed to have her leg stuck in a door due to the water current. 

Thankfully, fellow dorm members were able to come together to free the student’s leg before the water rose any further. Reportedly, Clark told 11Alive, “I used a fire extinguisher to keep banging the door, and they pulled her out. It took a few minutes, but we did it by ourselves. Her leg was bleeding really bad, so we carried her up the stairs, and they took her to the hospital. Her mom said she got out of surgery a few hours ago and is in recovery. I’m going in the morning to see her myself, but all of our rooms are completely damaged.”

An 11Alive representative spoke to a CAU student who was studying in the library as the flash flooding occurred. 

She told the outlet that when she left, there was water already rushing over her shoes.

“It was scary,” the student explained, “I looked out the window and seen the large flood, and more videos kept coming in of the cars floating.” 

A CAU spokesperson assured the public that school officers and responders handled the situation according to protocols and as quickly as possible. The spokesperson said in a statement, “All students living in the residential areas affected by flooding are in the process of being relocated to new housing. We will continue to assess the impact of the severe inclement weather.”

The university has work crews trying to assess the situation and make repairs to return displaced students to their dorms.

The damage expanded past the dorms. The roads surrounding CAU are entirely covered in mud following the ceasing of the flooding, and cars were left moved after being swept up in the water.

Cherron Perry-Thomas, cannabis, week, equity
by Sharelle Burt

September 16, 2023

Wellness Agent Cherron Perry-Thomas Advocates For Equity In Cannabis Industry During Black Cannabis Week

In an industry where Black people are often stigmatized, one Black woman is fighting for a change.

Meet Cherron Perry-Thomas, co-founder of the Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) and Black Cannabis Week. Black Cannabis Week is a Philadelphia-based gathering to encourage entrepreneurship, wellness, innovation, and more in cannabis industry. In the event’s fourth year, attendees can count on hearing from organizations, businesses, and elected officials on “advancing social justice efforts,” according to the website.

For years, Perry-Thomas has been advocating for change in the cannabis world, working with lawmakers at the city, state, and federal level for “social equity and justice policy.” Perry-Thomas’ work on this initiative is a testament, she says, to how cannabis has helped others heal.

“I was first introduced to the challenges of accessing medical cannabis by a neighbor undergoing cancer treatment,” Perry-Thomas remembers in a press release. “She couldn’t afford costly medications to ease the side effects of chemo and cannabis, even for medical purposes was still illegal in the state of Pennsylvania.”

She added that the moment helped her realize that “education and advocacy would be essential to increasing awareness and opportunities.”

The hybrid event, Sept.17 through Sept. 24, coordinates with the DACO Cannabis Opportunities Conference, a partnership with Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street, at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. The free conference has been a growing platform for providing informational panels and speakers as well as legal and career support to marginalized communities. Perry-Thomas said the conference is a chance for the “cannabis curious” to gain insight.

“I regularly participate in rallies and forums with legislators advocating for communities harmed by the war on drugs and demanding equity and inclusion in an industry that has been oppressive to the poor and black and brown people,” the founder said.

“I then invite many progressive legislators to join us at the DACO Conference and Black Cannabis Week to engage and collaborate with the community.”

While cannabis is legal in some states, reports have come out on lawmakers limiting business opportunities in some of those same states. In August 2023, a judge signed an order in New York blocking marijuana regulators from processing retail licensing until further notice. But thanks to advocates like Perry-Thomas, other outlets are available with the resources needed to thrive.

RELATED CONTENT: Owner of Black-Owned Cannabis Wellness Brand Launches Platform to Help Other Startup Entrepreneurs

Coco Gauff, WTA
by Stacy Jackson

September 16, 2023

Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open Title Match Sets ESPN Viewing Records

Coco Gauff was even turning the heads of spectators who weren’t present at Saturday’s match.

