The Texas woman who was caught on video dumping a toddler on a stranger’s doorstep believes the world is making too big of a deal out of the ordeal.Keairra Woods has been a target of scorn since the world saw a surveillance tape of her carrying 2-year-old Royal Simmons by his arm, dropping him on a porch in Spring, Texas, and running off. However, she believes the public only got one side of the story.“Everything blew out of proportion," Woods told Inside Edition on Monday. "I'm getting blamed for everything."Woods says she only ran when she saw a woman approaching the door.“I could see her through the glass window. I'm pretty sure she could see me standing there, too,” she said.The 20-year-old was supposed to bring Simmons to his father’s house as a favor to the child’s hospitalized mother but went to the wrong address. Woods said the mother instructed her to leave the boy on the porch because they were not on good terms.“She said, 'Leave him on the porch.' I said, 'Are you sure you want me to leave your child on the porch?’ She said, 'Yes!'" Woods explained.Woods also explained the grip she had on the toddler’s arm."I was trying to carry him and carry his bags," she said. “It wasn't intentionally on purpose, like, 'Let me drag him up here.' No, I would never do that."The child’s dad, Willie Simmons, lives next door to the woman who found Royal, and he was understandably upset when he saw the video.“What if my neighbor wasn’t there? If my neighbor wasn’t there, my son would have been roaming up and down the street,” he told KTRK.Willie believes Woods should be punished for her actions.“That was very irresponsible. And I feel the lady who dropped my son off needs to be held accountable,” he said.Royal’s mom wasn’t as vocal."It was a very big misunderstanding,” she said. Now, check these out:Calls Ensue To Boycott European Airline For Accommodating Bigot Who Refused To Sit Next To Elderly Black WomanCollege Students Launch Petition To Remove Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' Name From Campus BuildingMom Dies After Being Forced To Wait Seven Hours To Be Operated On For Post-Childbirth...

The Trump administration is targeting transgender rights, but the trans community refuses to take it lying down.On Sunday, The New York Times reported the Trump administration plans to roll back protections former President Obama established for transgender people.The proposed initiative would define gender solely based on a person’s genitals.“Sex means a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth,” the Department of Health and Human Services wrote in a memo. “The sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as originally issued, shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex unless rebutted by reliable genetic evidence.”This change could only be reversed by genetic testing and would eliminate the federal protection of the 1.4 million transgender people in this country.Donald Trump spoke positively of the proposal and claims he plans to keep his campaign promise to protect the LGBT community, according to Reuters.“We have a lot of different concepts right now. They have a lot of different things happening with respect to transgender right now,” 45 said. “I’m protecting everybody. I want to protect our country.”The transgender community and their allies see it differently. Criticism of the initiative has been ongoing, and protests have popped up all over the country. A hashtag, #WontBeErased, went viral.This attempted erasure of trans lives is disgusting. They are literally trying to eliminate the already threatened livelihood of trans people. We exist! We always have, we always will.— Amiyah Scott (@KingAmiyahScott) October 21, 2018After 70 years I am here to tell you the system has always tried to break us. All us trans girls know we got to depend on each other and when enough of us bitches come together we can 🔥 it down and use the ashes to build the motherfucking mansions we deserve! #stillfuckinghere— Miss Major (@immissmajor) September 29, 2018Every Georgian should be able to self-determine their identity and expression. Period. As #GAGov, I will be a firewall against hateful policies. I will continue to fight #RFRA and champion robust anti-discrimination laws to advance protections for ALL Georgians. #WontBeErased https://t.co/nKpWA5HbkX— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) October 22, 2018If you consider yourself to be an ally of the trans community. NOW is the time to stand with us. Show them that we #WontBeErased.— ＭＵＮＲＯＥ 🌹🌹 (@MunroeBergdorf) October 21, 2018Moving speech from Indya Moore pic.twitter.com/AbetdAIGee— Caroline Moss (@socarolinesays) October 21, 2018A word to all my cis family: You Don’t Get To Define People Out Of Existence. Trans people #wontbeerased and it’s HIGH time cis folks get on the right side of history and humanity. To my trans and non-binary family: I see you, I always will. I’m following your lead. https://t.co/s0JHsif3zT— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) October 22, 2018I have TWO beautiful, Black trans daughters. This administration better bet this mama will ALWAYS be their warrior. #WontBeErased #TransIsBeautiful pic.twitter.com/TVCvmhWCCE— DeShanna N (@Trinsmamabear) October 21, 2018We’re not playing this game anymore with you America, pretending your policies are protecting anything but white supremacy & white property. A new America is on the horizon, one that rises above policy into the principles of humanity. These principles will be non-negotiable.— Angelica Ross (@angelicaross) October 21, 2018We must not give up the fight. But in the face of this affront on my existence and the existence of my community I choose love not fear. We exist and always have.Trump Administration Eyes Defining Transgender Out of Existence https://t.co/G4rKB1mVfe— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 21, 2018 The proposed definition is considered an attack on an already vulnerable population. According to a 2015 report by the National Center of Transgender Equality, 48 percent of respondents experienced harassment or mistreatment because of their gender identity. If they’re Black, the rate is 58 percent, one percent more than their white or Latinx counterparts. Other people of color experienced harassment at equal or higher rates.Between 2013 and 2017, 102 transgender people have been murdered, and 75 of them were Black according to a study by the Transgender People of Color Coalition and Human Rights Campaign. The current death toll for 2018 is 22 people, according to WBEZ. Black women make up the majority of deaths.Now, check these out:Érica Malunguinho Makes History As First Transgender Woman Elected To Brazil's State CongressTwin Sisters Become Twin Brothers After Undergoing Transition TogetherTonya Harvey Is Just As Important As Rekia Boyd: Why Transwomen Of Color Lives Matter,...

