Jussie Smollett spoke out for the first time since the 16 felony charges against him were dropped.Smollett held a press conference moments after the decision was announced.The 16 felony charges filed against “Empire” star @JussieSmollett have been dropped. The actor was accused of allegedly staging a hate crime attack on himself.
“I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of.” pic.twitter.com/zmml4b1XeJ— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 26, 2019“I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I’ve been accused of,” Smollett said.He also thanked his supporters for standing by him and the state for “attempting to do what’s right.”“I want you to know that not for a moment was it in vain,” Smollett said. “I’ve been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one.”The Smollett family released a statement praising the decision, reports Variety.“Our son and brother is an innocent man whose name and character has been unjustly smeared,” the statement read. “Jussie is a son, a brother, a partner, a champion for human rights, and a genuine soul who would never be capable of what he was falsely accused of. He was the victim of an assault and then falsely blamed for his own attack. This morning truth has prevailed and he has been vindicated. All charges have been dismissed and his record expunged (cleared).”Smollett pleaded not guilty to 16 false police report charges on March 14. He was accused of staging a racist and homophobic hate crime with Ola and Abel Osundairo to advance his career.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Smollett and his supporters might be relieved, but his opponents are upset about the decision.Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel believes the city’s reputation is “in the mud” because of this situation, according to Deadline.Live now on @MSNBC. pic.twitter.com/J0FObMM6Dn— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 26, 2019“He did this all in the name of self-promotion,” Emanuel said at a press conference an hour before Smollett spoke. “This is a whitewash of justice. A grand jury could not have been clearer. Where is the accountability in the system?”He also accused Smollett of using the LGBTQ rights movement for personal gain.“To use the very laws and principles and values behind the Matthew Shepherd [hate crime laws] to self-promote your career is a cost that comes to all the individuals, gay men and women, who will now be doubted,” he added.Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson also had harsh words for the actor.“Do I think justice was served? No,” said Johnson. “And I think this city is still owed an apology.”Joseph Magats, assistant to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, insists the decision doesn’t mean Smollett is innocent.“We didn’t exonerate him,” Magats said. “We stand behind the investigation, we stand behind the decision to charge him and we stand behind the charges in the case. The mere fact that it was disposed of in an alternative manner does not mean that there were any problems or infirmities in the case or the evidence.”Now, check these out:All Charges Against Jussie Smollett Dropped, Lawyer Says His Record Has Been 'Wiped Clean'Virginia's First Black Female Police Chief Sets The Record Straight On Her ResignationNYPD Says A Notorious Gang Leader Is A Cooperating Witness In The Probe Of The Murder Of Lesandro 'Junior'...
In celebration of Diana Ross' 75th birthday, over 200 Black female celebrities and influencers nationwide are embodying her fierce determination with the new Phenomenal Woman campaign, "I'M GONNA WIN."The action campaign is slated to honor Ross "as a true trailblazer who took on a male-dominated industry when she arrived on the Motown scene," according to a press release sent to Blavity.Not only did Ross succeed, but she overshadowed her male competition and exceeded them with her opulent fashions she's so famous for as well.On Ross' birthday on Tuesday, celebrities the likes of Lena Waithe, Debbie Allen, singer Maya and Yvette Nicole Brown are donning t-shirts inspired by one Ross was once seen wearing in an iconic photo. The shirt bears the words, "I'M GONNA WIN."Happy 75th, Ms. Ross!!! (She’s an elder, so that’s how I will refer to her) With grace and glamour @dianaross blazed many trails and proved that a black girl from the projects could take the world by storm. A win for her was always a win for the culture. So on her birthday I’m rocking a T-shirt by @phenomenal.ly which benefits Higher Heights, which is in the business of building Black women’s political power. Grab you one!A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) on Mar 26, 2019 at 11:01am PDT