The teen tennis sensation is the first American to win the U.S. Open Title since 2017, and ESPN is reaping the benefits. The women’s tennis match on Sept. 9 received the highest viewership of the whole tournament, which totaled one million more viewers than the men’s final.

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN reported that 3.4 million people were tuned in to the weekend match, where the 19-year-old Atlanta native ended with a three-set victory over her opponent, No. 1 seed, Aryna Sabalenka. This is a record high for viewers of a women’s major tennis final on ESPN, which surpassed last year’s match between Iga Świątek and Ons Jabeur by 92%.

After the match, Gauff thanked her supporters –and haters.

“Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me,” Gauff said to her doubters. “To those who thought you were putting water on my fire, you were actually adding gas to it.”

 

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The two-week U.S. Open tournament in Flushing, NY holds the record for being the second most-watched on ESPN of all time. Front Office Sports noted there were a combined 2.8 million viewers recorded for the men’s and women’s final. This is a 40% increase from the TV and streaming audience last year. The soaring total average for the women’s and men’s final viewership in the past year has resulted in a combined total that ranks number two behind the 2019 audience.

Aside from TV viewers and streaming audiences, the U.S. Open hosted 799,402 viewers. The attendance was up 3% from last year.

Gauff’s Grand Slam title has earned her a whopping $3 million and a total of $5.5 million from the entire season. Gauff is ranked No. 3 for highest earners in women’s tennis and No. 7 overall. Forbes reported that Gauff has earned $12 million off the court from  endorsements, appearances, and other business deals. 

RELATED CONTENT: Venus Williams Celebrates Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open Win And We Love To See It

french montana, earthquake, Morocco
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 16, 2023

French Montana Joins Earthquake Relief Efforts For His Native Morocco

The giving nature of French Montana is once again shining through, as he recently announced that he is joining forces with Global Citizen to help with emergency efforts in his native country– Morocco.

According to Complex, the recording artist, who came to the Bronx when he was 13, is setting up an emergency fund for Morocco. The African country was hit by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake earlier this month. He is asking for donations through the Global Citizen page.

French posted, “The terrible earthquake that just hit Morocco, my home country, has been devastating to watch – as we’ve seen entire villages destroyed, countless families torn apart, and too many lives lost. I’m partnering with Global Citizen to help the people of Morocco get through this difficult time, and you can too. Join me by donating and help so many in need. Thank you!”

Earlier this week, at the 2023 MTV VMAs, French spoke to Billboard about his efforts to help Morocco through the devastation. Along with spreading the word, he is donating to the fund as well. He has promised to give Global Citizen $100,000.

The money donated to the emergency fund will go toward helping the most vulnerable populations in the stricken land. Funds will also provide emergency relief, including water, food, shelter, and medical support.

ABC News reported that the death toll from the earthquake has reached more than 2,900 people. The earthquake, which struck the High Atlas mountain range near Marrakech, is the strongest one to hit Morocco in over 100 years.

French Montana was born and grew up in Casablanca, Morocco, before leaving with his family to live in the South Bronx. He is the first African-born recording artist to achieve certified Diamond Status by the Recording Industry Association of America.

RELATED CONTENT: Rapper French Montana Recognized for Raising $226M for Healthcare and Education in Africa

HBCUs, HBCU, funding, investment
by Stacy Jackson

September 16, 2023

Philanthropic Boost: $124 Million Investment Fuels HBCU Transformation Project For Enrollment And Graduation Growth

A coalition of 40 Historically Black Colleges and Universities has been presented with a generous gift.

On Wednesday, Sept. 13, philanthropic funders Blue Meridian Partners invested $124 million towards the HBCU Transformation Project. The contribution will be used to increase enrollment, graduation rates, and employment rates for HBCU graduates.

“This very significantly scaled grant from them signals to the philanthropic community that this is a really good investment to make,” funding overseer and president of UNCF, Michael Lomax, said according to the Associated Press. 

