Here’s who won big at the People’s Choice Awards

The People’s Choice Awards honored tons of celebrities and we’ve got the lowdown on everything you missed.

The annual awards show aired on E! on Sunday night and one of the night’s biggest moments was when Kevin Hart took the stage for the first time since a major car accident left him severely injured. He received the award for best Comedy Act of 2019 and delivered a heartfelt speech thanking his fans and family for their support.

Kevin Hart hits his first red carpet after horrific car accident

Avengers: Endgame was the night’s big winner, nabbing three awards including Movie of the Year and Zendaya took home trophies for her work in Euphoria and Spiderman: Far From Home. Although Beyonce was not in the building, she did snag the award for Animated Movie Star of 2019 for playing Nala in The Lion King. 

Check out the full list of winners:

Movie of 2019:
WINNER: Avengers: Endgame
Toy Story 4
Captain Marvel
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
The Lion King
John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Us
Spider-Man: Far From Home

Comedy Movie of 2019:
The Upside
Yesterday
The Hustle
Men in Black: International
Long Shot
Little 
Good Boys
WINNER: Murder Mystery

Action Movie of 2019:
WINNER: Avengers: Endgame
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Captain Marvel
John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Shazam!
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Dark Phoenix
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Drama Movie of 2019:
Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood
Rocketman
Five Feet Apart
Glass
Us
Triple Frontier
WINNER: After
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Family Movie of 2019:
Toy Story 4
The Lion King
WINNER: Aladdin
The Secret Life of Pets 2
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
The Angry Birds Movie 2

Male Movie Star of 2019:
WINNER: Robert Downey Jr., Avengers: Endgame
Chris Hemsworth, Avengers: Endgame
Tom Holland, Spider-Man: Far From Home
Will Smith, Aladdin
Keanu Reeves, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Samuel L. Jackson, Captain Marvel
Dwayne Johnson, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Adam Sandler, Murder Mystery

Female Movie Star of 2019:
Millie Bobby Brown, Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Scarlett Johansson, Avengers: Endgame
WINNER: Zendaya, Spider-Man: Far From Home
Sophie Turner, Dark Phoenix
Jennifer Aniston, Murder Mystery
Brie Larson, Captain Marvel
Lupita Nyong’o, Us
Tessa Thompson, Men in Black: International

Drama Movie Star of 2019:
Taron Egerton, Rocketman
WINNER: Cole Sprouse, Five Feet Apart
Zac Efron, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Lupita Nyong’o, Us
Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood
Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood
Sarah Paulson, Glass
Samuel L. Jackson, Glass

Comedy Movie Star of 2019:
Ali Wong, Always Be My Maybe
Kevin Hart, The Upside
Rebel Wilson, Isn’t It Romantic
Adam Sandler, Murder Mystery
Liam Hemsworth, Isn’t It Romantic
Dwayne Johnson, Fighting With My Family
Mindy Kaling, Late Night
WINNER: Noah Centineo, The Perfect Date

Action Movie Star of 2019:
Robert Downey Jr., Avengers: Endgame
Chris Evans, Avengers: Endgame
WINNER: Tom Holland, Spider-Man: Far From Home
Halle Berry, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Keanu Reeves, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Sophie Turner, Dark Phoenix
Brie Larson, Captain Marvel
Dwayne Johnson, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Animated Movie Star of 2019:
America Ferrera, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Tom Hanks, Toy Story 4
Kevin Hart, The Secret Life of Pets 2
WINNER: Beyoncé, The Lion King
Ryan Reynolds, Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Chris Pratt, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Tiffany Haddish, The Secret Life of Pets 2
Awkwafina, The Angry Birds Movie 2

Show of 2019:
Game of Thrones
WWE Raw
WINNER: Stranger Things
The Walking Dead
The Big Bang Theory
Riverdale
This Is Us
Grey’s Anatomy

Drama Show of 2019:
Grey’s Anatomy
This Is Us
Chicago P.D.
Game of Thrones
WINNER: Stranger Things
Big Little Lies
Riverdale
The Walking Dead

Comedy Show of 2019:
WINNER: The Big Bang Theory
Saturday Night Live
Modern Family
The Good Place
Grown-ish
Veep
Orange Is the New Black
Schitt’s Creek

Reality Show of 2019:
WINNER: Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Queer Eye
Bachelor in Paradise
Vanderpump Rules
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation

Competition Show of 2019:
American Idol
RuPaul’s Drag Race
WINNER: America’s Got Talent
The Masked Singer
The Bachelor
The Voice
The Bachelorette
The Challenge: War of the Worlds

Male TV Star of 2019:
Kit Harington, Game of Thrones
WINNER: Cole Sprouse, Riverdale
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Finn Wolfhard, Stranger Things
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
KJ Apa, Riverdale

Female TV Star of 2019:
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
WINNER: Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Sophie Turner, Game of Thrones
Danai Gurira, The Walking Dead
Camila Mendes, Riverdale
Lili Reinhart, Riverdale
Maisie Williams, Game of Thrones
Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies

Drama TV Star of 2019:
WINNER: Zendaya, Euphoria
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead
Sophie Turner, Game of Thrones
Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies
Maisie Williams, Game of Thrones
Lili Reinhart, Riverdale
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Comedy TV Star of 2019:
Leslie Jones, Saturday Night Live
WINNER: Kristen Bell, The Good Place
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Tiffany Haddish, The Last O.G.
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish
Jameela Jamil, The Good Place
Yara Shahidi, Grown-ish
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Daytime Talk Show of 2019:
The View
Red Table Talk
WINNER: The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Wendy Williams Show
Live with Kelly and Ryan
TODAY
Good Morning America
The Real

Nighttime Talk Show of 2019:
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
WINNER: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

Competition Contestant of 2019:
Buddy Valastro, Buddy Vs. Duff
WINNER: Hannah Brown, The Bachelorette
Kodi Lee, America’s Got Talent
T-Pain, The Masked Singer
Colton Underwood, The Bachelor
Tyler Cameron, The Bachelorette
Tyler Oakley, The Amazing Race
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, RuPaul’s Drag Race

Reality Star of 2019:
WINNER: Khloé Kardashian, Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Kyle Richards, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Lisa Vanderpump, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
NeNe Leakes, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Jonathan Van Ness, Queer Eye
Kandi Burruss, The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Kylie Jenner, Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Antoni Porowski, Queer Eye

Bingeworthy Show of 2019:
Game of Thrones
Orange Is the New Black
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
The Umbrella Academy
Queer Eye
WINNER: Outlander
13 Reasons Why
Stranger Things

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2019:
Stranger Things
WINNER: Shadowhunters
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Supernatural
The Flash
The Umbrella Academy
Arrow
The 100

MUSIC

Male Artist of 2019:
WINNER: Shawn Mendes
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
Drake
Travis Scott
Khalid
Lil Nas X
Bad Bunny

Female Artist of 2019:
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift
Cardi B
Halsey
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Miley Cyrus
Camila Cabello
P!nk

Group of 2019:
Jonas Brothers
BTS
5 Seconds Of Summer
Panic! At The Disco
CNCO
Imagine Dragons
The Chainsmokers
WINNER: BLACKPINK

Song of 2019:
Jonas Brothers, “Sucker”
Ariana Grande, “7 Rings”
Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, “Old Town Road”
Khalid, “Talk”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber, “I Don’t Care”
Sam Smith, Normani, “Dancing with a Stranger”
Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”
WINNER: Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, “Señorita”