Kendall Jenner has stepped in it again.The model, one of the youngest in the Kardashian-Jenner clan, has been accused of cultural appropriation after a recent Vogue photo shoot for the November 2018 issue.Jenner's teased-out updo in the photos resembles that of an afro.However, Vogue thinks otherwise. The publication stated the hairdo was meant to pay tribute to the big hair trend from the 1970s. Instagram posts from last week celebrated the CFDA Fashion Fund's 15th anniversary with a solo photo of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star and another with model Imaan Hammam. To curb the backlash, Vogue released a statement obtained by E! "The image is meant to be an update of the romantic Edwardian/Gibson Girl hair which suits the period feel of the Brock Collection, and also the big hair of the '60s and the early '70s, that puffed-out, teased-out look of those eras," Vogue said. "We apologize if it came across differently than intended, and we certainly did not mean to offend anyone by it." View this post on Instagram Fifteen years and 150 finalists later, the @CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize has created global stars, local heroes, a must-watch New York Fashion Week, and, most important, a true sense of community among designers of all ages and backgrounds—all with differing aesthetic and commercial aspirations—who communicate, collaborate, and essentially care for one another through the fun and not-so-fun times. Laura Vassar Brock—one of the founders of 2016 #CVFF winner Brock Collection—says, “We spoke to a few friends who had gone through it, and they all said the same thing: that the Fashion Fund is a life-changing experience. And indeed it was!” Tap the link in our bio to learn more. Photographed by @mikaeljansson, styled by @tonnegood, Vogue, November 2018A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Oct 19, 2018 at 1:29pm PDT View this post on Instagram 15 years ago, the @CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was created to make the American fashion community more caring, more creative, more conscionable. Tap the link in our bio for a look back at the prize that changed American style. Photographed by @mikaeljansson, styled by @tonnegood, Vogue, November 2018A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Oct 17, 2018 at 2:36pm PDTVogue's comment section erupted in discussion over whether the hairstyle was cultural appropriation or something else entirely. "Why didn’t you get someone with an actual afro and freckles to model for you instead? And you try this all the time," one Instagram user wrote. Over on Twitter, others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the misstep is similar to the 2017 Pepsi ad. In the controversial commercial, Jenner handed a police officer a soda as a peace offering during what appeared to be an imitation of a Black Lives Matter protest. Wow 😮 a kardashian copying black women pic.twitter.com/OLULhYpOne— Empress Finesse 👽 (@77x777x) October 23, 2018Here we go again with this shit! Where is here PR team now, cleaning the pieces👀👀👀 Remember when she brought the entire world together??? #Pepsi #ijs Her family is use to controversy😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/FO2YRzRiXy— Sincerely Blogging (@SincerelyBlogg) October 22, 2018Ironic that she picks and chooses what gigs to do and she still can’t get it right— 𝒞𝒶𝓇𝑀𝓊𝓉𝒽𝒶𝐹𝓊𝓀𝓃𝐿𝒶 (@CarlaMzchelle) October 22, 2018Will the Kardashian-Jenner clan ever retire their exhaustive knack for cultural appropriation? Only time and hairdos will tell. Now, check these out:  Beyoncé Named America's 'Most Politically Divisive Celebrity' Actress Priscilla Shirer Says She Doesn't Describe Herself As A Black Woman New Kanye Fully Revokes Old Kanye's Place In Black History, Walks Back George Bush Comment...