The HBCU Transformation Project will “deliver permanent, sustainable, and systemic improvement: more students, more graduates, bigger endowments, and new opportunities to advance economic mobility,” said James Runcie, CEO and co-founder of the Partnership for Education Advancement, BET reported. The infrastructure enhancements are expected to “impact student outcomes well into the future.”

To maintain funding for the HBCU Transformation Project, universities must achieve specified enrollment and graduation rate targets, AP News reported. Participating HBCUs have been granted broad leeway to use the funding towards “ambitious goals,” as long as a business case is presented.

South Carolina State University used a portion of the first round of funding towards a customer relationship management platform. The purchase supported the integration of enrollment and financial aid applications.

“This flexible funding has really allowed us to probably move five to seven years faster than the pace we were on,” the school’s president, Alexander Conyers, said. The university saw a freshman enrollment increase from 371 in 2019 to 1,200 this year. Additional funding went towards updating the university’s website to bump it higher up in the search.

The coalition has already received $75 million from Blue Meridian since 2020, a contribution towards the enrollment improvement and other core operations.

“Clearly, we’re just beginning this work. Institutions have been underinvested and need more investment, and we believe that we can play a catalytic role in bringing resources to the table,” Shelton said.

Other contributions to the project have included $17.6 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, $4.5 million from JP Morgan Chase and $1 million from Capital One.

RELATED CONTENT: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Awards Millions Toward Math Education for Black Students

teacher, autistic child
by Sharelle Burt

September 16, 2023

Parents Of Non-Verbal Autistic Boy Demand Answers After Disturbing Video Of School Staff Hitting Son

The parents of a non-verbal  autistic boy are demanding answers after surveillance video caught an employee striking their son, ABC News reported.

The Dayton Public Schools employee was seen on video chasing 3-year-old Braylen Tootle on Aug. 21 in the hallway of Rosa Parks Early Learning Center. As the teacher caught up with him, the video appears to show him hitting the child, causing Tootle to fall and hit his head. Then, the teacher picked him up by his feet, carrying Tootle away upside down.

During a press conference on Sept. 13, the child’s mother, Taneshia Lindsay, spoke out about what could have been done instead.

“He wasn’t doing anything wrong,” Lindsay said. “You could have bear-hugged him. You could have let another teacher do it. I don’t know what was going on in that man’s head, but my son did not deserve that.”

Tootle’s family said they learned of the incident after picking their son up from school, but officials were vague with details. They only received the video after Child Protective Services contacted them and told them there was video footage, saying it was “way worse than what the school put on paper.”

Family lawyer, Michael Wright, claims his clients have yet to see the entire video.

“We want answers. We’re demanding answers and we want them immediately,” Wright said.

Lindsay and the boy’s father, Robert Tootle, are curious if the teacher, who hasn’t been identified, had credentials to work with special needs children.

After the employee was suspended, DPS Interim Superintendent, Dr. David Lawrence, confirmed with WHIOTV7 that the employee has been fired.

“Although the District cannot publicly comment on specific personnel matters, parents and guardians should be assured that the individual is no longer employed,” Lawrence said. “The safety of all students and staff is the District’s utmost priority, and we appreciate the support of families as we work to provide a safe school environment for all.”

Lindsay said that’s not good enough.

Calling the incident assault, Lindsay feels the former employee should have never been able to leave school property.

“That is clearly assault on that video. That man should not have left that school, he should not be in society around other people’s kids,” Lindsay said. “We don’t know what this man is doing. He should have been locked up.”

Doctors have been treating Braylen since the incident and his parents say they are waiting to see if there will be any long-term effects. The parents announced during the press conference the fear that something would happen to their son, and spoke out for other parents of autistic children.

“You say something to a kid that’s non-verbal, you don’t get a response, so we wouldn’t know,” Tootle said.

“Our kids need help, society needs to be educated on autism, and they need to be trained to deal with these kids,” Lindsay said.