Happy 75th Ms. Ross! With grace and glamour @dianaross blazed trails by proving that, in a male-dominated industry, Black women can succeed by showing up as their authentic selves. And when we do, we win. HOLLA!💋✨ • T-shirt by @phenomenal.ly benefits Higher Heights, which is building Black women's political power. #diamonddiana #dianarossA post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Mar 26, 2019 at 8:36am PDT
Happy 75th Birthday Miss Ross!!! With versatile talent, class, grace, glamour, hard work, @dianaross blazed trails by proving that, in a male-dominated industry, that relentless women who show up as their authentic selves can break down closed doors or build their own & win with longevity. Honoring you on this milestone born day. Thank you for paving the way. We love you! 👑🙏🏾🖤 T-shirt by @phenomenal.ly benefits Higher Heights, which is building Black women's political power. Get yours at phenomenalwoman.us #dianaross #arethafranklin #women #blackwomen #homage #respect #power #imgonnawin #75A post shared by MYA (@myaplanet9) on Mar 26, 2019 at 11:17am PDTHappy 75th Birthday, Ms. @DianaRoss! ❤️ With grace and glamour you have blazed a trail by proving that in a male-dominated industry, Black women can succeed simply by showing up as their authentic selves! ✊🏾 When we do, we #WIN! This T-shirt by @phenomenal.ly was created in #MsRoss’ honor and it benefits #HigherHeights, which is dedicated to building Black women's political power. #ImGonnaWin #YoureGonnaWin #WeAreGonnaWin #HappyBirthdayMsDiana! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #DiamondDianaA post shared by Yvette Nicole Brown (@yvettenicolebrown) on Mar 26, 2019 at 11:27am PDT
Phenomenal Woman, a grassroots clothing company that promotes and empowers women through activism, is recreating the t-shirt for the special occasion. All proceeds will benefit Higher Heights, a political organization building an infrastructure to mobilize Black women to power in 2019 and beyond.
"We are honoring the legendary Diana Ross on her 75th birthday as a woman whose contagious joy, perseverance, and unapologetic style has defined her career," Meena Harris, founder of the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, told Blavity. "Diana was a trailblazer when she came onto the Motown scene. The industry was predominantly male, and as the lead singer of the Supremes, Diana proved that women can succeed when they show up as their authentic selves." IN HONOR OF MY MAMA ~ @phenomenal.ly recreated this tee in honor of my mama @dianaross’s 75th birthday! Support @higherheights4 in building Black women’s political power by getting this tee at the link in my story.A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) on Mar 26, 2019 at 9:02am PDT
"I'M GONNA WIN serves as a reminder that black women can do incredible things when we own our goals and aspirations," she continued. "And, with proceeds benefiting Higher Heights, an organization investing in Black women and their political power, I'M GONNA WIN raises awareness around civic engagement and helps strengthen Black women's leadership capacity."Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, Laila Ali, Teyana Taylor, Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett, Brandy, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes, Vanessa Williams, Yvonne Orji, Alicia Keys, Faith Evans and so many more are also expected to post up in their white tees. Stay tuned for more tributes and happy birthday to the queen! Now, check these out:Diana Ross Sang With Tracee Ellis Ross And They Are Our Ultimate Family GoalsHow To Manage Mommy Guilt When It Always Feels Like You Could Be Doing MoreBlack Woman Wins International Trans Beauty Pageant For First Time In Competition's...