Album of 2019:
Ariana Grande, Thank U, Next
Khalid, Free Spirit
Billie Eilish, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Lizzo, Cuz I Love You
Jonas Brothers, Happiness Begins 
Ed Sheeran, No. 6 Collaborations Project
Juice Wrld, Death Race for Love 
WINNER: Taylor Swift, Lover

Country Artist of 2019:
Luke Combs
WINNER: Blake Shelton
Carrie Underwood
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris

Latin Artist of 2019:
Daddy Yankee
Anuel AA
Maluma
Karol G
Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Natti Natasha
WINNER: Becky G

Music Video of 2019:
Daddy Yankee & Snow, “Con Calma”
Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco, “ME!”
WINNER: BLACKPINK, “Kill This Love”
Ariana Grande, “7 Rings”
Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”
BTS feat. Halsey, “Boy With Luv”
Sam Smith, Normani, “Dancing With a Stranger”
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, “Señorita”

Concert Tour of 2019:
BTS, Love Yourself, Speak Yourself
Lady Gaga, Enigma
Ariana Grande, Sweetener
P!nk, Beautiful Trauma
Justin Timberlake, Man of the Woods
Jennifer Lopez, It’s My Party
Cher, Here We Go Again Tour
WINNER: BLACKPINK, BLACKPINK 2019 World

Social Star of 2019:
Emma Chamberlain
The Dolan Twins
WINNER: David Dobrik
Rickey Thompson
The Ace Family
Shane Dawson
Liza Koshy
Tana Mongeau

Beauty Influencer of 2019:
James Charles
Nikita Dragun
NikkiTutorials – Nikkie de Jager
Jeffree Star
RCL Beauty – Rachel Levin
Desi Perkins
Jackie Aina
WINNER: Bretman Rock

Social Celebrity of 2019:
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift
WINNER: Ellen DeGeneres
Miley Cyrus
Kim Kardashian West
Cardi B
Shawn Mendes
Justin Bieber

Animal Star of 2019:
Jiffpom
WINNER: Doug the Pug 
Nala Cat
Tuna The Chiweenie
Juniper The Fox
Shinjiro Ono – Marutaro
tecuaniventura
Lil BUB

Comedy Act of 2019:
WINNER: Kevin Hart
Joe Rogan
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Trevor Noah
Ken Jeong
Amy Schumer
Colleen Ballinger
Wanda Sykes

Style Star of 2019:
Kim Kardashian West
Rihanna
Celine Dion
Lady Gaga
Gigi Hadid
Cardi B
Jennifer Lopez
WINNER: Harry Styles

Game Changer of 2019:
LeBron James
Megan Rapinoe
Coco Gauff
Drew Brees
Alex Morgan
Stephen Curry
Serena Williams
WINNER: Simone Biles

Pop Podcast of 2019:
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Armchair Expert Podcast with Dax Shepard
Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe
Whine Down with Jana Kramer
Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives Breakdown with Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider
WINNER: Scrubbing In with Becca Tilley and Tanya Rad
WTF with Marc Maron
The Joe Rogan Experience

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University of North Texas staff attorney uses ‘n-word’ to prove a point

A white University of North Texas staff attorney learned the hard way that free speech comes at a cost.

READ MORE: 8 year old becomes youngest person accepted to University Of North Texas

UNT assistant general counsel Caitlin Sewell stepped down from her post after she used the derogatory n-word in a speech to prove that the racist epithet falls under protected speech. But her insensitive effort to prove her case cost her a job.

“You know, you can say a lot of offensive things in here because it’s impossible to talk about the First Amendment without saying horrible things. Um, you know, ‘You’re just a dumb n—– and I hate you.’ That alone, that’s protected speech.”

Sewell was speaking at the school’s “When Hate Comes to Campus,” event when she inserted the offensive term and sparked outrage. Many in the audience, including the school’s SGA president were appalled, and left the event in protest.

I got the part when she said it smh pic.twitter.com/b5ldXwH6o4

— Alexandria✨ (@Alex_Finkley) November 8, 2019

According to Dallas News, on Friday, UNT system chancellor Lesa Roe and president Neal Smatresk said in a statement that Sewell submitted her resignation.

“In the coming days and weeks, it is our intention to engage in a dialogue with student and campus leaders regarding ways we can continue to foster a culture of diversity that is UNT,” the statement read.

“In the meantime, UNT counseling resources are available for all students, faculty, and staff.”

“We’re living in a white supremacist system, we have to understand that,” said student government association president Yolian Ogbu. “And because of that, we constantly have people like us … that feel a certain type of way when someone says that word. If it wasn’t that big of a deal, I wouldn’t be saying anything right now. But it is, and the fact that we’re at this point … is disturbing.”

Ogbu also advocated for Sewell’s firing.

“If UNT wants to say they’re anti-racist, show us,” she wrote on Twitter.

READ MORE: Hundreds rally in Texas with hopes to stop Rodney Reed’s execution

During the event, Sewell apologized saying, she “did not mean to, by any means, offend anyone.”

“I wish I had censored that word,” she said to the crowd. “It came out without thought.”

Student government senator Daniel Ojo didn’t buy Sewell’s misguided excuse.

“So, you didn’t censor the N-word, but you definitely censored f—,” Ojo said. “Like, what’s more damaging to people? There is no word that I can say to describe a white person that is completely damaging to their character … that has like big historical context to it that can damage someone, but there are a plethora of words that can describe and damage minor, marginalized students.”

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Using light to generate order in an exotic material

Adding energy to any material, such as by heating it, almost always makes its structure less orderly. Ice, for example, with its crystalline structure, melts to become liquid water, with no order at all.

But in new experiments by physicists at MIT and elsewhere, the opposite happens: When a pattern called a charge density wave in a certain material is hit with a fast laser pulse, a whole new charge density wave is created — a highly ordered state, instead of the expected disorder. The surprising finding could help to reveal unseen properties in materials of all kinds.

The discovery is being reported today in the journal Nature Physics, in a paper by MIT professors Nuh Gedik and Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, postdoc Anshul Kogar, graduate student Alfred Zong, and 17 others at MIT, Harvard University, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and Argonne National Laboratory.

The experiments made use of a material called lanthanum tritelluride, which naturally forms itself into a layered structure. In this material, a wavelike pattern of electrons in high- and low-density regions forms spontaneously but is confined to a single direction within the material. But when hit with an ultrafast burst of laser light — less than a picosecond long, or under one trillionth of a second — that pattern, called a charge density wave or CDW, is obliterated, and a new CDW, at right angles to the original, pops into existence.

This new, perpendicular CDW is something that has never been observed before in this material. It exists for only a flash, disappearing within a few more picoseconds. As it disappears, the original one comes back into view, suggesting that its presence had been somehow suppressed by the new one.

Gedik explains that in ordinary materials, the density of electrons within the material is constant throughout their volume, but in certain materials, when they are cooled below some specific temperature, the electrons organize themselves into a CDW with alternating regions of high and low electron density. In lanthanum tritelluride, or LaTe₃, the CDW is along one fixed direction within the material. In the other two dimensions, the electron density remains constant, as in ordinary materials.

The perpendicular version of the CDW that appears after the burst of laser light has never before been observed in this material, Gedik says. It “just briefly flashes, and then it’s gone,” Kogar says, to be replaced by the original CDW pattern which immediately pops back into view.

Gedik points out that “this is quite unusual. In most cases, when you add energy to a material, you reduce order.”

“It’s as if these two [kinds of CDW] are competing — when one shows up, the other goes away,” Kogar says. “I think the really important concept here is phase competition.”

