Another day, another official and more bigotry. In tapes obtained by WNYC from a January 16 conversation, a man identified as Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino of New Jersey can be heard making racist remarks as he complained about his state's governor, Phil Murphy. “He talked about the whole thing, the marijuana, sanctuary state ... better criminal-justice reform,” Saudino can be heard saying in reference to the Democratic governor. “Christ almighty, in other words let the blacks come in, do whatever ... they want to smoke their marijuana, do this, do that, and don’t worry about it. You know, we’ll tie the hands of cops.”Saudino is also heard accusing Murphy of appointing Attorney General Gurbir Grewal strictly for "the turban." Grewal made history as the first Sikh in the U.S. to hold the position of attorney general and recently had racists comments made about him live on air by popular New Jersey radio hosts.“I have thick skin, and I’ve been called far worse,” Grewal said in a statement. “But the comments about the African American community are wrong, racist and hurtful. New Jersey and Bergen County deserve better.”Saudino has apologized for this behavior, according to the Washington Post. “At this time I would like to offer my sincere apology to the people of Bergen County for the insensitive recorded remarks that were made public today,” he noted. “These remarks are not representative of the person that I am, and they are in no way consistent with the manner in which I have conducted my life personally and as a law enforcement professional."#breaking Saudino just put out this apology and says he’s asking for forgiveness. The statement doesn’t appear to directly address calls for his resignation. #abc7NY pic.twitter.com/ysWeHsnzg1— Derick Waller (@wallerABC7) September 20, 2018"Without question, the comments made on that recording are appalling, and anyone using racist, homophobic, and hateful language is unfit for public office," Murphy said in a statement. "If indeed that is Sheriff Saudino's voice on the recording, he must resign."However, it doesn't look like Saudino is going anywhere at this time. As The Associated Press mentioned, while he did apologize, he didn't include any formal announcement of his resignation. Now, check these out: Black People 'Are Like ISIS,' Said New Jersey Police Chief Arrested After Years Of Racist BehaviorThere Was A Mass Shooting At An Arts Festival. You Hardly Heard About It Because Most Victims Were Black.A 'Stop Blaming White People' Sign Posted At A New Jersey Post Office Sparks...

New York Times columnist Charles Blow used his traumatic experience to defend Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who has accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct and attempted sexual assault.Blow made an impassioned plea for compassion toward Blasey Ford and other victims of sexual abuse while sitting on a panel for CNN's Cuomo Prime Time Wednesday night. Ford has accused Kavanaugh of attempting to rape her while they were teenagers. Kavanaugh claims the attempted rape never happened.“We have to all take a step back and be respectful of Professor Ford," Blow said. "This is not only, if it is true, it is not only a sexual assault ― it’s a childhood sexual assault,” Blow said. “And if you have never been the victim of a childhood sexual assault, everybody needs to calm down and take a step back. Stop asking why she didn’t say anything.”That very question has been on the lips of many Republicans, including the president, who has been accused of sexual assault by at least 19 women himself.Donald Trump worked to discredit Ford Friday on Twitter:I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents. I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time, and place!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 21, 2018Blow criticized that argument and admitted he didn’t tell a soul about his assault until over a decade after it happened.“The first time I told somebody was 17 years later, a stranger. Next time I told somebody was two years after that. Next time I told somebody was eight years after that. It was 37 years before I told everybody in the world in a book,” he said.The Fire Shut Up In My Bones author also explained why a childhood sexual abuse survivor might have trouble recalling some details of an incident.“I understand how if this happened to her and she can remember everything in that room and not the day,” he said.“For us, it is a living thing that lives in our bodies. You wrestle with it all the time. I can’t say that I thought about [my assault] every day, but I thought about it all the time. It was a living memory. It didn’t move like other memories in my brain where it starts to fade. You’re thinking about it all the time, so all of that minutiae — he stood there, they turned the music on — all of that is alive in you.”Watch the segment below: Now, check these out:I Was Arrested For Protesting Brett Kavanaugh -- Here's Why I'm Prepared To Do It AgainActivists Remember A Full Page NYT Ad 1,600 Black Women Signed In Support Of Anita Hill Ahead Of Kavanaugh HearingsAnita Hill Says Senate Judiciary Committee Is Being Given Another Chance To Do Right By Sexual Assault Accusers In Wake Of Kavanaugh...