Actor Kendrick Sampson has been entertaining audiences for more than a decade, appearing on hit shows such as How to Get Away with Murder and Insecure.The 31-year-old recently shared his encounters with toxic masculinity and colorism while growing up in a recent interview with Teen Vogue.Sampson, who says being biracial did afford him certain privileges, revealed colorism still affected him."Essentially, it is white supremacy forcing itself into our communities even when no white people are present," Sampson said. "I was taught not to like dark skin girls and was made fun of for liking and dating them."Sampson, whose mother is white and father Black, continued speaking about problems he encountered because of his lighter complexion. "I was told I look better because I have lighter skin, but then lighter skin is seen as weaker and less threatening in our culture, so I ran into a lot of problems with that. It teaches us to hate ourselves and each other."Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.The conversation did not mark the first instance in which Sampson has openly discussed the topic of interracial relationships or colorism. The Greek alum celebrated Loving Day in 2017 with a Twitter thread describing the struggles his parents endured from his family members as a result of their blended union.Thread. #LovingDay My parents were married in the early 80s. When my mom was 15 / dad was 20 in 1967, 50 years ago today, June 12...(Cont.)— Kendrick Sampson (@kendrick38) June 13, 2017 Sampson discussed how he'd fit in with certain white circles, only to find out he was often a subject of mockery from those same associates."We are taught to hate the more stereotypically Black magnificent parts of us in certain scenarios and to try to be proudly stereotypical as possible in others, for better or for worse. My education and "acceptable" demeanor gave me access into white circles, only to be ridiculed, insulted and/or given the "privilege" of hearing what insulting, bigoted things many white people really say behind our backs, not realizing they are insulting me, my family, and my loved ones."Sampson has also used his platform to discuss the stigma around mental health in the Black community. Following the Season 3 finale of Insecure, he posted an emotional Instagram message about the damaging effects of ghosting on one's mental health.Now, check these out:Shaq Becomes First Black Person On Papa John's BoardT.I. Honored By Georgia State Senate For His ActivismGary Owens Puts Delta Airlines On Blast, Says They Racially Profiled His...
The owners of several popular companies, including Krispy Kreme and Panera Bread, are confronting their ancestors' Nazi ties.The Reimann family came clean after German newspaper Bild published a story about Albert Reimann Sr. and his son, Albert Reimann Jr., using Nazi slave labor during World War II, reports NBC News.Family spokesman Peter Harf said the allegations were “all correct.”The laborers worked in an industrial chemical factory owned by JAB Holdings, a company founded by Reimann. The victims also worked in villas owned by the family. It is unclear how many people were used, but documents reviewed by Bild claim the prisoners comprised 30 percent of their workforce in 1943. The men were also vocal supporters of Adolf Hitler and donated funds toward his paramilitary SS force in 1933.Reimann Sr. died in 1954 and his son in 1984, but Harf believes “they actually belong in prison," according to CBS.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.JAB Holding owns several popular brands including Peet's Coffee, Caribou Coffee, Keurig Green Mountain, Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Intelligentsia. The company bought Panera Bread in 2017 and Krispy Kreme the year before.The family was investigating the Nazi connection before the Bild story broke. Harf said the family was “ashamed” of the information. The Reimanns plan to donate $11 million in charity to atone for their ancestors’ misdeeds.The Washington Post reports the family commissioned historian Paul Erker from Munich University to research the depth of the family’s ties to the Nazi Party.“It is about an overall story also in the industry context, but in which the subject of forced labor plays a central role,” Eker said. “The mandate includes absolute scientific independence and unrestricted access to files, including the Benckiser Archive and family records. I ask for your understanding that I cannot provide any information on the details and results of the ongoing project.”Harf promised Erker’s findings would be available to the public.“There is nothing to gloss over. These crimes are disgusting,” Harf said. “As soon as the book by Professor Erker is finished, we will publish it. Unadorned. We will not interfere. The whole truth has to be on the table. “Now, check these out:Flight Attendant Detained By ICE For Six Weeks Despite Her DACA StatusExclusive: Rep. Maxine Waters Responds To Sentencing Of The Man Who Made Bomb Threats Against HerShaq Becomes First Black Person On Papa John's...