Actress Niecy Nash partnered with The New York Times to create a hotline for white people who can’t resist calling the authorities on Black people.The satirical hotline, 1-844-WYT-FEAR, was created for the BBQ Beckies and Cornerstore Carolines of the world who seem incapable of minding their Caucasian pumpkin spice business.Nash filmed an infomercial-style advertisement to promote the service. View this post on Instagram MESSAGE! #BbqBecky #CouponCarl #CornerstoreCaroline Help has arrived!!! I teamed up with @thejennlyon @nytimesopinionart @nytopinion SWIPE FOR FULL VIDEO #tryingtohelpsomebody 👊🏽A post shared by Niecy Nash (@niecynash1) on Oct 22, 2018 at 1:44pm PDT “I want to introduce you to a radical new product that will save you from all the headaches from being filmed and outed as a racist douche,” she said.The commercial features a call center full of operators who “have been living while Black in America their entire lives” attempting to assist white callers with their colonial complaints. The commercial ends with a couple of police officers abruptly entering the call center.If the informercial wasn’t hilarious enough, pick up your phone and call the number if you want another laugh."Thank you for calling 1-844-WYT-FEAR," the operator says. "We are here to address your urgent concerns about black or brown people living their life near you."The automated number gives callers prompts to follow that leads to a message that calls white folks out on their bigotry."Based on your menu selection, we have determined that you are not in danger and probably just racist," when callers are asked to choose which frightening encounter they're having with Black folk.The operator also pokes fun at white people who can’t bear to hear foreign languages being spoken."Warning: if hearing Spanish is triggering for you, please cover your ears now,” the operator says before repeating the prompts in Spanish.The Times also posted a list of almost 40 instances of white people calling the police on Black people for, as Nash puts it, “no goddamn reason.”Liking this content? Check these out:Don't Care About Voting? Here's Your Chance To Join 'The Whatever Party'Radio Ad Claims Democrats Will ‘Be Lynching Black Folk Again’ To Scare Black VotersDunkin' Donuts Employee Calls Cops On Activist Hamdia Ahmed And Her Family For Speaking...

During the last year, the vocabulary of ordinary internet users has been enriched with previously unfamiliar words: proxy server and VPN. If earlier such words were used in conversations only by system administrators, programmers or advanced users, now in the street, in public transport, in offices and cafes you always hear that one needs to download and install the VPN.What is the reason for such a keen interest in VPN and proxy servers? It is all very simple: in most cases to bypass the blocking of forbidden social networks and services or encrypt their Internet traffic.That is why the journalists and advanced users started talking about proxy servers and VPNs. People began to wonder what this VPN is. Why is it needed and how to use it? Let us find out everything about proxy servers and VPN technology, how they work and what benefits they bring. Also, is it safe to use free VPN services and proxy servers?What are proxy servers?The main function of the proxy server is to send requests from its own IP address which allows the users to completely or partially hide their real IP addresses. One should distinguish between anonymous and transparent proxy servers. The difference between them is significant – the anonymous ones hide the address of the computer completely, and the transparent ones pass it on to the headers, which become available for the system administrators of sites. With the help of proxy servers, you can easily access a site that is not accessible from your IP address, while a disguise will enable you to protect your personal information from prying eyes.It is worth noting that the proxy server is needed to disguise (hide) the true IP address, to be able to view the sites blocked for the region or specific user, and also to conceal the very fact of visiting such sites.There are two types of proxy servers: HTTP proxy and SOCKS.HTTP proxyThe simplest kind of proxy services is a web proxy. The maximum of their capabilities is to redirect the user's web traffic (HTTP and HTTPS) from the client (your browser) to the host (the server hosting the site you need) while hiding your IP address.When should I use a web proxy?If the access to a particular site in your country is for some reason blocked by your ISP, then using proxy services, you can get temporary (slow and insecure) access to this resource.SOCKS-proxyThis is a slightly more advanced, but much more rare option than a web proxy. The difference is that such proxies are able to work with traffic of different types, not only with web traffic.When should I use a SOCKS proxy?Since such proxies do not encrypt traffic, we would not advise sending e-mail via a free SOCKS proxy. However, you can use such services to access FTP servers (File Transfer Protocol), if you cannot access them from your own IP address.We do not recommend using untested proxy bots and other doubtful services. If you do not have any reliable information about the development team and their purposes, it is better to refrain from using such resources, since unpredictable consequences can follow.One of the obvious consequences is the risk that such services get access to your personal data. For example, bots will get access to the information about your profile, except for only the phone number, which can then be used by third parties. Also, you become the target of spam mail and ads. Do not forget, in that case, blocking the access to the proxy-bots will be automatically lost.The minimum criteria for determining the quality of proxy services is the availability of the official site and application in the AppStore and GooglePlay. Be as cautious as possible with the services that do not meet these criteria.What is a VPN?The most important alternative to proxy servers is undoubtedly VPN (Virtual Private Network). And it is more reliable, too, with good protection and encryption capabilities. As Wikipedia says, VPN is a generic name for technologies that allow one or more network connections (logical network) to be installed on top of another network (for example, the Internet). In other words, when you try to go online, a kind of "tunnel" is formed between your PC and the rest of the Internet, which prevents any attempts to get inside from outside. When visiting any site, you are visible to the system administrators not under your real IP-address, but under a completely different one, from another country, which you can choose yourself.There are different types of VPN services which include VPN for torrenting, VPN for avoiding geo blocking of specific sites and some VPNs are best for social networks. There are a lot of great VPN services: some of them are paid services, some are free ones. It is better to choose the tested paid services, the ones that have long proven themselves in the market. It’s always advised to take your time and learn about all the differences and peculiarities before using any VPN service or proxy server....