The already dramatic Chicago mayoral race got much more exciting when incumbent Rahm Emanuel announced he would not seek the another term in the city's top job. The already crowded field suspected the announcement would bring on new challengers, and so it has. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Thursday she will be running for Chicago mayor. Preckwinkle made the announcement at the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel, in a nod to Harold Washington, who announced his run in the same location and later became the city's first black mayor, the Associated Press reports. Barack Obama also announced his 1996 state Senate bid at the hotel.  Should Preckwinkle win, she'd make her own history as the first African American female mayor of the city. She'd be the second black person and the second woman to hold the post.The board president had long resisted calls for her to run. When announcing her bid, she said the reason she finally decided to do so was simple.  “I’m doing this because I can," the 71-year-old politician said. "I’m doing this because it’s necessary. I don’t make this decision lightly."Preckwinkle will face off against nearly 20 opponents, including Ja'Mal Green, a young Black Lives Matter activist who snagged the attention of Blavity when he announced his run. As the Chicago Tribune reports, Green didn't look kindly on Preckwinkle's entry into the race, and recently announced he plans to sell "Queen Sugar" t-shirts with Preckwinkle's face on the front. The phrase doesn't reference the popular show, but rather an unpopular sugar tax Preckwinkle threw her support behind last year. Whoa, let the games begin. Richard M. Daley's former chief of staff, Gery Chico, also announced his mayoral run on Thursday, per ABC Chicago. Bill Daley, Richard's brother, and the man who took over for Emanuel as President Obama's chief of staff, is also running. A few pillars of Preckwinkle platform include decreasing gun violence, reducing the country jail population, holding the Chicago Police Department accountable, decriminalizing substance abuse and mental illness and highlighting the importance of neighborhood schools. “My hope is that today is more than a kickoff of a campaign, but the start of a movement — one that is rooted in a new coalition across gender, race, age and geography to demand a mayor’s office that understands values and reflects the diversity of its residents and communities,” noted Preckwinkle. “That’s why I’m here, why I’m running and I hope for your support.”The Chicago mayoral election will be held February 26. A few more big-name Chicago politicians are rumored to be thinking about joining the race, including Chuy Garcia, who ran against Emanuel in the last mayoral campaign and was encouraged to jump in by Bernie Sanders this week.Now, check these out: BLM Activist Ja’Mal Green Announces He's Running For Chicago Mayor, Adding A Fresh Face To The City's Political SphereAfter Calls For His Resignation By Black Activists, Chicago's Mayor Announces He Won't Run For Re-ElectionChicago Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Buying Votes After Giving Away $300K To Church...