Monday, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) spoke with Blavity at the monthly event Brunch 2 Bomb in Los Angeles. Waters shared her thoughts on 57-year-old Cesar Sayoc's guilty plea, appearing unphased by the incident.Sayoc is the Florida man accused of sending pipe bombs to high-level Democratic officials such as Waters and former President Barack Obama. Thursday he pleaded guilty to 65 criminal counts, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.Waters says this should be a lesson learned for potential copy cats. “I hope he has learned his lesson. When you threaten an elected official — and you shouldn’t be threatening to kill anybody — you are going to get reported, they are going to find you, defeat you, and you are going to do some time,” Waters said. “This is not the first one but each [time] we have been able to [identify the purpertrators]. They have been convicted or they have been dealt with.”Late 2018, when the incident occurred, Waters spoke with us saying she “ain’t scared,” and will continue her work to better the country. Those same sentiments were present during our Monday interview.“I hope [Sayoc] knows from my public appearances that I’m not afraid,” Waters said. “I’m not hiding and he can’t get away with threatening me because just as he’s threatening me, the police are watching out and the FBI are watching out. He is right where he’s supposed to be.”A second man, Steven Taubert, was found guilty by a grand jury on Wednesday, for sending terroristic, racist threats to Waters' office in California. The Associated Press reported Taubert's charges were from phone calls and racial slurs he made to Democratic Congressional offices. Taubert targeted Waters and every member on her staff, according to the publication.They also report Taubert said in 2017 he was going to “hang” former President Obama. The AP says the jury reached the conclusion that Waters and Obama were targeted based on their race.Now check these out:Florida White Supremacist Allegedly Kidnapped, Drugged And Repeatedly Raped A Black WomanTwo White Supremacist Convicted For Threatening To Kill Rep. Maxine WatersAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez Blasts Fox News Guest Who Mocked Her For Doing 'The Latina Thing' When Saying Her...
A Texas flight attendant and DACA recipient was released from ICE custody after more than a month in captivity.Selene Saavedra Roman worked for Mesa Airlines for less than a month when she was assigned to a flight to Mexico, according to The Points Guy. A native of Peru, Roman’s parents brought her to the United States illegally when she was 3 years old. She was allowed to remain in the country as a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program but was not allowed to leave the country. Roman put Mexico and Canada on her no-fly list as a precaution, but when she was assigned to fly into Mexico, she went because she was scared to lose her new job.Her employers told her she would be fine, but when she returned to Houston, Texas, on February 12, she was taken into custody. She was held at the airport for 24 hours before she was transferred to a privately-owned detention center.“It really boggles my mind why the government would want to seek to continue to detain someone with no criminal history who was a graduate of Texas A&M and who was approved and on her way to citizenship but was held for what was obviously a mistake,” Belinda Arroyo, Roman’s lawyer, said. “But here we are, almost a month and a half later.”Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.The 28-year-old remained in custody until her March 22 release."Being released is an incredible feeling. I cried and hugged my husband and never wanted to let go," Roman said in a statement to NBC News. "I am thankful and grateful for the amazing people that came to fight for me, and it fills my heart. Thank you everyone that has supported. I am just so happy to have my freedom back."Roman was in the process of obtaining American citizenship when she was captured. She accused ICE officials of threatening to revoke her DACA status while she was detained. Her husband, David Watkins, called the experience a “nightmare.” Watkins suggested his wife, a former teacher, become a flight attendant after they traveled around the country for their honeymoon. He believed her friendly nature made her a perfect fit.“I proposed the idea,” Watkins admitted. “I’m kicking myself for it now.”Mesa Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein apologized to Roman while she was in custody.“We are deeply sorry Selene and her husband have had to endure this situation,” Ornstein said in a statement. “It is patently unfair for someone to be detained for six weeks over something that is nothing more than an administrative error and a misunderstanding.”Now, check these out:Gary Owens Puts Delta Airlines On Blast, Says They Racially Profiled His WifeTwo White Supremacists Convicted For Threatening To Kill Rep. Maxine WatersAlmost Half Of White America Believes Diversity And A Non-White Majority Would Weaken American...