RELATED CONTENT: 12-Year-Old Boy Dies While Running In Over 90-Degree Heat; Teacher Allegedly Ignored Pleas For Water

 

Magic Johnson To Deliver Keynote At Chicago’s 3rd Annual Wealth-Building Summit In October
by Stacy Jackson

September 16, 2023

Magic Johnson To Deliver Keynote At Chicago’s 3rd Annual Wealth-Building Summit In October

Magic Johnson is gearing up to speak at Chicago’s largest financial education summit this fall.

The city of Chicago recently announced Johnson as the keynote speaker for its third annual Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Career Fair and Financial Empowerment Summit (BWTT). In a press release obtained by Essence, the former NBA star will be leading conversations that equip attendees with financial literacy. Johnson will lead conversations with financial services experts surrounding capital, credit scores, and financial assistance. Topics for discussion will also include tools for small business growth.

“Breaking barriers for others is important to me, and financial education is key to that process,” Johnson said. “I’m thrilled to take part in this important event and share my journey with those who are working to create opportunities and build wealth in their own lives.”

According to the Chicago Treasurer’s Office, the BWTT fair is an opportunity for Chicago residents, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to expand their knowledge on key subject matters, including homeownership, investing, credit, money management, startups, funding opportunities, pay equity, and more.

“I learned first-hand how responsible financial services and products can make a difference in a person’s life, especially among those who struggled against the roadblocks to building wealth and building a better life for themselves and their families,” the City’s Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin, said in the press release. “That’s why I am committed to providing programs like BWTT for more Chicagoans and helping them see the life-changing results of financial education.” Conyears-Ervin highlighted Johnson’s success from the basketball court to the boardroom. She said Johnson’s game plan of overcoming barriers and breaking the glass ceiling has provided the products and services that are revitalizing under-resourced and disinvested communities from L.A. to Chicago and beyond.”

According to BWTT’s website, over 100 financial organizations and vendors will be present at this year’s summit to extend financial products, services, advice, and other resources to attendees. Operation Hope and HOPE Inside Financial Wellbeing Coaches will also return to the summit’s exhibit floor.

The free in-person financial empowerment summit will occur on Oct. 5-6 at the UIC Forum, 1213 South Halsted Street.

RELATED CONTENT: Magic Johnson Details Importance Of Commanders Ownership In Interview

Roberts, Ralph
by Mary Spiller

September 16, 2023

Sheryl Lee Ralph And Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts Honored With BWHI’s 2023 Vanguard Award For Championing Black Women’s Health

Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts will receive the Black Women’s Health Imperative’s (BWHI) 2023 Vanguard Award in September. The women will be honored during BWHI’s Atlanta-based 40th Anniversary “Homecoming” Event, which focuses on those who have empowered Black women’s health.

Lee Ralph and Roberts are receiving the Vanguard Award for their work in uplifting the award’s mission, according to a BWHI press release. Through their activism, they’ve raised awareness and utilized their national platforms to bring attention to health issues negatively affecting women of color. They’ve also actively collaborated with BWHI in its life-saving initiatives to fight against the health disparities affecting Black women, such as maternal health, diagnosis deficits, and mental health access and education.

As a faith leader, Roberts’ unique platform has allowed her to inspire women to find solace and support in their religions. As a prolific entertainer, Lee Ralph has leveraged her fame to bring attention to critical issues of health equity in the Black community. 

Under the theme of “40 Years of Loving Black Women,” the “Homecoming” events comprise a series of gatherings in various cities aimed at reconnecting the organization with its chapter origins, delivering educational resources and guidance on health and wellness specifically tailored for women of color. There will also be events to allow attendees to reflect and discuss the deficits in health outcomes for Black women in medicine.

Events will span from September 22 through October 20, with events in the central chapter cities of Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and the Philadelphia Metro region.

The BWHI Vanguard Award will celebrate Roberts and Lee Ralph’s work in the field. 