This is what I have so far:I am a Democrat. At least, if I have to identify with a party (and I did have to, in order to vote in my state's primary) I choose them. There are a lot of things that bother me about both liberals and conservatives, republicans and democrats alike. Mostly, I dislike that people get so wrapped up in the fact that they are right, they put most of their energy into proving that fact- into tearing the other side down. Don’t actions speak louder than words? And I’m sorry, but to call yourself a “compassionate conservative” and then tear apart others is a little backwards. And so is calling yourself a Christian and then condemning others, as well as passing judgment on their actions and political views. Unless there are a lot of sinless people casting stones that I don’t know about. That might explain some things. And both liberals and conservatives are guilty. I am guilty. But, I tend to lean toward the democratic party because they don’t want to legislate religion (at least...I think they don't; I'll get to that later). A lot of people say that they just want to tax everyone and then make a zillion programs to do things and that this will never work. Well, it would work…if people behaved like the religious figures they present themselves to be. I’ve heard that conservatives (ergo, republicans) would like the government to do nothing but deliver mail and have a military. And…then we throw the poor under the bus? The very poor we’re supposed to help? Needless to say, it all gets a bit confusing.I am in favor of marriage rights for homosexual couples. (gasp!) I know that there has been much talk over the years of a “gay-marriage amendment” to our constitution, making the act illegal. I also know that this arises from the Christian belief that a marriage union is only between a man and a woman and any other such union is an “abomination” (don't bother pointing out the bible verse; I know it's in there somewhere) and is against God Himself (I've heard that before; so sad). What bothers me is that Christians - well-intentioned though they may be - are trying to impose their religious beliefs on an entire nation of people of all beliefs. I just don’t feel right imposing my beliefs (well, actually, I have no problem with homosexuals, but for the sake of argument we'll call them "my beliefs") on others. I don’t feel right denying them the rights and privileges reserved for married couples just because my religion - or anyone’s religion, for that matter - says that the way they live is wrong. For a couple who have lived together their entire adult life, who live as a married couple, who have a healthy, stable relationship to suffer if something happens to one of them (for example, next of kin issues become very complicated) just because somebody else thinks their relationship is an “abomination” is just cruel. If you think gay marriage is wrong, and you’re a man, then don’t marry a man. I can’t see how they’re hurting anyone. And don’t get me started on the “children” argument. ”But they can’t have children; the child will grow up gay. The child will grow up in an unsafe environment. The child won’t have a stable home life.” Until I see a scientific study showing that a child raised in a loving, stable home by two fathers or two mothers is any more damaged than a child raised in a heterosexual home, I’ll be a skeptic. With divorce rates the way they are in this country, I’d be more prone to ask that heterosexual couples get their own affairs in order before they start criticizing others. With the world the way it is today, I applaud any loving couple that wants to raise a bright and loving child. I know that oftentimes why somebody is gay also enters the argument. Were they born that way? Maybe there’s something wrong with their brain. No, it must be a lifestyle choice, that’s it. (Though, I find it hard to believe that they choose the discrimination and judgment and heartbreak that goes along with it.) And yet at the end of the day, I think - it’s really none of anybody’s business. If somebody’s gay, then that’s it regardless of how they got there. The best you can do is love them as they are, or move on your merry way. But don’t proceed to make their lives miserable just because you disagree. They should have the same opportunities the rest of us do. Just because their lifestyle goes against somebody’s religion, they shouldn’t be persecuted. It’s a free country!!! … At least, I think it is.We come to the topic of abortion. I am pro-choice. Before you stop reading, before you decide my blog is no better than toilet paper, and before you decide that I must be some kind of raging feminist who burns her bras (though I don't understand why anyone would considering how expensive they can be), let me explain. I understand the argument has been made that it is murder, that life begins the moment the sperm meets the egg, that only “irresponsible”, “selfish”, “cruel”, “heartless”, “mislead”, “(insert chosen epithet here)” people think that there shouldn’t be a universal law banning all abortions. I’m actually only pro-choice as I don’t believe there should be a federal law banning the practice; I believe it should be left to the states to decide for themselves. Personally, I wouldn’t have one. I’d carry to term and figure out the rest later. And I believe that pregnant women deserve all the resources - counseling, financial support, friendship - that we can offer them. I believe it is a lack of options that drives a woman to abortion. At least, I like to believe that’s what it is. And yet, I can’t imagine how hard it would be for a 16-year-old rape victim who is pregnant as a result of that rape to be forced to carry the child to term. She could give the child up for adoption…and