If you keep track of the news, you'll know that modern consumers have become hyper-sensitive to race issues. On social media, activists and housewives alike offer opinions on everything from Black Lives Matter protests to the presence of neo-Nazis on the internet. Racism is making a comeback (or has never left, depending on whom you listen to). For companies, this represents a unique challenge. Some set their sights on avoiding the conversation altogether, preferring to steer clear of potential missteps. Others are using this time as an opportunity to reach consumers by showing consciousness on the issue. The rise of these so-called "woke" businesses brings to bear many questions, including: How should companies navigate difficult issues of race in the modern world?Here are six keys to consider.1. A company's message will be received according to its organizational contextCompanies that have a long history of doing the right thing will get a benefit of the doubt from consumers. This means that those companies that have embraced diversity not only in entry-level hiring, but also in executive hiring will have an easier time making statements on racism in the US. If you want your company's message to be received the right way, build up your social capital by doing the right thing.2. Alignment between product and messageOne of the examples of building a brand through race-conscious messaging comes from the NBA's Steve Kerr and Gregg Poppavich. The two coaches have a responsibility to their teams, which are both comprised mostly of African-American players. When they speak on race and condemn racism, they're doing so as men involved in a league that many believe has mostly made its money on the back of Black labor. Their relationships with players on the Warriors and Spurs provide these coaches with the credibility needed to speak up on tough topics. Businesses can learn something from this. If they're selling a product to African-American consumers or have otherwise interacted closely with the African-American community, they may have more credibility on these issues.3. Avoid piling on in the face of pain and tragedyOne of the biggest mistakes a company can make is to try to score marketing points in the wake of tragedy. While condemning racism and violence is important, companies that do so without any context in the wake of a death can be seen as opportunistic. Corporate messaging may be seen as an intrusion in those situations.4. Brave, risk-taking behavior can helpSome corporate CEOs have stopped working with the White House in order to show their dissatisfaction with the current state of race relations in America. These CEOs have been lauded for their efforts. Mostly they are benefiting from the perception that they took a risk and put themselves on the line for something they believed in. In a world where empty talk is the norm, the willingness to put some skin in the game can help a company stand out and establish itself as legitimate.5. Messaging guided by people of colorModern race discourse focuses in some ways on not only what is being said, but also who is saying it. Given that much of the discourse has been led by white people for decades, many appreciate those companies that amplify the voices of people of color. As a business that's trying to stay relevant during an especially difficult time for messaging, having people of color guide the marketing is important. Not only will this signal to the public that the company is serious about getting things right, but it will also allow companies to tap into the current feelings of minority communities around the country.6. Backing up words with dollarsFormer basketball star Michael Jordan, now the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, donated millions of dollars to causes related to racism recently. This demonstration of corporate social responsibility was more meaningful than a simple tweet or a few pointed words. He gained positive attention for himself and his team's brand because he put money behind those words. Many who work in the field of race relations will tell you that organizations need more than just vocal support today. When advocacy and lobbying are two of the primary costs of social change, impactful nonprofits need money. The consuming public will take notice when cash is involved. It's a way of raising the ante with your corporate social responsibility.Getting it right on corporate social responsibility is hard. It's especially hard during an era where consumers are hyper-conscious of the race issues around them. While it makes sense for some companies to stay out of the fray because they lack the competency to message in this space effectively, other companies can leverage the opportunity and do some good. Keep these six keys in mind if you're interested in navigating the public discourse in the modern...

