The confirmation hearings for William Barr, 45’s nominee to be the next attorney general, began on Tuesday. In the midst of a government shutdown that, according to CBS news, will have more than 420,000 federal workers go without pay, coupled with the Mueller Investigation - which seeks to determine if our president is, in actuality, a Russian spy - it could be easy to let these confirmations fly under the radar. Here's what you need to know about your possible new Attorney General. 1. He is Jeff Sessions' successor. Jeff Sessions stepped down from acting Attorney General in November, noting in his resignation letter that he was doing so at the request of President Trump. Many, including Nancy Pelosi, saw sessions forced resignation as a tactic meant to bring the Mueller investigation to screeching halt. Given his record of threats to undermine & weaken the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker should recuse himself from any involvement in Mueller’s investigation. Congress must take immediate action to protect the rule of law and integrity of the investigation. #FollowTheFacts— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) November 7, 2018Matthew Whitaker, briefly became acting attorney general, but following the backlash, Trump nominated William Barr in December. On Tuesday, when questioned if he would ensure that the findings of the investigation be made public, Barr stated the conclusion of the investigation “will be handled as a confidential document.”2. He’s a former attorney general under George H. W. Bush.William Barr has already acted as the attorney general under George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993. During that time, he had some interesting thoughts on criminal justice reform.3. Barr helped institute mass incarceration. During his time with the Bush administration in 1992, William Barr was a major contributor to the report by the Department of Justice titled The Case for More Incarceration. This report was one of the many stances and policies he spearheaded that escalated the war on drugs. In 1994 Barr and then Virginia governor George Allen co-chaired the Commission on Parole Abolition and Sentencing Reform. A commission that sought to abolish parole in the state, build more prisons, increase prison sentences up to six times longer. In 1991, Barr professed during the Mid-America Committee Luncheon: “Many of the so-called experts – whose theories gave us the horrors of the 60’s and 70’s – are criticizing this high prison population. They say it’s a sign of failure. I believe they are wrong. It is a sign of success.”4. Doesn’t believe that disparity between race and sentencing exist. When asked about racial disparities in prisons and prison sentencing during a Los Angeles Times interview in 1992, William Barr stated: “I think our system is fair and does not treat people differently.”When pressed on the specific differences in sentencing regarding offenses dealing with cocaine versus crack cocaine (a drug that disproportionately wreaked havoc on the Black community), Barr answered: “It's associated with violence. It's associated with the decomposition of families, crack babies, spousal abuse, child abuse. As you know, in 1985, all these social indices just went off the charts. It had a catastrophic impact, and so I think a stiffer penalty for crack cocaine is warranted.”When recently questioned by Senator Corey Booker during Tuesday’s hearing if the system of mass incarceration disproportionately benefited African-American communities, Barr seemed to have changed his tune - stating, “I think the reduction in crime has since 1992,” Barr responded. “But I think the heavy drug penalties have harmed the Black community and the incarceration rates have harmed the Black community.”5. Detained HIV+ Haitian Immigrants at Guantanamo BayIn 1991, the Bush administration began to collect Haitian refugees fleeing by boat after democratically elected Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown via a military coup. While the numbers dwindled over time, at least 310 refugees who had tested HIV+ (or alleged to be positive) remained detained at the detention facility. In a 2001 interview with UVA’s Miller Center, William Barr discussed his role in what other’s considered a human rights violation and his response to detractors, “They were always complaining. I would say, ‘What do you people do at Guantanamo? Maybe this is the highest, best use of Guantanamo. Maybe Guantanamo should be turned over to the INS . . . and used as a processing center. Maybe this is the best use for the United States as opposed to whatever you people do with it.” With a majority Republican Senate, the likelihood that Barr will be confirmed is likey. The saga continues folks...Make sure you're following Blavity: Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.Now, check these...