The idea that two possible states of matter might be in competition and that the dominant mode is suppressing one or more alternative modes is fairly common in quantum materials, the researchers say. This suggests that there may be latent states lurking unseen in many kinds of matter that could be unveiled if a way can be found to suppress the dominant state. That is what seems to be happening in the case of these competing CDW states, which are considered to be analogous to crystal structures because of the predictable, orderly patterns of their subatomic constituents.

Normally, all stable materials are found in their minimum energy states — that is, of all possible configurations of their atoms and molecules, the material settles into the state that requires the least energy to maintain itself. But for a given chemical structure, there may be other possible configurations the material could potentially have, except that they are suppressed by the dominant, lowest-energy state.

“By knocking out that dominant state with light, maybe those other states can be realized,” Gedik says. And because the new states appear and disappear so quickly, “you can turn them on and off,” which may prove useful for some information processing applications.

The possibility that suppressing other phases might reveal entirely new material properties opens up many new areas of research, Kogar says. “The goal is to find phases of material that can only exist out of equilibrium,” he says — in other words, states that would never be attainable without a method, such as this system of fast laser pulses, for suppressing the dominant phase.

Gedik adds that “normally, to change the phase of a material you try chemical changes, or pressure, or magnetic fields. In this work, we are using light to make these changes.”

The new findings may help to better understand the role of phase competition in other systems. This in turn can help to answer questions like why superconductivity occurs in some materials at relatively high temperatures, and may help in the quest to discover even higher-temperature superconductors.Gedik says, “What if all you need to do is shine light on a material, and this new state comes into being?”

The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the Skoltech-MIT NGP Program, the Center for Excitonics, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

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GI Bill opened doors to college for many vets, but politicians created a separate one for Black people

Joseph Thompson Mississippi State University
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)
Joseph Thompson, Mississippi State University

(THE CONVERSATION) When President Franklin Roosevelt signed the GI Bill into law on June 22, 1944, it laid the foundation for benefits that would help generations of veterans achieve social mobility.

Formally known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, the bill made unprecedented commitments to the nation’s veterans. For instance, it provided federal assistance to veterans in the form of housing and unemployment benefits. But of all the benefits offered through the GI Bill, funding for higher education and job training emerged as the most popular.

More than 2 million veterans flocked to college campuses throughout the country. But even as former service members entered college, not all of them accessed the bill’s benefits in the same way. That’s because white southern politicians designed the distribution of benefits under the GI Bill to uphold their segregationist beliefs.

So, while white veterans got into college with relative ease, black service members faced limited options and outright denial in their pursuit for educational advancement. This resulted in uneven outcomes of the GI Bill’s impact.

As a scholar of race and culture in the U.S. South, I believe this history raises important questions about whether subsequent iterations of the GI Bill are benefiting all vets equally.
Tuition waived for service

When he signed the bill into law, President Roosevelt assured that it would give “servicemen and women the opportunity of resuming their education or technical training … not only without tuition charge … but with the right to receive a monthly living allowance while pursuing their studies.” So long as they had served 90 consecutive days in the U.S. Armed Forces and had not received a dishonorable discharge, veterans could have their tuition waived for the institution of their choice and cover their living expenses as they pursued a college degree.

This unparalleled investment in veteran education led to a boom in college enrollment. Around 8 million of the nation’s 16 million veterans took advantage of federal funding for higher education or vocational training, 2 million of whom pursued a college degree within the first five years of the bill’s existence. Those ex-service members made up nearly half of the nation’s college students by 1947.

Colleges scrambled to accommodate all the new veterans. These veterans were often white men who were slightly older than the typical college age. They sometimes arrived with wives and families in tow and brought a martial discipline to their studies that, as scholars have noted, created a cultural clash with traditional civilian students who sometimes were more interested in the life of the party than the life of the mind.

Limited opportunities for black servicemen
Black service members had a different kind of experience. The GI Bill’s race-neutral language had filled the 1 million African American veterans with hope that they, too, could take advantage of federal assistance. Integrated universities and historically black colleges and universities – commonly known as HBCUs – welcomed black veterans and their federal dollars, which led to the growth of a new black middle class in the immediate postwar years.

Yet, the underfunding of HBCUs limited opportunities for these large numbers of black veterans. Schools like the Tuskegee Institute and Alcorn State lacked government investment in their infrastructure and simply could not accommodate an influx of so many students, whereas well-funded white institutions were more equipped to take in students. Research has also revealed that a lack of formal secondary education for black soldiers prior to their service inhibited their paths to colleges and universities.

As historians Kathleen J. Frydl, Ira Katznelson and others have argued, U.S. Representative John Rankin of Mississippi exacerbated these racial disparities.

Racism baked in
Rankin, a staunch segregationist, chaired the committee that drafted the bill. From this position, he ensured that local Veterans Administrations controlled the distribution of funds. This meant that when black southerners applied for their assistance, they faced the prejudices of white officials from their communities who often forced them into vocational schools instead of colleges or denied their benefits altogether.

Mississippi’s connection to the GI Bill goes beyond Rankin’s racist maneuvering. From 1966 to 1997, G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery represented the state in Congress and dedicated himself to veterans’ issues. In 1984, he pushed through his signature piece of federal legislation, the Montgomery GI Bill, which recommitted the nation to providing for veterans’ education and extended those funds to reserve units and the National Guard. Congress had discontinued the GI Bill after Vietnam. As historian Jennifer Mittelstadt shows, Montgomery’s bill subsidized education as a way to boost enlistment in the all-volunteer force that lagged in recruitment during the final years of the Cold War.

Social programs like these have helped maintain enlistment quotas during recent conflicts in the Middle East, but today’s service members have found mixed success in converting the education subsidies from the Post-9/11 GI Bill into gains in civilian life.

This new GI Bill, passed in 2008, has paid around US$100 billion to more than 2 million recipients. Although the Student Veterans for America touts the nearly half a million degrees awarded to veterans since 2009, politicians and watchdogs have fought for reforms to the bill to stop predatory, for-profit colleges from targeting veterans. Recent reports show that 20% of GI Bill disbursements go to for-profit schools. These institutions hold reputations for notoriously high dropout rates and disproportionately targeting students of color, a significant point given the growing racial and ethnic diversity of the military.

In August 2017, President Trump signed the Forever GI Bill, which committed $3 billion for 10 more years of education funding. As active duty service members and veterans begin to take advantage of these provisions, history provides good reason to be vigilant for the way racism still impacts who receives the most from those benefits.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://ift.tt/32tpom8.

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Morocco's Abderrazak Hamdallah retires from internationals

Morocco striker Abderrazak Hamdallah retires from internationals after latest omission by coach Vahid Halilhodzic

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Rian Johnson to Star Wars Diversity Haters: 'Fuck 'Em'

But, he says, the fandom shouldn’t let itself be defined by a few bigots.

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Untimely Death of Bernard Tyson Inspires Tributes To A Leader in Healthcare And Corporate Diversity

Tributes continue to pour for Bernard Tyson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, who unexpectedly passed away early Sunday at the age of 60. Tyson ran the nation’s largest nonprofit integrated healthcare provider since 2013 and designed an industry-transforming model of tech innovation, strategic investment and affordable healthcare during a career that spanned three decades. One of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 300 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America, Tyson served as a powerful, unequivocal voice for access and advancement of healthcare, corporate diversity best practices at all levels and racial equality.

During his tenure at Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente, a non-for-profit hospital and health insurance system serving 12.3 million people in eight states and the District of Columbia, he expanded the company’s workforce from 174,000 to 218,000 and increased its operating revenue from $53 billion to nearly $83 billion, according to new reports.