Attention OBGYN doctors: we need you to listen to Black women's health complaints!Black women should not be dying or denied proper care in a timely matter. Kira Johnson should still be here today, but because no one listened in a timely matter, her life was cut short. Serena Williams was delayed proper care after notifying doctors of her health problem after labor. It’s 2018, but Black maternal mortality rates are three times more than a white woman. Why? As a Black woman, post pregnancy should not be a possible death sentence. Motherhood brings an unbreakable bond, but with doctors not listening to Black women, mortality rates are increasing.Last year, I delivered my second son on November 27, 2017. After delivery, I knew something was not right. After 31 years, I knew my body better than any doctor, but they just said I developed post preeclampsia. Deep down, though, I knew something else was wrong. I had preeclampsia with my first son, so I was already high risk throughout my whole second pregnancy.Maybe doctors need to start listening more to their patients than to a machine. If they can’t detect it on their monitors, those machines are worthless.On November 29, I was discharged — even though I knew something was wrong. The nurse said if I felt any pain, call the doctor to make sure I'm not having seizures or any other complications. I was literally home for a day before returning to the hospital with pain. On December 2, I returned to the hospital with my mother instead of fiancé, because he was home watching our two-year-old and newborn son. I felt discomfort and agony in my body, and both of my legs were swollen like water balloons waiting to pop.At the hospital in the emergency room, I did several exams and they also took blood. The resident doctor came back and said everything was normal. Was he f**king serious? I was in pain and I knew something was wrong, but it seemed my words had no value, and my life had no meaning. I simply could not believe I was going to be discharged. I kept telling myself, “I know I’m not crazy, something is wrong. Please find it before letting me go home.”Everything changed after a high-risk OBGYN doctor looked at my blood work. I soon had an array of residents around me asking questions. They told me my blood work showed something was wrong, and admitted me back to the maternity ward. I just kept saying, "Yes, I’m not crazy."It felt like time was moving in slow motion because I entered the ER at 6 a.m., and it was now 6 p.m. — a full 12 hours later.Why am I waiting when we know there’s a problem? As my mom stated, “You’re not an emergency because you're not dying.” But I am an emergency because I'm a person who is sick and asking for help. I should not be dying, or near death, for you to not respond to me in an urgent manner.I was in the hospital for five days after that day. The first night I was admitted, I had a high fever above 105 and my pressure was through the roof. What if they sent me home before getting back my blood work? Would I be waiting in the ER as my condition got worse? Why did I get discharged when I said something was wrong the first time?I kept thinking about my two sons at home. In my mind, I pictured my newborn that I should be holding right now. How simple everything could have been gone if my initial complaint was taken seriously. I was not just admitted for a one-night stay, but for five days because my body got worse before it got better. It felt like I was never going to leave. I was so happy when my newborn was able to stay with me in the hospital, and my two-year-old came to visit.I am so thankful for the doctor who noticed my blood work before I was discharged. My story should be every Black women’s story, one of a doctor finally listening to them and not delaying their urgency.New Black moms’ lives have value. Instead of ignoring our complaints, please start to listen. We have a serious issue in America, and pretending that maternal mortality rate among Black women is not a problem can no longer be acceptable. As a Black community, we must refuse to hear another story of a Black woman dying after childbirth because doctors refuse to listen to their...

Sloane Stephens defeated U.S. Open Champion Naomi Osaka at the WTA Finals on Monday.Osaka, who represents Japan, lost 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 to the American Stephens, according to ESPN. This was the first time both women competed at WTA, which was held in Kallang, Singapore.Osaka admits she struggled during the match."That was something I'm not really proud of. I feel like I play better when no one knows what I'm thinking," she said, according to The National.The 21-year-old still has a chance to make it to the semi-finals if she is able to win at least one match against  Angelique Kerber and Kiki Bertens. Osaka is thankful for that opportunity."Yeah, I think it's really cool that you can keep going even after you lose. I think that this tournament is really special in that way, because there is no other tournament during the year that does a round-robin format," she said."So I think that the fact that you get another chance to learn from your mistakes and apply it in the matches going on is something that's really good."Stephens admits going against Osaka was a bit intimidating, but says she wasn’t deterred, reports Yahoo."I thought I played a really good match. I played solid from start to finish. Obviously playing someone with a lot of confidence is always a tough task, but I think that I played well and I kept a good attitude. So I was pleased with that,” she said after the game.Osaka recently complained about exhaustion following her 2018 US Open win. Stephens won the competition in 2017 so she knows the feeling."Yeah, I mean, I can definitely relate. After the U.S. Open I probably shouldn't have played the entire rest of the season, because I was so exhausted," the 25-year-old said."I think our situations are a little different. I played like four tournaments after not having played for 11 months, so I was probably more tired than she was. But I think I totally understand, and I think that to go play at home in Tokyo was really important for her or her fans, for her country. You can only applaud that," Stephens added.Now, check these out:Rae Carruth 'Nervous' About Public's 'Hate And Negativity Toward Me' After Serving Time For Girlfriend’s MurderEric Reid Confronts 'Sellout' Malcolm Jenkins Over #TakeAKnee ProtestsJamaica Makes History As First Caribbean Country To Qualify For The Women's World...