Soulja Boy had some things to get off his chest this week. Little did he know, he would become January's meme of the month.The "Donk" rapper stopped by The Breakfast Club on Thursday and discussed his influence on today's generation of hip-hop. Soulja was asked whose career he specifically paved the way to prosper as a digital artist. Given the worldwide success of Drake, Soulja naturally said the Toronto singer-rapper.The way Soulja Boy said “DRAAAAAAAAAKE??!?? DRAKE???” gonna be a forever meme 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/a5bwCalDzu— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) January 16, 2019"Draaaaaaake? Draaaaaaaaake," Soulja said to Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy and Angela Yee. "The n***a that got bodied by Pusha T? The n***a that hiding his kid from the world, but his world want to hide from the kid? Aubrey Graham in a wheelchair? Draaaaaake?"While that may be true, it was the manner in which Soulja disbelievingly said the "God's Plan" rapper's stage name that made our sides hurt. His emphatic screeching became the funniest thing on the internet this week. Alas, another meme was born. Soulja Boy did an interview on Wednesday where he claims that he started Drake's career. People have been making memes since the video was released and these are my faves. You have to see the video or it won't make sense. https://t.co/tDSuEmXdRb
#ritsm
pic.twitter.com/uWEozl5lhg— Andrea Hubbard (@andi19365) January 18, 2019These Soulja boy memes are KILLING me 💀💀😂😭😭😂 pic.twitter.com/sb6JEWHOn2— karrenberry ✨ (@KarrenBerry) January 18, 2019The internet has no chill bruh 🤣🤣🤣🤣 #souljaboy
#BreakfastClub
#funny
#memes
pic.twitter.com/zUxdwkk3ef— BipolarBeauty (@Mika_Luciano) January 17, 2019Mom: Lemme See Your Phone Real Quick
Me: MY PHONEEEEE?!??!?! #SouljaBoy
#Drake
#tyga
pic.twitter.com/AeVcHioQnR— kianamcf (@kianamcf1) January 18, 2019Y'all cuttin up on this Friday #SouljaBoy
#Meme
pic.twitter.com/DOaxdmJxAu— [EnterNameHere] (@Time2Welp) January 18, 2019 They even took a presidential turn at one point. Lmaooo these Soulja Boy memes are getting out of hand ! 😩😂😂😭😭😭😭💀💀 pic.twitter.com/iH6xHDD3Rc— Saiyla Moon 🌙 (@SaiylaMoon_) January 18, 2019Some of us with nosy families can relate to this one a little to well.Y’all stop playing with my mans @souljaboy he gonna need a Cheque cut from all these memes. He a legend tho. #memeoftheyear and the year just started pic.twitter.com/Ge1C4gJP3i— That Guy Nuvo (@iNuv0) January 18, 2019 Young Drako himself even commented on the viralcy of the interview. Drake.... Draaakkkeeee??— Soulja Boy (Young Drako) 💲🔌🔫 (@souljaboy) January 17, 2019Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now check this out:R. Kelly, Who Seems To Lack In Both Morals And Sense Of Humor, Allegedly Wanted To Fight Dave Chappelle After Infamous Skit
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After suffering various forms of racial discrimination from her dance team at Kansas' Blue Valley Northwest High School, including being told she was “too dark” to perform, recent graduate Camille Sturdivant is now seeking legal justice. According to The Kansas City Star, the lawsuit details incidents in which Sturdivant endured several acts of racism against her over the years at the hands of teammates and instructors. Kevin Murakami, the dance team choreographer, noted the darkness of her skin and said it would distract audience members from the other girls. In a similar event, the dance team’s coach, Carley Fine, was fired for alluding to the fact that Sturdivant’s newly earned position on the Golden Girls dance team at the University of Missouri was undeserved because the young girl is Black. “THAT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE,” Murakami texted Fine about the news of Sturdivant’s collegiate dance career. “It actually makes my stomach hurt,” Fine replied. “[Because] she’s (expletive) Black. I hate that.”The text messages were discovered by Sturdivant when she borrowed Fine’s phone to play music for the dance team. After the initial shock and hurt, the dancer showed the messages to her parents and the school's principal. Fine was fired the following day. Despite her removal, Fine attended a banquet dinner held for members of the team. Sturdivant and her family were told the meal was canceled, Metro UK reported.Similar signs of solidarity to Fine and opposition of Studivant continued as all of the other dancers, besides the second unnamed Black student performer, wore ribbons with Fine’s initials on them during their final performance. In a statement observed by the Chicago Tribune, the Blue Valley School District wrote:“Respectful and meaningful relationships between staff and students are at the heart of Blue Valley’s culture. Discrimination of any kind has no place. The District expects staff to treat all students with respect at all times, and any report that this expectation has not been fulfilled is taken very seriously. As stated in the Complaint, on May 1, 2018, Mrs. Sturdivant showed Dr. Pressly the text message between Mr. Murakami and Ms. Fine. Ms. Fine’s employment with the District was separated the following day on May 2, 2018.”The amount of damages sought in Sturdivant's suit is unknown. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Misty Copeland And Calvin Royal III Become The First Black Couple To Dance Lead With The American Ballet TheatreHow This Dance Director Is Challenging The Race Problem Of Dance Through EducationAesha Ash Is Using Her Dance Background And The Power Of Imagery To Change The Way Inner City Children See...