“An outstanding leader, visionary and champion for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans, Bernard was a tireless advocate for Kaiser Permanente, our members and the communities we serve,” the company stated in a release.

The Executive Leadership Council, the preeminent organization for black senior managers, shared the following statement via Twitter: “Over his more than 20 years of membership, Bernard Tyson was a role model, actively participating in member meetings, events and Institute programs. He served in many capacities on The ELC Board, becoming chair in 2012. One thing is certain: Bernard truly loved this organization.”

In his capacity as ELC Chair, Tyson was at the forefront of advocating for the significant increase of African Americans on corporate boards and within the C-suite – including as chief executive officers – of the nation’s largest publicly traded companies and other major institutions.

Serving on the corporate board of Salesforce.com, he could also be found on the Black Enterprise Registry of Corporate Directors, the listing of African Americans who served on the boards of S&P500 companies. “A light unto this world has gone out,” Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce tweeted Sunday. “Bernard Tyson always did so much for others and the world, One of the world’s greatest CEOs, I will always remember him with LOVE in my heart.”

Tweeted Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who operates a multimillion-dollar conglomerate that includes companies focused on investments, infrastructure and food services: “I’m devastated to hear the passing of my good friend. One of the only African America CEOs of a major company, Bernard played an important role in our community.”

Model of 21^st Century Corporate Leadership

Bernard Tyson was named BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2015 Corporate Executive of the Year due to his audacious leadership and worldwide impact on healthcare. As Ronald C. Parker, ELC’s former president and CEO told BE at the time he was bestowed the highest honor for corporate stewardship: “He is the epitome of what I think the 21^st century global leader should reflect being in a sector that’s important for mankind.”

Tyson had overseen a massive operation after playing major roles ranging from hospital administrator to brand strategist for 30 years. He was known for inspiring his the troops to meet its mandate because it’s part of his DNA. “We are a unique model in that we provide the coverage and the care. We take care of everyone from birth to death,” he said. “We are focused on what does it take keep people healthy and how to intervene when something unfortunately happens to someone. That is very different from the industry. The industry has been built around episodic care, waiting until something bad happens, and then the medical care system, by and large, intervenes. We have always been unique from that standpoint.”

As a result, a good portion of the industry is following the Kaiser Permanente model of integrated care with its holistic approach and emphasis on preventive care not only for its member, but society as a whole.

Under his leadership, Kaiser was at the forefront of tech innovation in medicine. At the time of its interview, BE described the implementation of its cutting-edge approaches before many other health institutions. For example, it was a leader in quick, efficient and quality care through the use tablet computers and iPads to meet medical needs through millions of “E-visits.” At the Garfield Center for Innovation, a 37,000-square-foot “studio” in San Leandro, California, engineers, architects and physicians designed hospitals of the future, complete with movable walls and padbots – telepresence robots – that assist in patient-doctor simulations, as well as “smart homes” in which refrigerators monitor the types of foods residents eat or individuals can engage in extensive “do-it-yourself” exams.

Under Tyson, another key to Kaiser’s growth and development has been is reliance on big data, capturing, curating and analyzing information from all stakeholders – managers, physicians, engineers and patients – to make decisions on, among other areas, strategic investments such as development of ambulatory services, hospital construction, financial aid programs for members or donations to community groups aligned with Kaiser objectives. The health industry continues to be notorious for its antiquated maintenance of patient information. Kaiser, on the other hand, has invested billions to ensure that all 10.2 million members are on electronic health records to more efficiently monitor members’ progress as well as aggregate them into groups by ethnicity, gender and other characteristics.

Focus on Health Disparities and Corporate Inclusion 

His accessible, preventive focus has had special significance within African-American communities plagued by high rates of diabetes and heart disease, among other maladies, and lack of access to quality care and healthy options. “We are targeting the communities of colors and, clearly, the African-American community is one of our high- profile communities. We’re doing many things now,” he told BE. “One, we have farmer markets in many of our communities of color because a lot of the grocery stores are no longer in some of our communities, and this allows us to take fresh fruit and vegetables into our communities of color.” As part of this outreach, the NBA and Kaiser have teamed up to use social media as well as orchestrate community events in NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League markets to promote health and wellness. The initiative was launched earlier this year as part of the NBA FIT campaign.

Tyson has also imported ideas as chair of World Economic Forum’s Future of Healthy focused on eradicating health disparities across the globe. On such example was his interest in mobile phone care which has proven effective in rural areas of India.

Bernard Tyson’s passion for health, approach to business and advocacy for social causes could be traced to his upbringing. A native of Vallejo, California, he grew up with six siblings. His father was a carpenter and minister who served as a strong, compassionate source of inspiration. His mother’s struggles with diabetes, however, motivated him to join the healthcare profession. He earned his B.S. in health service management in 1982 and then an MBA in health service administration in 1985 from Golden Gate University. Working for Kaiser, he helped shape the organization he would eventually run. For instance, as Hospital Administrator and Division President, he built up Kaiser’s presence in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and later in the role of Executive Vice President for Health Plan and Hospital Operations, he oversaw care and coverage for members within health plans and hospital systems.

Throughout the years, Tyson was also active in racial equality and across-the-board diversity. After the 2014 shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, Tyson posted an essay on LinkedIn sharing his treatment in everyday life although he was CEO of a major company. He wrote: “You would think my experience as a top executive would be different from a black man who is working in a retail or food service to support his family. Yet, he and I both understand the commonality of the black male experience that remains consistent no matter the economic status or jo title.

Prior to his untimely death, Bernard Tyson carried his message of inclusion at the AfroTech conference AT&T Business Summit. At the Summit, CNN reported him as saying: “What I’m after is bringing the most diverse populations inside my organization and tapping into the brilliant minds that come from a universe of experience that are very different depending on how you grew up, your community, your neighborhood, how you solve problems.

He added: “Inclusiveness is very important to me and that means when I step into the room – yes, I may be different from everybody at the table – but I don’t have to ‘fit in” I get to come in and be who I am and I create a different organism inside that group dynamic for us to take performance to the next level.”

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Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard J.Tyson dies unexpectedly at 60

By MARCY GORDON AP Business Writer
Health care provider Kaiser Permanente said Sunday its chairman and CEO, Bernard J. Tyson, has died unexpectedly at the age of 60.

Tyson was the first African American to head Kaiser Permanente as CEO when he took that position in 2013 after filling a number of roles over three decades at the company.
No other details were provided in the company’s announcement, which said that Tyson died in his sleep early Sunday.

Tyson is survived by his wife, Denise Bradley-Tyson, and three sons, Bernard J. Tyson Jr., Alexander and Charles.

The board of directors has named Executive Vice President Gregory Adams as interim chairman and CEO.

Tyson, who worked at Kaiser Permanente for more than 30 years in roles including hospital administrator and chief operating officer, had been on Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people and one of the “Health Care 50.”

Executive Committee Chair Edward Pei called Tyson “an exceptional colleague, a passionate leader and an honorable man.”

“We will greatly miss him,” Pei said in the company’s news release. He added that the board “has full confidence in Greg Adams’ ability to lead Kaiser Permanente through this unexpected transition.”

Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente grew under Tyson’s leadership from 9.1 million members and 174,000 employees to 12.3 million members and 218,000 employees, according to the company. Its network of 17,000 physicians grew to 23,000, and annual revenue increased from $53 billion to more than $82.8 billion.