Nearly two weeks after pleading not guilty to 16 counts of disorderly conduct, The Associated Press is reporting all charges against actor Jussie Smollett have been dropped. BREAKING: Attorneys for "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett say charges alleging he lied to police about attack have been dropped.— The Associated Press (@AP) March 26, 2019The Empire star's lawyer confirmed the news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter after his client appeared in court for an emergency hearing. "Today, all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean of the filing of this tragic complaint against him," the statement read. "Jussie was attacked by two people he was unable to identify on January 29th. He was a victim who was vilified and made to appear as a perpetrator as a result of false and inappropriate remarks made to the public causing an inappropriate rush to judgment."It's currently unclear why the charges were dropped, but Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the police investigation and continued to do so after trial. "I have been truthful and consistent on every level since day one," Smollett said following the announcement. "I would not be my mother's son if I was capable of one drop of what I've been accused of."The actor and philanthropist was accused of lying to law enforcement regarding the events surrounding an alleged racist and homophobic attack on January 29. While the trial was ongoing, the 36-year-old was only permitted to travel to Los Angeles and New York to conduct meetings with his attorneys. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Smollett's legal team continued the statement with a public service announcement on chastising individuals before receiving all the facts."Jussie and many others were hurt by these unfair and unwarranted actions. This entire situation is a reminder that there should never be an attempt to prove a case in the court of public opinion. That is wrong. It is a reminder that a victim, in this case Jussie, deserves dignity and respect. Dismissal of charges against the victim in this case was the only just result. Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career."The Chicago Police Department had "no comment" on the matter.Chicago PD told me they have "no comment" on this breaking Jussie Smollett motion and deferred once again to State Attorneys office. when I pressed, saying the PD has been involved in the case, they again said "no comment" https://t.co/qD4IXNnKly— Tanya Chen (@Tanya_Chen) March 26, 2019Now, check these out:Queen Latifah Says She's Still Standing By Jussie Smollett Until She Sees 'Definitive Proof' Of A Hoax5 Instances That Prove The Chicago Police Can't Be TrustedNearly 50 Workers At A Chicago Hospital Were Fired For Reportedly Accessing Jussie Smollett’s Medical...
She proudly served the Commonwealth of Virginia as the first Black woman chief of police. Now, Tonya Chapman is addressing the controversy surrounding her untimely exit. The Washington Post reports Chapman left her role as Portsmouth police chief on March 18 without explaining her resignation. Citing a personnel reason, city manager Dr. Linda Pettis-Patton refused to discuss her departure.In her first remarks since leaving, Chapman said her fellow deputies could not accept receiving commands from a Black woman. "As with any organization, there were officers in the department that did not like my style of leadership and did not want me to hold them accountable for their actions," Chapman wrote in a statement obtained by The Virginian-Pilot. "Some quite frankly did not like taking direction from an African American female. Further, I would contend that there were some politically connected individuals that never had confidence in me in the first place."However, Chapman added a small margin of officers harbored these views, while the rest of her team performed their duties without pushback. "The good news is that I can assure you that this was a small contingency of the police department as most of its members are passionate about their job as law enforcement officers and treat our citizens with respect and dignity while upholding their constitutional rights," she continued. The Washington Post reports more officers were reluctant to adapt to the community activist mindset, which included perusing neighborhood streets following a homicide. "Cops want to be cops," Ed Schardein, a retired Portsmouth captain argued. "The officers are told to go out and walk in the community after a major crime has happened. That's understandable. But that's not what's happening in Portsmouth. They're just going out there to shake hands and say everything is fine."Chapman's resignation took a Portsmouth lawmaker by surprise, who said she saw no hints of decision makers expressing frustration about Chapman's conduct."The community is saying that Dr. Patton was being used to do somebody else's dirty work," Councilwoman Lisa Lucas-Burke said to The Virginian-Pilot. "I don’t know which way to look, and it makes me nervous because I’m probably dealing with some of these same people. I've had an upset stomach for the past week trying to digest all of this and not having any answers. People are calling me and saying, 'What the hell is going on?' I don’t know what to tell them."Despite their differences, Portsmouth NAACP chapter leader James Boyd argued Chapman is the latest casualty of systemic racism, and he refuses to remain quiet about the matter."We're going to stand up and tell the truth and those who don't like it, well, they're going to just have to deal with it," Boyd said in a news conference Monday, per ABC News 13. Despite her questionable tactics, one thing remains clear: Chapman has the endless support of a close family member.My mom was the FIRST black woman in the state of Virginia to become a police chief and no one will ever take that away from her. Words cannot describe how proud I am of her and blessed to call her mom ❤️— J (@jazmindenxce) March 25, 2019Now, check these out:University Of Georgia Fraternity Under Fire After Racist Video Of Members Mocking Slavery SurfacesOfficer Michael Rosfeld Acquitted In Fatal Shooting Of Antwon Rose Jr.Oregon White Supremacist Who Ran Down Black Teenager With Jeep Found Guilty Of Murder...