While boxing fans wait for the marquee match-up between Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner, a presser turned south when Broner called out a commentator for harsh criticism. Showtime's Al Bernstein tried to ask Broner about the high-profile fight at the tail-end of a Wednesday press conference, but the boxer did not want to engage with him. According to SB Nation, the two have a history. Bernstein reportedly made harsh comments about Broner on Twitter. "I ain’t even gonna lie to you, bro” Broner said. “I don’t f**k with you, bro. I don’t f**k with you. You be talking too much s**t about me on Twitter, bro.”😳 Adrien Broner goes off on Showtime's Al Bernstein at the final press conference before his fight with Manny Pacquiao. Refuses to answer questions, then gets his team to do the same. pic.twitter.com/D4c4DDYfFZ— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 16, 2019To Bernstein's surprise, he couldn't understand why Broner would attack him like this, asking, "Me?"“Yeah, you, b***h-a** n***a. I’ma let you know. And I’m just being real, bro," Broner replied. "Like I just already feel like you against me.”The two then traded barbs. Bernstein claimed he has never been against Broner. He said he was only doing his job before shifting the focus of the conversation back on Broner. “I’m not against anybody,” Bernstein retorted. “But this isn’t about me. It’s about you."Broner replied, "I’d rather Roy Jones or Stephen A. Smith ask me some questions. I don’t f**k with you.”However, Bernstein was persistent. He tried speaking to the 29-year-old's trainer, Kevin Cunningham.“It’s gang, gang!” Broner said before Bernstein could finish his question. “If I don’t f**k with you, they don’t f**k with you.”Boxing experts are breaking down the Las Vegas fight between the 33-3-1 youngster and the aggressive and seasoned Pacquiao, whose record is 60-7-2. CBS News predicts the match ending in a victory for the Filipino brawler. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now check this out:5 Times Lebron James Proved He Was King Off The CourtFloyd Mayweather Calls President Trump A 'Real Man' For Grabbing 'Em By The P*ssy'Virginia Referee Banned From Officiating Games After Making Inappropriate Remarks About 10-Year-Old Black Girl's...
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's family of two will soon grow by one more. In October, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed they're expecting a baby, and People reports the due date is rumored to be in late April. In the meantime, the two have continued their official engagements on behalf of Kensington Palace. However, it looks like even members of the royal family aren't immune to awkward pregnancy encounters.On Wednesday, the duchess paid a visit to Mayhew, a London animal shelter. While speaking with staff members, the mother-to-be met Peggy McEachrom. After wishing her a happy pregnancy, McEachrom exclaimed, "You're a fat lady." Do my ears deceive me? Quite possibly the first time the Duchess of Sussex has been called a "fat lady" and loved it pic.twitter.com/xR2NelQyAW— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) January 16, 2019The room erupted in laughter, and so did the duchess. She politely responded to McEachrom's remark and said, "I'll take it!"This naturally caught the attention of the online community, which was quick to point out that in African and Caribbean cultures, calling a pregnant woman "fat" is a term of endearment.This is how Jamaicans talk. This a jamaican lady. It meant that Meghan is very pregnant. She meant no harm.— queenbhuie (@queenbhuie) January 16, 2019Absolutely, it’s a lovely celebratory compliment from an older Caribbean lady. The beauty is that Megan understands this fully.. 😘🤗😊— Francine Mullings - Digital Marketer London (@DigitalMCoach) January 17, 2019Others complimented the former actress turned royal on her "classy response."As usual Meghan gave a great classy response.— Sakina Jah (@SakinaJah) January 16, 2019Royals...they're just like us.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Here's What Meghan Markle Chose To Represent Her For This Boss Ass Coat Of ArmsPrince Harry And Meghan Markle's New Royal Titles Have Ties To This Anti-Slavery SupporterMeghan Markle Is Expecting Her First Child With Prince...