The loved ones of a teen killed by a drunk driver filled a Georgia courtroom to ensure the man behind the wheel would not be granted bond Friday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Kennedy Segars was killed in Stonecrest, Georgia when 52-year-old Reginald Stubbs crashed into her car, causing it to flip multiple times before landing in an embankment. The 18-year-old succumbed to a traumatic brain injury. Another driver was injured during the crash and was hospitalized.Stubbs was unharmed and refused to take drug and alcohol tests at the scene, according to 11Alive. He eventually admitted to drinking at a Ruby Tuesday’s during a University of Georgia game that night. Stubbs told officers he took a shot every time the team scored and said he also had three beers and three margaritas.Stubbs was charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, following too closely and serious injury by vehicle. He made his first court appearance on Friday as over 100 of Segar’s family and friends watched. “My daughter was very special," said Marvin Segars, her father. "She was very strong, very determined, she was just a grinder and for this man to take my daughter and try to even get a bond, it’s just crazy.”Kennedy’s mom, Quvada Moreland, agrees; her daughter had come home from college to celebrate her birthday."Kennedy was a bright, energetic and loving spirit. I am proud to be her mother and I will stand for her and demand justice now that she is gone," said Moreland. "I know our family and community will stand with us."The mother of a college student killed by a suspected drunk driver could barely walk on her own outside a Dekalb courthouse. Her sons held her up as she walked toward us with all her daughters loved ones behind her. This was absolutely heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/UJaKIczzHK— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) October 19, 2018Fallon Barns, Kennedy’s best friend, wants Stubbs to pay for what he did.“I hope and I pray that the man responsible for this, he pays for it," said Barns. "On October 13th, that man took my best friend away from me, my sister! So, I want justice for Kennedy and I hope and pray that everyone out there that knows her and is familiar how beautiful of a soul she is, is able to use this as motivation because that’s what she would want everyone else to do.”Kennedy was a freshman at Alabama State University who had hopes of becoming an attorney, according to her father. ASU president Quinton T. Ross offered his condolences to the family.“The ASU family extends our deepest condolences and prayers to Kennedy Segars’ family and friends during this difficult time,” Ross wrote. “Ms. Segars was a proud member of the University’s 2018-19 freshman class, the first group of freshman to enroll in ASU since I became president. Her presence will be sorely missed by her classmates, friends and professors.”Arlethea Williams, principal of Kennedy’s high school, also spoke highly of the teen."We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our recent graduates, Kennedy Segars,” she wrote. "Kennedy brought tremendous joy to students and staff alike. We are all better people as a result of knowing her. Kennedy’s passing has left an indescribable hole in our hearts, and she will be sorely missed."The judge decided to delay the bond hearing due to the emotionally charged environment. Stubbs was denied bond Monday, according to KIRO.Now, check these out:Rae Carruth 'Nervous' About Public's 'Hate And Negativity Toward Me' After Serving Time For Girlfriend’s MurderDetroit Urban Farmer Wins Case Against 3 White Women Who Accused Him Of Stalking Them, Among Other Terrible Things3 Ways Gerrymandering Affects Your...