As authorities continue their efforts to determine who is responsible for the death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz, the New York Police Department (NYPD) revealed the ringleader of the infamous Trinitarios gang is now operating as a witness in the probe.PIX11 News verified through the NYPD that Witness C is Diego Suero. Suero was indicted in July 2018 for approving the command to "hit" someone from an opposing gang. According to the New York Daily News, Bronx homicide Detective Oscar Rosa met with Witness C following the June 20, 2018, incident, leading him to clues about defendant Jose Muniz, who allegedly had the machete that killed the 17-year-old boy.In another incident, Suero also spoke with Detective Rosa about another suspect, Elvin Garcia. Garcia supposedly solicited advice from the witness about how to treat a hand injury he suffered as a result of the ambush.Witness C, who said the five men directly involved in the killing were at his home before and after the gruesome slaying, suggested he visit a hospital. Rosa confirmed he met with Garcia at Precinct 48 on June 26 to gather more information about the attack. Suero reportedly pinpointed the five individuals charged in the slaying through photos. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news."I had a brief conversation with Mr. Garcia," Rosa said. "He did mention to us at one point, 'If I talk to you, they’re gonna kill me — so I don’t know if I want to talk to you.'"Junior was dragged out of a local bodega and subsequently killed that night. As Blavity reported, five men of the Dominican gang stabbed the teen repeatedly with machetes while footage of the attack was captured on camera. Shortly after Junior's murder, gang leaders admitted a case of mistaken identity led them to murder Junior.In the wake of the deadly assault, New York lawmakers petitioned to pass "Junior's Law," a bill that would require convenience store owners to open their doors as a safe space for endangered children. All five suspects were arraigned on charges of first-degree murder, and PIX11 reports the first trial date is scheduled for April 15. Nine other men are facing second-degree murder charges related to Junior's killing. In late February, a street in the Bronx was named after the late teen, who aspired to be a police officer. Now, check these out:134 Killed After Gunmen Dressed As Hunters Ambush Predominantly Muslim Village In MaliExclusive: Rep. Maxine Waters Responds To Sentencing Of The Man Who Made Bomb Threats Against HerTexas Police Officer Fired For Giving A Sandwich Full Of Feces To A Homeless Man Wins His Job...
Former President Barack Obama will meet with new House Democrats at a reception in their honor.Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) is hosting the event to celebrate the fresh faces of the 116th Congress. The reception takes place following the conclusion of House votes on Monday. POLITICO says they obtained the invitation to Obama, and clarify the event is reserved for members and "limited" to the 60-plus freshman class.Obama was heavily involved in last November’s midterms, endorsing dozens of candidates both at the national and state levels, while also campaigning for several of the highest-profile Democrats running — including Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT). Obama endorsed Hayes when she ran for the 5th District congressional seat last year, and awarded her teacher of the year in 2016.
While some of the freshman class may never have met the former president before, about a dozen of the new lawmakers worked in his administration, including Lauren Underwood (D-IL) who was a senior advisor in the Obama administration’s Department of Health and Human Services.Underwood received his endorsement in Hawaii — Obama's home state — and became the youngest black woman elected to Congress.
Pelosi's reception will be held at the house of Esther Coopersmith; a well-known Washington hostess who served as a representative to the United Nations during Jimmy Carter’s administration.Now check these out:Death Toll For Cyclone Idai, Which Struck Mozambique, Zimbabwe And Malawi, Reaches 750A Texas Woman Gave Birth To Six Babies In Nine MinutesRing The Alarm: It's Time Black Folks Get Serious About Climate...