The head of Covered California, an independent state agency that focuses on health insurance, said Tyson’s “vision and laser focus on increasing access, quality and affordable health care coverage for all has helped transform Kaiser and had a positive impact on the entire health care system.”

“His efforts will have a lasting imprint on California and the nation,” the agency’s Executive Director Peter Lee said in a statement.

Tyson also was on the boards of the American Heart Association and Salesforce. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and deputy chairman of the Americas of the International Federation of Health Plans.

A native of the San Francisco Bay area, Tyson received a bachelor’s degree in health service management and an MBA in health service administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

While at Kaiser Permanente, he was a member of the Bay Area Council, a business-led public policy organization advocating for a strong economy for area residents.

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Rohingya crisis: The Gambia accuses Myanmar of genocide at top UN court

The west African nation accuses Myanmar of genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority at top UN court.

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White cafeteria manager ‘enslaves’ Black worker for five years

Justice was finally served up for a white cafeteria manager in South Carolina, after he was handed a 10-year sentence for enslaving a Black worker.

READ MORE: SLAVERY: Brutal boss pleads guilty for beating Black worker with disabilities for years

Bobby Paul Edwards was accused of inhumane treatment of his Black employee John Christopher Smith who had intellectual disabilities. Edwards violently beat and intimidated Smith with threats for years at an eatery in Conway, according to the US Justice Department.

In 2018, Edwards pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor in the incidents, which allegedly happened between 2009 and 2014 at J&J Cafeteria in Conway, South Carolina, CBS News reports.

According to a statement from the Justice Department, Edwards was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday. He was also mandated by U.S. District Court Judge R. Bryan Harwell, to pay Smith nearly $273,000 in restitution, the Justice Department said.

“It is almost inconceivable that instances of forced labor endure in this country to this day – a century and a half after the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division.

“The Department of Justice will continue to investigate, prosecute, and convict human traffickers involved in forced labor, seeking justice on behalf of their victims.”

Sadly, Smith was afraid to lose his job. As a result of his fear, according to federal officials, tolerated the brute force and humiliation of a bullying boss who beat and overworked him for years.

READ MORE: Racist food cart worker caught on video screaming N-word and throwing chili powder in Black woman’s eyes for paying in change

Smith was not paid for years and suffered in silence, reports CNN.

He worked more than 100 hours a week without pay while Edwards hurled racist vitriol, called him the n-word, physically abused him by beating him with a belt, and hitting him with pots and pans.

“For stealing his victim’s freedom and wages, Mr. Edwards has earned every day of his sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate forced or exploitative labor in South Carolina, and we are grateful to the watchful citizen and our partners in law enforcement who put a stop to this particularly cruel violence.”

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Botswana coach Adel Amrouche omits quartet caught drinking

Botswana coach Adel Amrouche excludes four players from his latest squad after they were caught drinking at a training camp.

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Concert goers boo rapper Drake at Camp Flog Gnaw festival

There was little to no love for Drake, who took the stage at Tyler the Creator‘s annual Camp Flog Gnaw festival and faced an awkward moment when he reportedly got booed off.

READ MORE: More Life! Drake is officially in the marijuana business

The “In My Feelings” rapper probably was in his feelings, after fans seemed to not embrace the rapper’s set while on stage performing at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Billboard reports.

That cringe-worthy moment ultimately caused Drake to cut his set short and exit after fans booed and hissed at him and screamed “nooos.”

Drake tried to calm down the angry crowd, but to no avail.

“Like I said, I’m here for you,” and, “If you want me to keep going, I’ll keep going,” he said in a video that circulated widely on social media.

But after fans didn’t give the rapper a resounding yes, he left.

“It’s been love. I go by the name of Drake, thank you for having me,” he said before leaving the stage.

Incase you wanted to see Drake get booed off stage at flog gnaw… bruh pic.twitter.com/TgyqWvOZtq

— Baby Carrot (@lrroze89) November 11, 2019

Some on social media blamed the onslaught of boos on the music. One commenter said that Tyler has his own brand of music that doesn’t mesh with Drake’s.

I don’t really hear the boos. There’s someone near the camera who sounds like a woman saying “noooo” tho. Tyler has his own unique fanbase. I could see a lot of rappers not doing well with his crowd.

— Alan Page (@AlanPageDC) November 11, 2019

That mediocre, lame-sing-song-beatmaker whoever should be out the charts.
We need rebellious and life-changing music for once!

— Ronald Rodrquez (@roncerod) November 11, 2019

Others said that concert-goers were led to believe that Frank Ocean was going to hit the stage at the special guest of the night, but instead they got Drake.

READ MORE: New marijuana legislation could finally help balance the scale of war on drugs effects on the Black community

Even though the short clip appears to make it seem like Drake was one and done, he did perform nine songs before leaving.

Although the Toronto emcee didn’t make waves on stage, he will be making weed now that his trademark applications in Canada and the U.S. has been approved for his new weed company More Life Growth Co, TMZ reports.

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Substitute teacher allegedly beats up special needs student

A substitute teacher in Kyle, Texas is under investigation, and was arrested for a brutal attack caught on tape of a high school student.

READ MORE: One month after Atatiana Jefferson was killed by police, her father has died

Tiffani Shadell Lankford, 32, is accused of allegedly beating up a teen at Lehman High School. Lankford was arrested at the school and has been charged with a felony, aggravated assault.

A video of the assault made its rounds on social media and outraged the school community. Lankford was reportedly seen pummeling a special needs student who suffers from seizures, according to the girl’s father, KVUE reports.

“We are shocked and disgusted after seeing the abuse and excessive force used in this teacher’s attempt to discipline a special needs child,” said the family’s attorney Paul Batrice.

“There is no excuse for this type of behavior. Given this teacher’s alleged criminal history of domestic violence and the video footage that has shaken our community, we have started an investigation into this teacher and Hays CISD in the hopes of ensuring justice for this family and so that no Texas student ever endures such extreme behavior again.”

The video of the fight appeared to show Lankford punching the student multiple times, gripping her up from her desk and stomping on her head. A second video appeared to show the student hitting the teacher as she grabbed her from her seat.

According to the attorney, the girl has a 504 Education Plan because of her disability. The attorney also said that the student reportedly suffered major injuries after the attack.

“All parents, myself included, should be deeply disturbed by the facts surrounding this attack,” said Batrice.

“When we drop our children off at school, we expect that teachers and administrators will keep them safe, not place them in a violent environment. This is unacceptable to say the least, and we demand justice to the fullest extent of the law in order to enact the change so obviously necessary.”

READ MORE: Murder suspect has been charged in Clark Atlanta University student case

On Saturday, Lankford was released on bond.

The substitute teacher reportedly has a previous record for domestic violence.

“We are appalled at the actions of this former employee,” said Tim Savoy, chief communication officer for Hays CISD. “There is absolutely no excuse or circumstance that can justify what you see unfold on the video. It is unconscionable what this adult did to one of our students.”

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Socked Into the Puppet-Hole on Wikipedia

How a lowly WIRED columnist got caught up in a secret war at one of the world's biggest websites.

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African American Women Who Made U.S. Military History

Whether it’s defending our country on the front lines or providing support to U.S. soldiers and civilian employees, African American women have made significant accomplishments in the Army.

Women’s Memorial compiled a list of trailblazers that helped paved the way for some of today’s Army leaders.

1st Lt. Nancy C. Leftenant

 

1st Lt. Nancy C. Leftenant (Image: www.womensmemorial.org)

In March 1948, 1st Lt. Nancy C. Leftenant became the first black woman to become a member of the Regular Army Nurse Corps after joining the Reserve Corps in February 1945.