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was released from prison after serving almost 18 years for conspiring to murder his Cherica Adams.Carruth walked out Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, North Carolina on Monday morning around 8 a.m., according to ESPN. He did not speak to reporters and left in a white SUV. He will be on a release program for 9 months that requires him to check in with a case worker and ask for permission to travel out of state or out of the country. Carruth will be free to do as he pleases after he completes the program.Carruth was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in 2001 for hiring a hitman to shoot Adams, his on-again, off-again girlfriend. Adams was following Carruth to his house in November 1999 when a car pulled up next to her BMW. Carruth slowed down to box her in and gunman Van Brett Watkins shot her four times. Adams was eight months pregnant at the time and summoned enough strength to call 911. She died from her injuries four weeks later. The couple’s son, Chancellor Lee Adams, was delivered via emergency c-section hours after the shooting. He survived, but ended up with brain damage and cerebral palsy because he was deprived of oxygen for 70 minutes after his mother was shot. Chancellor, now 18, was raised by his maternal grandmother, Saundra Adams. Carruth claimed he had nothing to do with the shooting and his defense team argued Cherica was shot due to a drug deal gone bad.SHE WAS ONLY 24 years old 🌹#ChericaAdams pic.twitter.com/m67mXux3jw— Sonshine⛅️ #PLUSHGang💟 (@lilmisssonshne) October 22, 2018 Carruth said hopes to put that sordid past behind him and hopes the community can forgive him.“I’m excited about just being out of here. I’m nervous just about how I’ll be received by the public,” Carruth told WSOC. “I still have to work. I still have to live. I have to exist out there and it just seems like there is so much hate and negativity toward me.”The 44-year-old hopes to have a relationship with his son and even once said he wanted custody of the boy. He has since recanted that statement, but told WSOC he's sad he never got to meet Chancellor while incarcerated.“I was really looking forward to the opportunity to see my son — to touch him, to hug him, to kiss him,” Carruth said. “All these things I’ve never had the opportunity to do. And I wanted to apologize to him in person for all that he’s been through.”Saundra Adams once said she would be waiting outside with Chancellor when Carruth was released, but she changed her mind. She told The Charlotte Observer she isn’t completely against a relationship with Carruth, but made it clear she doesn’t have high hopes for redeveloping ties. Nevertheless, she said she has worked on forgiveness.The only person I cared to hear from about Rae Carruth getting out was Saundra Adams. She's the woman who raised the son he tried to kill after he had her daughter Cherica murdered. Here's what she had to say. pic.twitter.com/NFSxzhGs5Y— M I K E 🤴🏾 M c C R A Y (@yomike) October 22, 2018 “I want to forgive him so that I can move on and enjoy the fruits of my labor and enjoy my life,” Adams said. “Because if I’m sitting around in unforgiveness, it’s like me drinking poison and hoping he’s going to die.”Now, check these out:Mom Dies After Being Forced To Wait Seven Hours To Be Operated On For Post-Childbirth Complications54-Year-Old Man Dies Trying To Save Woman From Sexual AssaultFlorida Police Refutes Claims Of Excessive Force After Viral Video Shows Them Punching 14-Year-Old...

Two earthquakes shook Trinidad and Tobago after heavy rain caused significant flooding on the island.The first 4.2 magnitude tremor occurred around 4:41 p.m. local time on Saturday, reports Caribbean 360. A 5.1 quake hit the island less than 24 hours later on Sunday at 12:35 p.m.The quakes hit Trinidad and Tobago as the nation worked to recover from flooding caused when a month’s worth of rainfall fell on Friday. Homes were flooded, and vehicles were left submerged in the murky waters. Many residents had to be rescued from their roofs with boats and dinghies."People who were marooned had to be lifted out of their homes by the defense force with rafts,” journalist Renuka Singh told The Gleaner. “Some people actually brought out fishing boats and were volunteering to rescue people. People were in chest-high water trying to get out. We have been having a bit of difficulty coordinating because people are stretched thin right now.”There were no confirmed injuries or deaths reported from the earthquakes or floods.Prime Minister Keith Rowley admitted the situation is dire.“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe, and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected,” Rowley said.Kamina Johnson, Jamaica's minister of foreign affairs, blamed the disaster on climate change.“While we are heartened to know that to date, there are no reports of loss of life; we are truly saddened to learn of the number of persons affected by the heavy rains and others trapped in their communities by landslides. This is yet another example of how the Caribbean is having to grapple with the very real effects of climate change," Johnson said.Trinidad native Nicki Minaj expressed her sorrow and willingness to help on Twitter:Trinidad 🇹🇹 😢 broken hearted to see this. Hope I can help. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/vmD6FD3Ign— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) October 22, 2018Black Panther star Winston Duke, another native, also shared well wishes.My thoughts are with my home country, Trinidad & Tobago, as they cope with the effects of heavy rains & nationwide flooding. My heart is with you! I have been stunned by the devastation but also comforted by the amazing efforts of everyday folks towards each other. This is T&T👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/uD5S0QOtlz— Winston Duke (@Winston_Duke) October 22, 2018Now, check these out:Jamaica Makes History As First Caribbean Country To Qualify For The Women's World CupDevastating Landslide Kills More Than 30 People In Uganda, Destroys Several TownsTurkey Renames Road Leading To U.S. Embassy After Malcolm...