“Join us in celebrating Sarah Jakes Roberts and Sheryl Lee Ralph as they receive the 2023 BWHI Vanguard Award, acknowledging their outstanding service, inspirational journeys, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Black women and girls,” the awards announcement read.

RELATED CONTENT: Sheryl Lee Ralph Rebrands The DIVA Foundation

Pride Flags Banned In 2 California School Districts
by Mary Spiller

September 16, 2023

Pride Flags Banned In 2 California School Districts

Two different California school districts have passed a ban on displaying pride flags to support LGBTQ individuals on September 12. The Southern California city, Temecula, and the Bay Area’s Sunol schools do not allow pride flags to be shown anywhere on the premises. 

Although both bans have different details, their impacts have similarly inspired protests. Temecula’s ban includes all flags that aren’t state or national flags, while Sunol specifically banned only the rainbow pride flag. Notably, Sunol residents’ protests have escalated to recalling school board members who passed the ban. Many are drawing comparisons to the recent wave of conservatives pushing to ban books with pro-LGBTQ content, restricting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ-identifying youth, and banning public drag performances.

The creator of the pride flag, The Gilbert Baker Foundation, has identified a shocking increase in bans pertaining to its display. As of February, dozens of municipalities across the U.S. have placed restrictions.

Foundation President Charley Beal expressed, “Make no mistake; right-wing groups want to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, and they’re starting with banning the Rainbow Flag. It’s part of a huge conservative trend to censor minority rights across America.”

She continued, “Already, bans have been reversed, but every month brings a new threat to LGBTQ+ rights and equality. We must remain vigilant. Dangerous wording can be added to any unrelated bills and go to a vote tomorrow.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has chimed in on the concerning uptick in bans of the pride flag. The group has identified the bans as unconstitutional and violating the First Amendment, calling them “viewpoint discrimination.”

The ACLU wrote in a letter, “Such action, absent any evidence of substantial disruption is contrary to the First Amendment protections afforded to students within public schools…the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that First Amendment protections extend to “teachers and students,” neither of whom “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.’’

RELATED CONTENT: School Board in Maryland Votes to Permit Pride And Black Lives Matter Flags

Candace Parker, Angel Reese
by Stacy Jackson

September 15, 2023

Candace Parker Gives Props To Angel Reese In ‘TIME100 Next’ Blurb

The “Bayou Barbie” is part of Time Magazine’s 100 Next list for 2023, and WNBA star Candace Parker had great things to say.

Angel Reese was praised by Parker, who wrote the LSU forward’s blurb.

“She’s ripping the sport open and tearing back the layers. Basketball is about work, effort, and energy, and Angel always brings all three,” Parker wrote. “Her tenacity and confidence on the court make her such an exciting player to watch—it’s incredible to see her stand in her power and make such a big impact on women’s basketball, especially this early in her career.”

 

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Parker, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, noted Reese’s contribution to Louisiana State University’s national title, a major accomplishment that marked the team’s “first-ever” women’s basketball national title. During the road to the title, Reese’s 34 double-doubles set the record for “the most in a single season” in women’s college basketball history.

“There’s really only one time you won’t see me cheering for Angel, and it’s when she plays against my alma mater, the University of Tennessee. It’s all well and good … but I still bleed orange.” Parker said.

Reese has also been named a Harper’s Bazaar Icon of 2023. The LSU star spoke to the outlet about her goals and aspirations, which include playing in the WNBA and modeling.

“I stay firm on what I believe in, and, being a Black woman, I can do whatever I put my mind to. When I was younger, I knew basketball was going to be my avenue of getting through life and getting to college,” Reese said.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Reese is securing herself financially ahead of the WNBA through NIL deals. The college basketball star is well aware of her impact on the community. “…I think a lot of people look at me as a celebrity now because of the impact I’ve had on not just women’s basketball, but sports in general, and Black women,” Reese said.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese On Joining The WNBA: Players Don’t Make As Much Money as They Should&

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