live the rest of her life knowing that somewhere she has a son or daughter that she could have loved and at the same time knowing that child was the product of a violation of her body in the most cruel way that we know of. She could keep her child - (once women hold their newborn the prospect of adoption becomes much less attractive) and make that child the center of her world…and be ridden with guilt because of the secret she carries. Yet, this is what a universal non-negotiable anti-abortion law asks that we do. There are other cases less dramatic than this, but the thought of that happening to even one girl or woman makes me sad. I am pro-choice NOT because I am some crazy commie-liberal-hippie-feminist, but because I am a woman and I don’t feel comfortable having this kind of personal moral decision legislated for me by a bunch of Washington lawmakers.Those are the big-three issues most people ask about. There are plenty of others - energy policy, women’s health, health-care in general, foreign policy views. The list is pretty substantial. So, as a project, I have printed out the democratic and republican party platforms from the last convention (in 2004) so I can actually read what they have to say and decide if I’ve chosen the right party then write an essay about it. Also, I know that there is a national presidential election quickly approaching. So, as a secondary project, I plan to go to the senators’ websites and learn for myself their specific stances on various issues. (If you must know, I voted for Senator Obama during the primary races.) Also, (gee I'll be busy) I’d like to do a bit of research about the issues themselves and find out what I can on my own. Hopefully, this will lead me to be a more educated and well-rounded citizen and voter. Hopefully, it will help me be more compassionate and understanding of people who have views contrary to my own. Who knows - I may even be able to stand up to my friends who currently know more than I do!! It’ll be interesting to say the least....

Is a woman only a woman through a man’s eye? This is the question I asked myself as I began writing this piece. It is a simple question, so it should require a simple answer. What is sexual assault? I don’t know. That is a much harder question and I do not have a law degree. I do know that sexual assault cannot be defined by the perpetrator or the accused. Brett Kavanaugh, the "can’t lose" nominee, has inspired his very own Not Him Too movement on Capitol Hill. The Republican Party almost in unison have decidedly rebuffed any idea that Brett Kavanaugh’s character can be slightly flawed due to his righteous upbringing and notable career, but Christine Blasey Ford has just as equal of an upbringing and is very accomplished in her particular field. Brett Kavanaugh is a professor cited in many law journals considered to be extremely ethical and is highly respected, but so is his accuser Christine Blasey Ford. Our current political climate has caused many of our politicians and their supporters to turn a blind eye to particular social grievances while pledging allegiance to their own personal ideologies in veiled acts of patriotism. Six weeks ago Christine Blasey Ford wrote a letter accusing Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault to a Democratic official. Brett Kavanaugh is Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court. If confirmed he will be Donald Trump’s second judge appointed to the Supreme Court. Christine Blasey Ford is a woman that attended a high school party with a young Brett Kavanaugh over 30 years ago.The truth is the only thing that exists as is. It is not right or wrong, it is not for sale nor is it free, and it is not good or bad. It is the truth and that it all it is. The truth exists whether you acknowledge it or not. It is our perspective that decides what then the truth looks like. It is our decision to acknowledge it or not. The Republican GOP and Donald Trump have extended a broken olive branch to Christine Blasey Ford. The Republican GOP has given Mrs. Ford an ultimatum to testify before them without holding an FBI investigation of her allegation of sexual assault against Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh. This is a false attempt at hearing her, and a blatant attempt to erode her human rights. From Clarence Thomas and Anita to Neil Gorsuch and no one; from Bill Cosby, Roy Moore, Les Moonves, and Harvey Weinstein - there are substantial precedents for how this claim should be handled. Mrs. Ford’s only request is that a non-biased party, the FBI, investigate her claim. There is no legitimate reason to deny her this process, not only as an American but as a person.The GOP gave Mrs. Ford until today, September 21 to decide to testify next week in front of them without holding any investigation. Republicans and the president claim that this is not the type of investigation the FBI gets involved in and that the time of the assault is an impediment, but these are not things that prevented an investigation when Anita Hill made her claims against Clarence Thomas, and the time of Bill Cosby’s tyranny is what fueled the justice against him. But America has separate issues when it comes to black men and their potential for prison. Christine Blasey Ford should be heard out to the full extent of the law, and any American who isn’t troubled by the actions of the president and the GOP should only question when this will happen to them. The erosion of human rights did not begin with the sanctioned kidnapping of immigrant children. It began with women. Christine Blasey Ford is getting death threats for simply coming forth to tell her truth. If she is telling a lie, someone out there is taking her seriously even if it’s no one on Capitol...