Despite helping raise his son, rapper Future still harbors flippant sentiments about Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson marrying his ex-fiancée, Ciara.The Atlanta native was interviewed on Thursday by Big Bank Black on the FreeBandz Radio Presents: The Wizrd show on Apple Music's Beats 1. The conversation began with talk about his new album, The Wizrd, but then quickly transitioned to the rapper's opinions on Wilson."He do exactly what she tell him to do," Future said. "He not being a man in that position. He not tellin' her, 'Chill out with that on the Internet. Don't even talk to him. I'm your husband! You better not even bring Future's name up!' If that was me, she couldn't even bring his name up. She know that. She couldn't even bring her exes' names up. Don't give that s**t no energy."The innanets couldn't help but notice the irony in his comments, seeing as the demise of his and Ciara's relationship was primarily his fault.When Future said Russell does exactly what Ciara tells him to, he meant. He don't cheat on her. He don't lie. He shows up. He listens. He's a parent... "Like Ciara tells him too" 🤷🏾♀️ Cause you can't be a good man without a woman forcing you to right. pic.twitter.com/Nx6AfyUW28— Chess (@B1tchIntuition) January 18, 2019Future watching Russell Wilson taking care of his baby & treating Ciara like a Queen #THEWIZRD
pic.twitter.com/Ja2Fp5vaFI— 💍💍💍💍💍💍💍 (@TheRealMusiji) January 18, 2019Ciara: I’m in a healthy relationship.
Future: HEALTHYYY RELATIONSHIP?! pic.twitter.com/0VvjKX5Evo— nafisa (@thatxxv) January 18, 2019Considering Future is a walking sperm bank, there was obvious confusion as to why he's still fixated on how Ciara and her husband live their lives.3 baby mamas later and Future is still talking about Ciara? pic.twitter.com/2kJFJbqvJ1— k. matt but kristyn works too (@kmatthewildcat) January 18, 2019 Others were looking to trace when Future's hurt began. FACT: Future been mad at Ciara every since ‘I Bet’ when she checked him:
CIARA: You acting like you upgraded me, I upgraded you. You & me, Fashion Week in Paris, I put you onto that new.
FUTURE: pic.twitter.com/34dungnWyI— Jerome Trammel (@MrJeromeTrammel) January 18, 2019Someone brought up the fact that since Russell and Ciara have been boo'd up, he can't control the "Goodies" singer like he may have been able to in the past. With Russell in the picture, Future realizes he can’t ease himself into Ciara’s life anymore like he does the others and that makes him pressed— Bri (@LovelyOTPs) January 18, 2019At the end of this entire exchange, one thing remains true: Future remains the savior of toxic masculinity.future telling us the ways of toxic masculinity pic.twitter.com/JzX2t25T1A— v (@unicornpurpp) January 18, 2019After all that negativity, we can't even fix our ears to hear whatever's going to be on that album, Hendrix. In the words of Tiffany "New York" Pollard, you should have just sat there and ate your food.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now check this out:Miami Woman Fired For Taking Sundays Off For Church Awarded Millions Because The Lord Truly Does Giveth
Another Newscaster 'Accidentally' Used A Racial Slur While Referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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As the government shutdown nears its 30th day, rapper Cardi B's Instagram rant has captured the sentiments of the nation and news media in one swoop. CNN's Don Lemon piggybacked off of the "Bodak Yellow" rapper's passionate words, calling the federal shutdown "slavery."During a Thursday appearance on Cuomo Prime Time, the CNN Tonight host continued his nearly two-year lambasting of President Donald Trump with recent criticism.