Margaret E. Bailey

Margaret E. Bailey

In 1964, Margaret E. Bailey, Army Nurse Corps, was the first nurse to be promoted to lieutenant colonel. In 1970, she went on to become the first black nurse to hold the rank of colonel.

Capt. Clara Adams-Ender

Brig. Gen. Clara L. Adams-Ender (Wikimedia Commons)

In 1967, Capt. Clara Adams-Ender became the first female in the U.S. Army to qualify for and be awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge. In 1976, Lt. Col. Clara Adams-Ender became the first woman in the U.S. Army to earn the Master of Military Art and Science degree from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mildred C. Kelly

Command Sgt. Maj. Mildred C. Kelly (armyupress.army.mil)

In 1972, Mildred C. Kelly became the first black female sergeant major in the U.S. Army.

S. Sgt. Joyce B. Malon

S. Sgt. Joyce B. Malone (Image: FayObserver.com)

In 1974, S. Sgt. Joyce B. Malone became the first black woman to earn airborne wings in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Brig. Gen. Hazel W. Johnson-Brown

Brig. Gen. Hazel W. Johnson-Brown

In 1979, Brigadier General Hazel W. Johnson-Brown became the first black woman general officer and the first black chief of the Army Nurse Corps.

Irene Trowell-Harris

Irene Trowell-Harris (Image: www.va.gov)

In 1987, Irene Trowell-Harris became the first black female general officer in the National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Marcelite Harris

Ret. Major General Marcelite J. Harris, USAF Wikimedia Commons)

In 1995, Brig. Gen. Marcelite Harris, USAF, was promoted to major general, the first black woman to attain this rank.

U.S. Army Sgt. Danyell Wilson

U.S. Army Sgt. Danyell Wilson (Image: Awm.lee.army.mil)

In 1997, U.S. Army Sgt. Danyell Wilson became the first black woman to earn the prestigious job of guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Edwina Martin, Fannie Jean Cotton, and Evelyn M. Brown

In 1951, Edwina Martin of Danville, Virginia; Fannie Jean Cotton of Jackson, Michigan; and Evelyn M. Brown of Shreveport, Louisiana were the first three black women commissioned as officers (second lieutenants) in the Air Force. All three graduated from the Air Force Officer Candidate School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

In 1969, Capt. Diane Lindsay, Army Nurse Corps, was the first black nurse to receive the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism.

 

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This article originally published on Nov. 11, 2015.

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Kevin Hart hits his first red carpet after horrific car accident

It’s back to business for comedian Kevin Hart who hit the red carpet for the first time since a serious car accident sidelined him in September.

READ MORE: Kevin Hart returns home after accident, ‘shocked’ to be alive

According to People Magazine, on Sunday, Hart, 40, appeared at the 2019 at the E! People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles, where he accepted the accolade for comedy movie star of 2019. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, he thanked his family for their unconditional support.

“First and foremost, thank God, because I definitely don’t have to be here,” the Jumanji star said.

“Being that I am, it makes me appreciate life even more. It makes me appreciate the things that really matter: family. I want to thank my wife, my kids, who really stepped up to the plate for me,” said the father of three, referencing his wife Eniko and his three kids, Hendrix, 12, Kenzo, 2, and daughter Heaven, 14.

And Hart thanked his ride-or-die fans who sent a barrage of well wishes his way after a friend crashed his Plymouth Barracuda, where he was a passenger. It was a tough time for the funnyman and the road to recovery has been no laughing matter.

“I truly want to thank you guys for being there for me at my difficult time,” he said.

Hart’s lucky to be alive, according to reports, after he was a passenger in a horrific car crash in Calabasas and his vehicle tumbled over several times. Hart’s vehicle, a 1970’s muscle car, was reportedly driven by Jared Black, and plummeted off the side of the road into an embankment. Rebecca Broxterman, another passenger reportedly had minor injuries.

READ MORE: Kevin Hart’s car crash investigation completed, driver error cited as cause

Last month, Hart released a video with snippets of what life has been like recovering and recuperating after suffering major spinal injuries that required surgery.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Oct 29, 2019 at 8:51pm PDT

“Basically, what you realize is that you’re not in control,” Hart said in the video he posted in Instagram.

“No matter how much you think you’re in control, you’re not in control. At the end of the day, it can all be over, man.”

We’re glad Hart is back in action, because his pain was nothing to laugh at.

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15 Gift Ideas for Anyone Who Works from Home

These serious (and silly) gifts are perfect for the telecommuter or part-time remote worker in your life.

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Macauley Bonne forced out of Zimbabwe squad on 'medical grounds'

England-based Macauley Bonne withdraws from the Zimbabwe squad days after getting his passport allowing him to play in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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How to Shut Up Your Gadgets at Night So You Can Sleep

Cut out the beeps and bloops and get some rest for a change.

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Can AI Built to ‘Benefit Humanity’ Also Serve the Military?

Microsoft's $10 billion Pentagon contract puts the independent artificial-intelligence lab OpenAI in an awkward position.

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Today’s Cartoon: Dying Wish

A final farewell.

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Alicia Keys goes to Instagram to affirm her son’s choice to paint his nails

Alicia Keys took to Instagram to voice her frustration over the labels and judgements that we give people that have impacted even her four-year-old son, Genesis.

READ MORE: NYC Socialite allegedly can say the ‘n-word’ since she’s Alicia Keys’ friend

“The other day I went to the nail salon with Genesis. He’s in the chair and he’s like I want rainbow. So he tells the lady that he wants rainbow colors on his nails,” Keys says in an IG video. “And she brings all of these colors and she paints each nail a different color and after he painted his nails he looked at me and says ‘mommy, I don’t want this on my nails.’ I said why, you were so sure you were good and he goes ‘people are not gonna like it.’”

View this post on Instagram

Been thinking about how over labeled and over judged we all are… can u feel me??

A post shared by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) on Nov 9, 2019 at 5:43pm PST

“Can you believe this? Four years old. He’s four and he already understands the concept that someone is going to judge him because he chose rainbow colors on his nails,” Keys said.

“I told him why … it’s so cool … look how creative you are. You chose it. You liked it. You do it. Who cares what someone else says?” Keys said. Plus, she said she told baby boy “a lot of guys paint their nails. This is not some strange thing that you only do,” for which he replied: “Really? I said yeah! So many, so many. And that made him feel better.”

READ MORE: Alicia Keys set to release new memoir ‘More Myself’ this Autumn

The incident made Keys think about all the ways people judge others and she decided to post her thoughts on IG, which she called a rant, in protest of these judgements and labels.

“It got me thinking how completely judged we are all the time,” Keys said. “The way I see it is there is masculine and feminine energies inside us all. And that’s, period. That’s just how it is. And it gets concerning to me that we can’t explore these different sides of ourselves, these different energies that are within us.”

Keys goes on to explain how she often expresses the “masculine energy” that is inside of her. “That’s very natural to me and that’s how I feel,” she said.

When she does, Keys concedes, she has also faced the “judgements,” “stereotypes,” and “rules”  and all of the “energy that comes with it.”

“It’s really frustrating to me,” Keys said. “Why can’t we just express the different energies that are inside of us? This is a very normal, ancient, powerful, spiritual understanding that we all have masculine and feminine energies and we should be able to explore and express them however we want to.”

READ MORE: VIDEO: Alicia Keys sits with Swizz Beatz and his ex Mashonda Tifrere to share their happy family vibe

Keys ends her discussion by asking viewers to weigh in with their thoughts.