Kevin Hart went in on Katt Williams for attacking Tiffany Haddish and urged him to take responsibility for his past actions. The Night School star had some choice words for Williams during a joint visit to The Breakfast Club with Haddish on Friday. Hart accused Williams of lashing out at his fellow comedians in bitterness at the state of his career.“My frustration with Katt Williams comes from, you keep pointing at Hollywood,” Hart said. “‘Hollywood this, the white man this and this.’ When are you going to take responsibility for your actions? You had the shot! You were the guy! You were set up to be the star. You didn’t show up to work. You f**ked off promo shoots. You f**ked off your promo trips that they set up for you. You became a risk to the studios, which is why the studios stopped f**king with you.”When Charlamagne Tha God asked what led to Williams’ mistakes, Hart quipped “he chose drugs.”Hart also questioned Williams’ willingness to mentor other comedians, particularly those of a similar background and style.“Shoutout to Melanie Comarcho, shoutout to Luenell, shoutout to Leslie Jones, who are all underneath the umbrella of Katt Williams,” Hart said.“Katt Williams, have you ever used your platform to bring the people who are under you up? You haven’t! So, because you haven’t, don’t s**t on those who are! I used my platform, and I brought my guys and my girls up!”The Jumanji star listed Haddish’s accomplishments to counter William's claims that she's not put in the necessary work to be a star."Don't s**t on my sister's light because you're not happy with your s**t,” Hart said. “This s**t is earned; it's not given. I don't give a f**k if you're a Tiffany Haddish fan or not. It's earned. Tiffany Haddish got years in the game. It's not an accident that Tiffany Haddish got an opportunity to star in a movie. It's not an accident that that character popped in a movie, written or not written. A character has to pop it."Hart also accused Williams of lying about stats he dropped while attacking Hart and Haddish on the radio.“I am sitting on 1.3 million tickets sold … there is nobody close to me in ticket sales in comedy,” Hart said. “In comedy, it’s unheard of to do those kinds of numbers. To throw out a number like 2.4 million is ridiculous. That’s false, it’s not even close.”Haddish was more forgiving of Williams and said she isn’t mad about his comments."I still am a fan of his. I think he's hilarious," she said. Haddish also showed compassionate toward any other haters she may have waiting in the wings to attack her."They obviously are hurting, and they need some love," she said. "There's something wrong with them to even come at me ... I never did nothing to them. I never said anything bad about them, so it's something that's personal and obviously, they're crying for help. So, I'mma be kind, and I'mma keep it pushing and not absorb whatever they're trying to put out."Check out the full interview: Now, check these out:After A Messy Interview, Katt Williams Faces The Police, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, And The Scorn Of Charlamagne Tha GodTiffany Haddish’s Colorful Emmys Dress Was A Sweet Homage To Her HeritageThe Only Thing That May Be Funnier Than Kevin Hart's Comedy Is The Way He Threw A Baseball For The Chicago...