“If you are being summoned to work without pay, what is a synonym for that?” Lemon asked. “What kind of people work without being paid? Either you’re an indentured servant, or you’re a slave. Right? That’s what’s happening right now.”The shutdown, which began on December 22, has left nearly 800,000 federal workers furloughed or forced to work without pay. Many have turned to food banks and GoFundMe to make ends meet. Laborers forced to work, like TSA agents, have not been shy about their lack of motivation as long lines in airports have become the norm. Earlier this week, Cardi B gave her two cents on the longest shutdown in American history and was quickly praised for her frank summation of the turmoil that's been inflicted upon the country. “Hey y’all, I just wanna remind y’all because it’s been a little bit over three weeks,” Cardi said on Instagram. “Trump is now ordering — as in summonsing — federal government workers to go back to work without getting paid.”It's no secret that the bone of contention within the executive office has been the creation of a border wall. Trump demanded Congress provide $5.7 billion in spending for a U.S.-Mexico border wall he believes will thwart possible terror attacks and curb illegal Hispanic immigration. With Democrats taking control of the previously Republican-control House, neither party seems to compromise on a resolution to reopen the government. Like many, the "Money" rapper pinned the blame on Trump.“Now I don’t wanna hear y’all motherf*kers talking ’bout, ‘Oh, but Obama shut down the government for 17 days,'” she said. “Yeah, b***h, for healthcare so your grandma could check her blood pressure and you b***hes can go check that p***y at the gynecologist with no motherf**king problem.”Lemon and Cuomo praised the "Be Careful" artist for her bold statements in the recent segment. Cardi B blasts Pres. Trump over government shutdown in viral video: @ChrisCuomo and @donlemon discuss https://t.co/c1XOi8Fz5G
pic.twitter.com/QTWHJE5p7q— Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) January 18, 2019Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out: Former Staffer For Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Claims She Was Fired For Rape Allegation Against Congresswoman's Ex-Employee A Humbled Kyrie Irving Called LeBron James To Apologize After Learning How Hard It Is To Run A Team Sony Music Has Officially Muted R....
Christopher Lowe was found banging a pipe against bars protecting the window of a home when police arrested him. He cooperated, but his legs grew slack, and his feet repeatedly fell from beneath him. He felt sick; he told officers he couldn’t breathe and needed a hospital and began hitting his head against the inside of the police cruiser, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. A few minutes later, Lowe died in the back of the car. According to the Star-Telegram, Christopher Golden, Taylor Stephens, Daniel Pritzker, Hans Fellhauer and Mitchell Miller were fired from the Fort Worth Police Department on Tuesday. Officers Scott Smith and Andrew Scharf received 90 and five days suspension without pay respectively.The officers failed to provide medical attention to 55-year-old Lowe who was later pronounced dead upon a late arrival to John Peter Smith Hospital. The medical examiner listed the cause as acute cocaine intoxication, Fox 4 News reported.“Actions taken by the officers involved in this incident discovered during our investigation aren’t in accordance with the values of the Fort Worth Police Department or the standards that the citizens of Fort Worth have for their police department,” the department said in a statement reviewed by The Philadelphia Tribune. “We hope that the administrative conclusion of this case is an assurance to the residents of Fort Worth that we are able to identify and properly address any issues that may arise during police incidents.”CBS DFW reported that a pastor at Greater St. Stephen First Church, Dr. Michael Bell, is asking for the body camera footage to be released. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Three Chicago Police Officers Accused Of Laquan McDonald Cover-Up Found Not GuiltyChicago Cop Jason Van Dyke Found Guilty Of Murder In Death Of 17-Year-Old Laquan McDonaldChicago Police Shot And Killed This 24-Year-Old Black Man In The Back As He Was Running...