Her hubby, Swizz Beats, did just that.

“He’s a young King and he can explore and express his creativity at anytime! We support it as his parents,” wrote @therealswizzz.

Singer Melanie Fiona also wanted Keys to know she agrees with what she said.

“This kid. This expression. This parenting. This thinking. THIS is the stuff that will change the world. For the better,” wrote @melaniefiona.

Celebrity fitness trainer Jeanette Jenkins commented, “I loved your feedback to him. So beautiful… “You picked it, keep it. You were so sure of yourself, you should stick to it”…this type of support is so valuable & builds confidence in decision making. I love your rant & agree 100%.”

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Kenya census: Why counting people can be controversial

Kenya has released census population figures - but not everyone is happy to stand up and be counted.

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Crystal Chigbu: The mum making prosthetic limbs for Nigerian children

Crystal Chigbu was inspired to help children in need after her daughter's leg was amputated.

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BART riders protest the detainment of a Black man stopped for eating on train’s platform

About three dozen BART riders ate their lunch at Embarcadero Station on Saturday, in protest of police who arrested a man earlier in the week for eating on the platform.

The protesters were joined by Janice Li, member of the BART Board of Directors, who said she joined in because BART has bigger fish to fry than detaining riders for eating on train platforms, according to ABC 7 News. On Nov. 4, Steve Foster of Concord was handcuffed by BART police officers at the Pleasant Hill station because he ate a sandwich as he waited for his train, according to KTVU. The incident is being investigated.

READ MORE: Family of Nia Wilson files wrongful death lawsuit against BART Police

“I realize some things are illegal with our penal code, but I want to be mindful of how we’re using resources to enforce our system,” Li explained to ABC 7.

In a statement, BART said Foster was not arrested but was detained after he failed to give police his name. “He was not arrested… he was cited for eating which is a violation of state law. The man was lawfully handcuffed after refusing to provide his name multiple times, once he provided his name he was cited and released,” news outlets reported.

The incident, which was captured on video, angered BART riders who took to social media to voice their disdain – many questioning whether Foster would have been approached by the officer and detained had he been white instead of Black.

Foster himself told KTVU that he believes race played a role. The officer who stopped and questioned Foster is white.

A person videotaping the incident asked police where the sign was that said eating is prohibited on BART.

“Where is there a sign up here that says we can’t eat on the platform? We know we can’t eat on the train,” she inquired. Foster told the officer: “You don’t have no reason to f—k with me.”

“You’re eating,” the officer told Foster. “It’s against the law. “It’s a violation of California law. I have the right to detain you.”

READ MORE: Marc Lamont Hill on The Breakfast Club speaks about getting fired from CNN: ‘I don’t wish any harm for Jewish people’

The viral video was posted on Twitter by Marc Lamont Hill and plenty of people voiced their disgust at the police action.

The police stopped this man for eating a sandwich. How can anybody defend this? pic.twitter.com/98neUGB1vi

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 10, 2019

“I wonder how many white people this f— walked by eating before he decided to exert his bulls— power over a minority. Shameful s— man,” said J. Blanco @Jblanc0.

“Everyone should show up on BART on Monday eating a sandwich,” said Sean Drayton @seandrayton.

“So apparently every murder, rape, robbery & assault has been solved so California police have become sandwich patrol,” mused KD @Fly_Sistah.

READ MORE: “This was a HATE CRIME”: Oakland native Kehlani urges BART officials to find Nia Wilson’s murderer

An independent auditor who oversee the BART police force and the BART police chief will now review the video as part of their investigation.

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One month after Atatiana Jefferson was killed by police, her father has died

The father of a Fort Worth, Texas woman, who was shot dead by police as she played video games inside of her home with her nephew, has died.

Marquis Jefferson, the 59-year-old father of Atatiana Jefferson, went into cardiac arrest Friday night and was taken to a Dallas hospital where he died, family spokesman Bruce Carter told CNN. Atatiana was Marquis’ only child.

READ MORE:  Cop that killed Atatiana Jefferson responded as if there was a burglary

“He ultimately just succumbed to, I don’t know, I can only say a broken heart,” Carter said, according to CNN. “He just never recovered from the grieving process.”

It was clear how much Atatiana Jefferson, whom Marquis called “Tay,” was loved just by the way her dad spoke of her during a press conference after her death.

Jefferson told reporters Tay, was “love.”

“And that smile? Lord have mercy,” he said last month, according to CNN. “It could brighten up any room.”

Early in the morning on Oct. 12, Jefferson, 28, was playing video games with her nephew when police arrived at her home. A concerned neighbor had called a non-emergency police number after he noticed his neighbor’s door was ajar.

Officers reportedly walked around the house but when Jefferson heard a noise in her backyard, CNN reports she pulled a gun from her purse and pointed it at the window, according to police.

Aaron Dean, a former Fort Worth officer, yelled “Put your hands up! Show me your hands!” before he fired through the window killing her, according to his body camera footage.

READ MORE: Fort Worth cop who killed Atatiana Jefferson details prior assault charge

Not once did Dean or the other officer identify that they were police. It is likely that Jefferson thought they were burglars.

Dean, who resigned from the police force shortly after the killing, has been charged with murder. Dean also has not yet given police investigators a statement on the incident, which is customary for officers in similar situations to do.

After the shooting, the neighbor who called police for a wellness check, told KTVT he felt awful for calling the police. “Had I not called the Fort Worth Police Department, my neighbor would still be alive today,” he said.

A week later, a Dallas County judge gave Marquis Jefferson a temporary restraining order which granted him full authority to make funeral and burial arrangements for his daughter, CNN reported. Carter told CNN that Jefferson had a good relationship with his daughter’s mother but sought the order so he could be included in the arrangements.

“He was battling to be a part of her life to the end,” Carter said, according to CNN. “I think it just got the best of him.”

READ MORE: Lee Merritt critiques DA in charge of Atatiana Jefferson case

Atatiana Jefferson graduated from Xavier University five years ago, earning a degree in biology. She had recently moved back home so she could care for her ailing mother.

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Hundreds rally in Texas with hopes to stop Rodney Reed’s execution

“Free Rodney Reed! Free Rodney Reed!”

That was the rallying cry that Texas Governor Greg Abbott heard up close and personal Saturday afternoon as hundreds of people took their fight to save him from a Nov. 20 execution to the governor’s mansion. The Statewide Rally was sponsored by Shaun King, a civil rights activist who launched a petition to save Reed from execution that has garnered over two million signatures, and Lee Merritt, a national civil rights attorney, according to KXAN.

READ MORE: Oprah Winfrey joins fight to save Rodney Reed’s life

A day earlier, exonerated former death row prisoners also joined in on the fight to save Reed’s life, by delivering a letter to Abbott asking that he stop the execution because of new evidence that could possibly prove Reed’s innocence. And police officers across the country are weighing in their support as well.

“I looked at the autopsy report and I said he didn’t kill this young lady,” Kevin Gannon, former NYPD Homicide Detective said, according to KXAN. “They said how do you know? I said well she’s been dead for 24 hours, but she’s been missing for 12.”

Reed, 51, was convicted and sentenced to die in 1998 for the rape and strangulation murder of 19-year-old Stacey Stites. He has always maintained his innocence. He is being represented by lawyers from The Innocence Project, who have argued that Reed was denied a full and fair trial and that new evidence could exonerate him.