Remember when Offset proposed to Cardi in October, but news leaked the two were actually already married at the time? That part.  Because Cardi and Offset were trying to keep their big day a private, intimate affair, we were never privy to any photos from their secret wedding. But now, in a special #TBT Instagram post, the "I Like It" rapper posted a pic of herself and her husband holding hands in their casual wedding ceremony.No Invasion of Privacy this time: Cardi B is taking control of her narrative. Cardi captioned the pic with the date "September 20."   View this post on Instagram TBT ...September 20th A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on Sep 20, 2018 at 2:47pm PDTTMZ reports the intimate ceremony went down at Cardi's house, specifically in her bedroom. The following day, the couple obtained a marriage certificate in Fulton County, Georgia. The two were laid-back and comfy during with each wearing tracksuits: Offset in black and Cardi in white. Hey, just like traditional wedding colors, right?For their one-year anniversary on Friday, Cardi posted an IG video of her annoyed expression as Offset got a little beauty rest in the background. Apparently, she hopped on a plane to see him and celebrate, The Fader reports. But, worn out from touring, he fell asleep.  She wasn't having it because she screamed, "Wake the f**k up!" Offset jumped to attention.  View this post on Instagram 😡😡 A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on Sep 20, 2018 at 9:36pm PDTHappy anniversary to Cardi and Offset! Liking this content? Check these out: Cardi B And Offset Paused Their Turn-Up At The Club To FaceTime Baby KultureCardi B’s Baby Shower Was Truly Some Real-Life Fairytale Binderella StuffCardi B Left 'Smiling Ear to Ear' After Will Smith Posts Sweet Message, Topped Off With An 'Okurr,' In Honor Of...

Rihanna has fabulously dipped her toes into many industries, including music, beauty and lingerie. But don't forget, Rih-Rih is also a master of international relations. Y'all think the halls of power are off-limits? Not for our Queen Fenty! According to CNN, the Government of Barbados has just named the Anti artist as the country's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary. Come through, title! As an ambassador for Barbados, Rih will focus on promoting education (already something she spends a lot of time on) and will also work to boost tourism and foreign investment in the country. Oh, and she'll have the power to negotiate and sign agreements on behalf of her government.#BREAKING: AMBASSADOR FENTY: Government of Barbados names #Rihanna as Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary - with responsibility for promoting education, investment & tourism for Barbados; Rihanna indicated she is ready to play her part to help "reimagine Barbados" pic.twitter.com/tMAvGULtMI— Kevz Politics (@KevzPolitics) September 20, 2018This means that @Rihanna has the power to sign for, speak for and conclude agreements on behalf of the nation of Barbados https://t.co/eCTz3m8530— Kevz Politics (@KevzPolitics) September 20, 2018"Rihanna has a deep love for this country, and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education," said Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in an official statement. "She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to treasure the island as her home. She has also demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, significant creative acumen and shrewdness in business. It is therefore fitting that we engage and empower her to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados."As for Rihanna? She ready! The beauty and fashion mogul is gearing up to do her part for the greater good of her home. "I couldn't be more proud to take on such a prestigious title in my home country," she said, according to E! News. "Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I'm ready and excited to take on the responsibility. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to reimagine Barbados."Congrats, Rih!Liking this content? Check these out: Slick Woods Wrote A Thank You Letter To Rihanna And Girl, We Feel YouWe Love The Reason Rihanna Specifically Requested Her 'Ocean's 8' Character Have LocsRihanna Is Reportedly About To Give Us Double The Work By Releasing Two...

Yesterday, my mom called and asked me if I'd heard about the teenage girl that was killed by another girl over a boy. She was referring to Danyna Gibson (16) and Tanaya Lewis (17), two girls involved in an altercation that resulted in Danyna dying from stab wounds. She suggested that I reach out to the school because this was the result of an unhealthy relationship. As she was talking, I felt a twinge of embarrassment because for a little over four years I worked for a domestic and sexual violence organization in Michigan, and taught workshops at Fitzgerald High School, where the incident occurred. The embarrassment was accompanied by guilt because I know the program could have been more saturated and relevant for young women of color. Although I’m no longer at the organization, I know how beneficial it is to empower young people to have healthy relationships. This is why reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act or VAWA (H.R.6545) is a chance for youth prevention education programs to be funded and ensure that students like Danyna and Tanaya receive programming that is beneficial for them.Relationships among teens are easy to dismiss and brush off as puppy love. The reality is, they often have the same characteristics as adult relationships, but unlike adults, teens aren’t