Chance the Rapper has pulled his collaboration song with R. Kelly from all streaming services as his final step in cutting all ties with the R&B singer.According to Rolling Stone, the rapper's decision follows the final episode of the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly where the artist said he regrets recording the song.The track titled “Somewhere in Paradise” has been removed from major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music but still appears on YouTube and SoundCloud. The 25-year-old rapper came under fire recently after fans accused him of dismissing the accusations of Kelly's victims because they were Black women. He tweeted on January 5 that his words were taken out of context and apologized for taking so long to speak out. "The quote was taken out of context," he began, "but the truth is any of us who ever ignored the R Kelly stories, or ever believed he was being setup/attacked by the system (as Black men often are) were doing so at the detriment of Black women and girls," he wrote. “I apologize to all of his survivors for working with him and for taking this long to speak out.”pic.twitter.com/bqbKlsDA9l— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) January 6, 2019The Chicago native joins several other artists, including Lady Gaga, who, according to HuffPost, removed her song with R. Kelly titled “Do What U Want (With My Body)" from streaming services.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Chance The Rapper Reveals He Bought Chicago News Outlet To 'Run Racist B***hes Out Of Business' In New SingleThese Responses To Chance The Rapper’s Defense Of Kanye Call Out The Hypocrisy And Disappointment Behind His Support'My Fault Yo': Chance The Rapper Issues Apology After Trump Credited Him In A Tweet Admiring Kanye's 'Great Service To The Black...
Sony Music has dropped R&B singer R. Kelly amid a slew of sexual misconduct allegations with underage girls.According to Billboard, representatives for Kelly and Sony have yet to comment on the recent development, but the Chocolate Factory artist has been reportedly removed from the RCA/Sony music website as of Friday afternoon. Kelly was originally signed to Jive in the early 1990s. Eventually, Jive would become part of Sony, and he has been under contract with RCA, a Sony Music subsidiary, since 2012. The decision comes two days after New York protestors gathered outside of Sony/RCA Records headquarters to demand the corporation mute the artist once and for all.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Kelly's former manager, Henry James Mason, surrendered to authorities in Henry County, Georgia, for threatening a parent of an alleged captive girl in Kelly's sex cult. He is charged with terroristic threats and acts.“I’m gonna do harm to you and your family, when I see you I’m gonna get you, I’m going to [expletive] kill you,” he reportedly said to Tim Savage, the father of 23-year-old Joycelyn Savage. The news also comes after the fallout surrounding the release of the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which premiered on January 4. In the six-part series, Kelly was accused of preying upon underage and teenage girls for at least three decades.Women who knew the "Step in the Name of Love" artist described the singer as a manipulative predator who kept a sex cult in his Chicago studio, mansions in Georgia and hotels around the country.Nearly a week after the last episodes of the series aired, Blavity reported the Fulton County district attorney is in the process of gathering information regarding allegations of sexual misconduct occurring at Georgia mansion outside of Atlanta. Asante McGee, one of Kelly’s accusers, has already spoken to authorities about her experience with Kelly. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Former Staffer For Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Claims She Was Fired For Rape Allegation Against Congresswoman's Ex-EmployeeA Humbled Kyrie Irving Called LeBron James To Apologize After Learning How Hard It Is To Run A TeamMiami Woman Fired For Taking Sundays Off For Church Awarded Millions Because The Lord Truly Does...
Travis Scott's comments in an interview with Hot 97 have resurfaced and are creating more buzz around the already controversial rapper.According to Rolling Out, Twitter users uncovered the 2014 interview which highlighted show host Ebro asking Scott about his opinion of the Ferguson riots occurring at the time. "I'm kind of angry, so many Black people are acting like fake activists," the 26-year-old said."I'm not saying he deserved to get killed. But I'm not saying that he didn’t deserve to pay for consequences he probably inflicted," he continued.Riots in Ferguson, Missouri, were a response to the shooting death of Mike Brown, an unarmed Black 18-year-old, by white police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. The "Sicko Mode" artist, who has fans raising their eyebrows at his plan to perform at this year's Super Bowl, also said Black people shouldn't put themselves in positions for situations like Brown's to occur.