Gunmen opened fire on women, adolescents and elderly individuals in a village in central Mali, reportedly killing 134 people, according to Reuters. "We are provisionally at 134 bodies recovered by the gendarmes," Moulaye Guindo, the mayor of a neighboring community, said to the news site. The ambush occurred Saturday morning in the villages of Ogossagou and Welingara, and Guindo says several men dressed in hunter garb stormed the area and began firing shots. While a motive for the attacks remains unknown, an unidentified survivor hinted the assault was a form of revenge for an associate of terrorist group al Qaeda after an attack from the terrorist group left 23 soldiers dead last week.CNN reports the African nation's Fulani community is constantly under scrutiny for allegedly being connected to jihadist groups. The Malian government issued a statement following the act of violence and promised to continue protecting its citizens against violent adversaries. "In the same spirit, the government will continue to ensure the protection of the people, to recreate the conditions of true social cohesion and to promote national reconciliation," the statement read. "The government condemns with the utmost severity this heinous act and expresses its compassion to the families of the innocent victims."Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.A representative from United Nations affiliate UNICEF echoed the government's remarks and confirmed the organization is providing relief to survivors of the shooting.An attack on a village in Bankass in Mopti, central Mali, has reportedly killed more than 130 people. UNICEF is deeply saddened and outraged that children are among the casualties. We urge all parties to put an immediate end to the violence and to keep children out of harm’s way.— Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) March 24, 2019"Many of the injured children have been evacuated to health facilities for treatment. UNICEF is on the ground helping provide first aid, medicines and therapeutic food," Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement posted to the nonprofit's website. The Saturday ambush is not the first time a wave of violence has struck the Fulani community, which the BBC describes as a "largely Muslim ethnic group of semi-nomadic herders."Now, check these out:A Ph.D. Student Is Facing Deportation To Liberia, A Country She's Never VisitedMan Seen Kicking 78-Year-Old Woman Arrested, Faces Assault ChargesAlmost Half Of White America Believes Diversity And A Non-White Majority Would Weaken American...
Nearly a year after Papa John's founder criticized NFL protests and used the word "n****r" on a conference call, Shaquille O'Neal is gearing up to help the pizza franchise flourish again.HuffPost reports the retired NBA legend will join the company's board of directors, becoming the first Black person to serve on the board. O'Neal intends to purchase nine locations of the Papa John's pizza franchise around Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the deal.O'Neal has been a highly reputed investor for decades, owning major franchises such as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, fast food joints and Shaquille's restaurants in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.The C-suite at Papa John's believes having O'Neal as an ambassador will help ignite a shift in the company's relationship with the general public and will pay the former basketball star $8.25 million for a three-year endorsement deal, reports CNN."Shaquille has an excellent entrepreneurial background, including as a restaurant franchise owner, and is a natural creative marketer," said Jeff Smith, the company's chairman of the board of directors.Since the announcement was made, Papa John's stock has already risen nearly 5 percent.The pizza franchise has suffered from slow sales and declining revenues following two scandals that rattled the entire establishment in early 2018.On January 1, founder John Schnatter stepped down from his position as CEO following comments he made about NFL protesters, blaming the nonviolent Take a Knee movement on his company's lack of customers. He also stated that the sports organization lacked leadership and insisted something should be done about the men exercising their freedom to protest, reported Blavity.Following these statements, Papa John's received an onslaught of support from white supremacists, who felt the corporation's values aligned with the white power agenda.This view gained more traction after an audio recording of Schnatter referring to Black people as "n*****s" was released this past summer, as Blavity reported. That recording ultimately led to Schnatter being forced out of his company.Since the founder's departure, the company has unsuccessfully tried to improve its financial outlook through a diversity campaign, CNN reports. O'Neal said he's proud to be a part of the chain's efforts to rebrand itself."Papa John's is building a better culture, and I want to be a part of improving the [company] from the inside," O'Neal said.Now, check these out:Papa John's Founder Resigns Amid Reports He Said ‘N****rs’ During Conference CallWeeks After Criticizing NFL Protests, Papa John's Founder Will Step Down As CEOWaka Flocka Has A Pressing Inquiry For Daniel Caesar Following His Instagram...