always equipped to deal with issues that may arise. Gender-based violence prevention education programs are an opportunity for young people to learn about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, the root causes of relationship violence, and how to reduce the number of occurrences. All across the country, preventionists are providing workshops, but oftentimes their reach is limited. During my time at the organization in Michigan, our prevention staff dwindled from four people to one person as a result of funding cuts. Our program time was limited to two-day sessions as opposed to the recommended frequency of multiple sessions over an extended period of time. We weren’t able to fulfill presentation requests and lost relationships with schools. Many young people, specifically those in marginalized communities, weren’t receiving in-school prevention education at all.The 2018 version of VAWA, introduced by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), pays special attention to underserved populations and prevention. If lawmakers don’t pass VAWA, young people of color will continue to be underserved, specifically the most at risk group, black girls. Black women are killed as a result of unhealthy relationships at disproportionate rates (4.4 per 100,000) and black girls report higher rates of threats and injury on school property than their peers, yet there are few prevention programs that specifically cater to young black women. While most programming may address why women are most at risk for gender-based violence, intersectionality is not always considered. Understanding the unique experiences that come when one faces oppression from racism and sexism is necessary when providing relevant education. Passing VAWA will enable service providers to build their capacity and reform their programs to fit the needs of the most vulnerable populations.While some may argue that healthy relationship skills should be taught at home and by parents, that is not always a possibility or the best option. Young people spend 6 hours a day in school, and many of their romantic relationships develop in school settings. Teachers are already underpaid and overworked, which makes it unfair that they are expected to take on the sole responsibility for teaching healthy relationships. Reauthorizing VAWA will give local gender-based violence organizations the ability to strengthen partnerships with schools and create new partnerships with schools in underserved communities. It shows young people that we care about their well-being and want them to have healthy relationships, and it allows young black women like Danyna and Tanaya to have an equal opportunity for prevention education programming.Danyna and Tanaya’s story should be a wake-up call for all of us. Both were honor students with bright futures and that all changed because of unhealthy relationship dynamics. Young people are navigating relationships, and as adults we can help. We all can urge our representatives to approve VAWA before it expires on September 30, and talk to the young people in our lives about their relationships. Further, school officials can build relationships with local domestic and sexual violence agencies and enhance their capacity for addressing unhealthy relationships. Prevention educators and advocates can ensure that their programming addresses intersectionality and fits the needs of young people in marginalized communities. We all have a role in reducing occurrences of gender-based violence, and reauthorizing powerful legislation like VAWA can bring us one step closer....

As Beyoncé has been excitedly posting about wrapping up her final OTRII tour dates, it seems her former employee has been posted up with the authorities trying to file a civil harassment restraining order against the mommy of three.  View this post on Instagram Thank you to my hometown for being the loudest crowd so far. 7 more shows. Phoenix let’s go!A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Sep 19, 2018 at 7:34pm PDT According to legal documents obtained by The Blast, Queen Bey's former drummer, Kimberly Thompson, is claiming the singer practices "extreme witchcraft," using the powers of the underworld to control her finances and run surveillance around her. In the bizarre court documents, Thompson states Mrs. Carter has been harassing her through methods that include “extreme witchcraft, dark magic” and “magic spells of sexual molestation.” Thompson, who worked for Bey for seven years, not only believes the Lemonade singer has been tapping her phones and controlling her finances, but she also “murdered" her pet kitten. The reason why Thompson believes Knowles-Carter is the culprit is unclear, but she is adamant that Yoncé is to blame. Thompson's request for a temporary restraining order was denied by the Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday; however, a restraining order hearing is scheduled for October 11. In an email to Pitchfork, Thompson confirms her allegations by writing “all accusations... I survived are real."Outside of working for Bey, Thompson also played drums in the Fred Armisen-led house band during the first season of Late Night With Seth Meyers; however, no accusations of witchcraft against him have surfaced yet. Neither Thompson nor Beyoncé have publicly addressed the situation.Liking this content? Check these out:JAY-Z And Beyoncé Are Now Allowing Fans To Register To Vote While On The Run With ThemBeyoncé Shares A New Picture Of Cutie Patootie Twins Sir and RumiWatch The Legend Jump Out As Beyoncé Handles This Midair Malfunction In A Way Only A Queen...