“And I know we’re like ‘fed up’ quote/un-quote, with whatever is going on in culture…but at the same time, you gotta just stop putting yourself in positions where you’re continuously having this situation go down,” Scott said.Furious Twitter users vented their thoughts in several posts."F Travis Scott. He's so full of it," one wrote.We ready to mute homie?!— Hollywood (@H0LLYW00DTy) January 17, 2019Y’all know Travis Scott dgaf about black people. We all heard him blame mike brown for his own death so what do y’all expect?— Killa Cam♥ (@Cameeeyo) January 16, 2019Travis Scott has called his fans phaggots, redid his album cover because it featured a trans woman, defended the cops over the Mike Brown situation, and it now lying about his super bowl performance and donating money... exactly why are yall keeping this clown around again?— mystique • (@joshischillin) January 16, 2019Y’all surprised by Travis Scott? After hearing his comments on Mike Brown, he’s right on schedule.. https://t.co/kHKoyLk5kY— DoodooBoy (@DoodooBoy87) January 16, 2019Man, @trvisXX really going out sad. SMH Those Mike Brown comments he made that resurfaced really make you question everything about him and with this now it's just not a good look. pic.twitter.com/1CaEKA4yRJ— youngflydopefresh!™ (@YFDF) January 16, 2019Man, F Travis Scott. He’s so full of it. Same fool that tried blame Mike Brown for his own death... “deserve to pay for consequences he probably inflicted.” GTFOH— weiss eubanks (@weisseubanks) January 16, 2019I'd take a knee for Mike Brown and Ferguson during a Travis Scott halftime. Seriously.🙄— Audrey Shipp (@adri16) January 16, 2019Travis Scott coon ass is cancelled... talking bout he only agreed to perform if the NFL donated 500k to a charity and ain’t even have the nerve to mention or thought we forgot he essentially said Mike Brown “got what he deserved” pic.twitter.com/V80BPxEwVd— PinkCookiez 🇵🇷 (@PinkCookiez) January 16, 2019Check out the full interview here: Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out: New Petition Calls On Super Bowl Halftime Performers To #TakeAKnee On Stage During Their SetNess Nitty Calls Out Reports Saying Boyfriend Colin Kaepernick Met With Travis Scott Over Super Bowl PerformanceTravis Scott Taught A Class At Harvard And Now, He's...
I feel like I have to get something off my chest. As someone who worked in corporate America most of my life, and only recently their entrepreneurial journey, I feel like our diversity events are all, more or less, the same. The same formats: fireside chats, keynotes, panels hosting 3-15 people. (Yes, I unknowingly participated on a panel of 15 people at a high school) Moreover, what’s constant and ever more prevalent as Black & Latino excellence rises to new highs is the counter force of white privilege and historic marginalization exerts ever-growing pressure Black & Latino professionals.I’ve known New York on Tech’s (NYOT) founders for a few years, so I knew their 2019 would not present the aforementioned grudgeries of the “tech event starter kit". Jessica Santana and Evin Floyd Robinson started Brooklyn on Tech (now, NYOT) in 2014. They are two native New Yorkers from Brooklyn who had a vision to bring tech jobs and opportunities to New Yorkers far removed from Silicon Valley. From hustling and building corporate partnerships with businesses like NBCUniversal, Google, Accenture, and FactSet; New York on Tech introduces students to tech companies for paid internships and now serves over 1,000+ students in New York City. All of this in just a few short years, with new plans to expand to other cities.The purpose of the event was to invigorate those of us who have been fortunate enough to be the first in our families to graduate from college, to work for an awesome tech company like Google or LinkedIn -- to collectively pool our money, time, and resources to empower young Black and Latino students aspiring to enter the fast, evolving tech space. Jessica, co-founder comments, “We all have a role play if we want to see change for young people in our communities and the generations that come after us. All students deserve to have a space in innovation”.If we are lucky enough to make it to the top, we have an important duty to our communities, to our family & friends for all they sacrificed, to send the elevator back down. Netta Jenkins, our host, shared the mic with the audience, and many recalled how if it was not for the generosity of complete strangers in some cases, they would not have the level of privilege and opportunity they cherish. The tailored suit, the Fenty lipstick, the business trips -- all a result of altruism. Evin comments, “It is imperative to share your blueprint with others. Teach them how to overcome obstacles and win. I know this is important and works because it was done for me. Empower others and lift as you climb.”At NYOT, there are multiple ways you can support their initiative. If you’re interested in hosting a student at your company, The city pays for the internship, not the company. You can also donate space to help them host events/workshops, donate your time, money, or become a sponsor for their annual Innovators and Disruptors Awards. NYOT has built an engine to aggregate our people’s desire and passion to uplift, and integrate community development a pillar of our values as the diaspora.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for more fresh stories, perspectives and breaking...