We're on the cusp of a new wave of leaders, and guess what? They're Black.The U.S. has only had four Black governors in history, but three states could soon changed this by electing: Andrew Gillum (D-FL), Stacey Abrams (D-GA) and Ben Jealous (D-MD). While a possible feat such as this should not be considered historic in 2018 — it is.It's important that we keep the legacy of President Obama alive by having other elected officials rise in the political ranks. Black people are expanding their fight for representation; not just on TV screens, but in D.C. and in state governments, as well. That being said, it's also crucial that Black political representation leads to more resources for the Black community.When it comes to combating economic inequality, improving state healthcare systems and public education, these candidates got it going on:On Creating Economic EqualityAndrew Gillum:When it comes to addressing economic inequality, Andrew Gillum proposes increasing taxes for corporations. His Fair Share for Florida’s Future plan involves using revenue gained from taxing wealthier corporations as a way to invest in public education, childhood education and vocational job training. He also plans on making the minimum salary for teachers $50,000 and to devote funding to vocational training that will lend itself to more high paying job opportunities for those in need.Stacey Abrams:As the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia, Stacey Abrams has a strategy called the Georgia Economic Mobility plan. According to Abrams’ campaign website, this plan has five parts: “Earn, save, grow, include and protect.” When it comes to creating economic equality, the “save” aspect of this plan, in particular, involves two programs designed to increase financial literacy and encourage long-term savings for families, the Georgia FinLit Initiative and the Cradle to Career Savings Program.Ben Jealous:Former NAACP President Ben Jealous has a plan called Make It In Maryland, which includes raising minimum wage in Maryland to $15 an hour. Jealous’ campaign also emphasizes  job creation and transforming the state into “an innovation environment that will enable more locally grown companies to remain in Maryland.” On Health CareAndrew Gillum:Because combating high healthcare prices has become such a critical issue in Florida, Andrew Gillum plans to  confront this by building off the Affordable Care Act and allowing more Floridians to opt in to Medicaid. Gillum’s campaign site also mentions wanting to pass a law that would protect “people with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage, being charged more for their care due to a pre-existing condition, or women being charged more than men.”Stacey Abrams:When it comes to health care, Stacey Abrams aims to  fund programs that support mental health, increase the amount of Georgians able to  qualify for Medicaid and protect the rights of women. She also wants to increase the amount of support that is given to seniors, particularly when it comes to Alzheimer's research, especially considering how  the number Georgian residents with Alzheimer's is reportedly expected to rise by approximately 190,000 by 2025.Ben Jealous:When it comes to a Medicare-for-All system, Ben Jealous is in full support of it. Jealous, who suffered from epilepsy in his youth, knows how stressful it is to not have proper healthcare coverage while dealing with a critical, chronic medical issue. As governor, Jealous intends to implement his MD-Care plan, which — among other things — will work toward lowering the prices of medication by dealing directly with pharmaceutical companies.On EducationAndrew Gillum:Much of Andrew Gillum’s plan for education appears  linked to his plan for economic equality. Through investing in public schools and vocational training, Gillum has his eyes on revitalizing public education with a billion dollar investment. When it comes to for-profit charter schools, Gillum states that he “strongly opposes” them, because of how they “use public dollars to enrich their executives.”Stacey Abrams:As the “Public Education Governor,” Abrams was to invest in childcare, public education, and help keep college students out of college debt. One of her pledges for her first 100 days as governor is to create a youth council. This council will be focused on creating summer employment and expand civil engagement opportunities for young Georgians.Ben Jealous:In Maryland, Ben Jealous wants to fund early childhood education through the legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana. He also wants to make community college free, and help those who do have student loans to restructure their debt.These candidates are focusing on issues that mostly hinder growth and progress within our communities. Black students matter, Black jobs matter, but most importantly, Black lives matter.Find out how you can get involved to win these elections at staceyabrams.com,  benjealous.com, and andrewgillum.com.Now, check these out: 5 Ways to Properly Vet A Political CandidateFlorida Is One Of Four States With A Lifetime Ban On Voting For Convicted Felons. Here's How Amendment 4 Can Change That.5 Racist Tactics Black People Have To Overcome When Running For Office...