READ MORE: Free Rodney Reed: Celebrities come to the aide of death row inmate headed for execution

Recently, multiple people have come forward implicating Stites’ ex-fiancé, Jimmy Fennell, in her death. Fennell was a former cop who pled guilty, and served time for kidnapping a woman while on duty. That woman claims he also raped her. Fennell was released from prison last year.

At yesterday’s rally, Merritt said the state needs to review this new evidence that was not at Reeds trial.

“We know that the belt that was used to kill Stacey Stites is available,” Merritt said. “It’s in evidence. It has not been tested.”

Merritt also pointed to expert testimony that was later recanted and said now there’s proof that Stites and Reed had a consensual sexual relationship – a claim that some of Stacey’s family members back.

“My aunt said to me was that Rodney would come … and visit her while she was at work,” Stacey’s cousin Heather Campbell Stobbs said.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler also is asking that the governor prevent a travesty of justice from taking place.

“There just seems to be a lot of doubt, and we shouldn’t be taking someone’s life – something that is irrevocable – and do that in a situation where there is so much doubt. I hope that the governor considers a reprieve,” Adler said, according to CBS Austin.

In October, Arthur J. Snow Jr., a former member of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang, gave a sworn affidavit that he personally heard Fennell confess to Stites’ murder while serving time in prison with him, according to The New York Times. He said Fennell bragged about killing his fiancée because she had cheated on him with a Black man. In the affidavit, Snow said he thought Fennell confessed to the killing to try and impress him and other gang members, whom he had sought out for protection.

READ MORE: Texas officer charged with Atatiana Jefferson’s murder, resigns after shooting

Also, Jim Clampit, a former sheriff’s deputy, alleges that at Stites’ funeral, Fennell looked at her body and said, “You got what you deserved,” according to The Times.

With all of this new evidence, we also would like to lend our voice to the fight and implore that Gov. Abbott stop the execution immediately.

The post Hundreds rally in Texas with hopes to stop Rodney Reed’s execution appeared first on theGrio.

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“Military Spouse of the Year” Talks Helping Others Become Successful Entrepreneurs

Being a Military spouse isn’t easy. Between dealing with frequent deployments, job changes and cross-country moves, you’re holding together the family on the home front and trying to keep your own identity. So about 6 years ago when Lakesha Cole, a Marine Corps spouse and mother of two, was faced with the family’s fifth deployment, she decided to create something she could take with her. Cole launched She Swank | Too, a curated shop for women and girls, with only $500. Today the She Swank | Too brand has grown through three deployments, traveled to customers in 50 states and four countries and is located in a brick and mortar pop-up shop in Okinawa, Japan. For Cole’s work as a military spouse turned entrepreneur, she was selected into the Military Entrepreneur Program by Inc. magazine, named 2014 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse magazine, and featured on The Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda. Additionally, Cole serves as a volunteer advisor to the Military Spouse Business Association and serves on the board of the Military Spouse Behavioral Health Clinician.

[Related: 12 Ways to Support the Military and Veterans]

“It’s important to maintain your own identity,” said Cole. “Continue to nurture your skillset. Don’t give up on who you are. Remain flexible and open to change. Choose a winning attitude. Your attitude is what will ultimately determine your outlook on military life. There isn’t a manual on how to succeed as a military spouse. You have to define that for yourself. Familiarize yourself with the resources that are readily available and connect with the organizations that provide the support you are seeking. Go out of your way to make new friends. Volunteering is great way to make new friends when you first move to a base.”

Currently, as the founder of Milspousepreneur.com, an online hub designed to inform, inspire and celebrate military spouse entrepreneurs, Cole is dedicated to helping other military spouses turn their vision into reality. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the trailblazer to learn more about her journey and a few tips for budding entrepreneurs.

BlackEnterprise.com: Why was it necessary to create Milspousepreneur?

Cole: Relocating my business to Okinawa, Japan was one of the hardest business decisions I’ve ever had to make. Moving my store, She Swank | Too, to another country was never part of the plan. Business as I knew it no longer existed.  I had to learn how to operate within unfavorable on-base regulations, Japan business laws, Customs procedures and adjusting to a completely different market with less disposable income. Not to mention the language barrier. There was no “how to” guide on how to successfully relocate my entire life, family and business overseas. The networking opportunities to connect and build enduring, mutually beneficial relationships didn’t exist. I quickly learned my local community lacked the resources needed to overcome these hurdles. I wanted to create a learn-by-doing environment that not only provided valuable tools on how to start a business but also celebrated entrepreneurial activity and provided opportunities for military spouses to implement what they’re learning through a series of live events. So I did.

Milspousepreneur started in July 2014 as a local Facebook group of military spouses aimed to foster an entrepreneurial culture in Okinawa, Japan, despite the heavy restrictions that come along with living overseas. We now serve as a free community resource for all military spouses stationed overseas who want to turn their ideas into a successful business within regulation and provide tools and opportunities to help make those ideas happen. Despite distance, we’re pursuing our dreams. Milspousepreneur provides unparalleled support for a community whose love of entrepreneurship is rivaled only by our love for spouse and country.

(Image: Lakesha Cole)

Why do you think there is a need for organizations to provide support services for military spouses?

Military spouses are resilient, educated, tenacious, highly skilled, resourceful, and very loyal. We are often perceived to be uneducated, unskilled workers who lack stability. Military spouses make the best employees and will provide a solid return on investment for any employer. Companies and organizations need to provide support services to ensure service members, veterans, and their families have the opportunities, resources, and support they have earned. There are no disadvantages of creating military-friendly workplaces.

Describe some of the challenges and benefits of being a military spouse?

There’s no question that the toughest part of being a military spouse is the uncertainty of deployments. The emotional cycle of deployment before, during and after war is draining. There’s a range of intense emotions and feelings–anger, fear, loneliness, sadness, overwhelmed helplessness–while taking care of the home front.

Frequent moves also tops my list, making it hard for military spouses to pursue a single career or accumulate the desired experience employer’s want. I was luckier than most. I was fortunate and strategic enough to develop my own career path and hold a variety of mid-level positions, even through five relocations.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a military spouse?

My biggest challenge was maintaining my own identity. Don’t let your title as a military spouse become your entire identity. It’s only part of who you are, not the totality. It’s very easy to give up your hobbies, career, and old friends. Don’t. I overcame this by continuing to nurture the parts of me that I think make me a better person. I’m always looking to learn new things. Saying “I did it” gives me a huge boost of confidence that carries over into my other roles.

(Image: Lakesha Cole)

As a mentor and business coach for budding military spouse entrepreneurs, what are some of the services you provide?

I have a passion for retail. As The Milspouse Retail Coach, I help military spouses develop business confidence and understand their business style; gain insight into how to ensure their independent retail start-up is a success; optimize how to present their product to the market; work on how to make a positive impact quickly; and integrate a range of business start-up tools into your business.

Did you always have a desire to pursue entrepreneurship or did the role fall into your lap?

Yes, I did. I always knew entrepreneurship would be my career path. Early on I simply didn’t have the resources or confidence to take that leap. So I worked full-time the first three years while building and running my business. I didn’t make the transition from employee to employer until I moved to Japan.

Think back to when you first launched your business, if you knew then what you knew today, what things would you do differently?

I would make every decision with growth in mind. I would hire an accountant and bookkeeper on day one. You will thank yourself later. Get by with the bare minimum for as long as you can. Establish your presence, gain customers and cash flow and then expand cautiously.

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Editors’ Note: This story was originally published on July 6, 2015.

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Under-20 Women's World Cup: Nigeria 'favourites' in the race to host 2020 event

Nigeria emerge as 'favourites' to host the first Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Africa, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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