Big game hunting is a no go in 2018. After a photo from trophy hunter holding a dead leopard circulated online, social media users were quick to call her out for what they believe to be a barbaric act. The woman in the photo has only been identified as Britany or Britani L by David Bonnouvrier, co-founder of the anti-elephant poaching organization “Knot on my Planet.”“A very large male Leopard recently killed by of the safari club international based in Tucson AZ call them and give them a piece of your mind,” Bonnouvrier wrote on Instagram.According to Fox News, the woman is a member of the Arizona-based Safari Club International (SCI). The photo stirring up controversy was first posted online on Sept. 7 for being what the members call a “record” kill.His original post was reshared by international supermodel Naomi Campbell. #Repost #davidbonnouvrier ・・・ A very large male Leopard recently killed by Britani L. Member of the safari club international based in Tucson AZ call them and give them a piece of your mind. #sci #stopbiggamehunting #idiot #monstress pic.twitter.com/o3O1PKAu37— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) September 16, 2018   Fans and supporters of Bonnouvrier's made claims the woman in the photo was actually famous trophy hunter Tess Thompson Talley, who has been in the news recently for killing a rare black giraffe.  #TessThompsonTalley (the woman who slaughtered this #giraffe) claimed that she did so as part of a conservation effort. And that's why she posed with her kill? And why her home is filled with trophies from her other conservation efforts? I don't think so. https://t.co/UMz3XjgfwX— felicia weiner (@keiraryushi) September 10, 2018Since President Donald Trump has taken office, big game hunting has been on the rise, reports Newsweek. It is no secret his sons partake in the activity.  “How can you find pride and pleasure in killing a beautiful animal like this large male Leopard. The woman in the picture should be ashamed of herself! I find this disgusting and I’m so upset, sad and angry that this still happens!!” model Doutzen Kroes wrote. View this post on Instagram How can you find pride and pleasure in killing a beautiful animal like this large male Leopard. The woman in the picture should be ashamed of herself! I find this disgusting and I’m so upset, sad and angry that this still happens!! #stopbiggamehunting 😓A post shared by Doutzen Kroes (@doutzen) on Sep 15, 2018 at 10:54am PDTNow, check these out:  Affluent Florence Survivors Are Already Back To Normal While The Hood Is Sittin' In The Dark Angela Was Mistaken For Omarosa, But Jennifer Would Likely Never Be Mistaken For Sarah Ja Rule Mistakenly Referred To Himself As The LeBron James Of Rap And Twitter Swiftly Let Him Know This Ain't It...

Former First lady Michelle Obama's non-profit voting initiative When We All Vote is preparing for its National Week of Action in a creative and major way. The organization released a PSA on Thursday revealing it is helping people register to vote through a new text message campaign. By texting "WeAllVote" to 97779 you can begin the registration process.“The truth is, when we stay home, things stay the same or they get worse,” Obama says. “When we all vote, we get new ideas and new energy...we get leaders who share our values and listen to our voices. That’s how we change America.”While there are many politicians eager to be the change we want to see, they can't get very far without our help or our votes.The Week of Action kicks off Saturday with multiple events taking place across the country. Mrs. Obama is slated to be at rallies in Las Vegas on September 23 and Miami on September 28. Fellow co-chairs making their rounds in the name of We All Vote include Janelle Monáe, Chris Paul, Tom Hanks and Faith Hill along with Loni Love, Keegan-Michael Key and Shonda Rhimes. You Can RSVP to a When We All Vote party in your city here. Liking this content? Check these out: Michelle Obama Is Gearing Up To Run Through Your City So We Get To See What Happens 'When We All Vote'Michelle Obama's Memoir Will Be Out This Year And We Can't Wait To Get The TeaMichelle Obama Knows Something Black Women Been Knew — And She Wants Us To Use It To Get Out And...