Entertainment Networks and Comcast announce content carriage arrangement

Editor’s Note: Entertainment Studios is the parent company of theGrio.com.

LOS ANGELES and PHILADELPHIA – (June 11, 2020) – Entertainment Studios Networks and Comcast today announced they have entered into a content carriage arrangement that extends and amends terms for The Weather Channel and 14 broadcast television stations.

The deal also includes distribution of Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV and JusticeCentral.TV on X1 and video on demand and TV everywhere rights for those networks.  Comcast will also launch the free ad-supported digital app, Local NOW, on the Xfinity X1 and Flex platforms, and Xfinity customers who receive The Weather Channel will have access in the coming months to its weloveweather.tv website and app on an authenticated basis.

READ MORE: Byron Allen: ‘Black America speaks. America should listen.’

“We’re excited to begin a new phase of partnership with Comcast and Xfinity, including the distribution of our cable channels for the first time on Xfinity platforms,” said Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Entertainment Studios/Allen Media Group.

“We are pleased to have reached this multifaceted agreement that continues our long relationship with The Weather Channel while bringing Xfinity customers additional content.  We look forward to an ongoing partnership,” said Bec Heap, Senior Vice President, Video and Entertainment, Comcast Cable.

READ MORE: Media mogul Byron Allen sues Nielsen for breach of contract

The companies also announced that pending litigation between the two organizations has been withdrawn. Additionally, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Entertainment Networks and Comcast announce content carriage arrangement appeared first on TheGrio.

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8 Best Camera Accessories for Android and iPhone (2020)

From mobile lenses to shotgun mics, here’s everything you need to assemble a portable, pro-grade photo studio.

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Kenyan police arrested after dragging suspect by motorbike

They accused the Kenyan woman of involvement in a robbery, as another man whipped her.

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Beauty Companies Are Stepping Up To Foster Diversity After Black Workers Voice Their Complaints

The recent protests over racial violence and police brutality have inspired many others to create change within their own industries that are in need of diversifying their boardrooms and overall workforce. The beauty industry has long dealt with issues of race discrimination including who has access to lucrative cosmetic contracts. After numerous beauty influencers and insiders stepped forward to speak out against the racist behavior in several work environments, corporations now have to step up to make things right.

Estée Lauder plans to increase its hiring of black workers within corporate ranks and pledged $10 million to various organizations including the NAACP to fight against racial injustice. Bloomberg reported that the move came after a group of 100 employees spoke up with complaints about racist behavior in the workplace.

“Some of these actions will be immediate, others will take some time, but all will be impactful,” Executive Chairman William Lauder and Chief Executive Officer Fabrizio Freda wrote in the memo to staff according to Bloomberg.

Sephora has also joined in and announced they will me joining fashion designer Aurora James’ 15% pledge initiative for corporations to commit to pledging 15% of their revenue or space to black-owned businesses. In a press statement, the company announces that 15% of its shelf space will be reserved for black-owned companies.

“We were inspired to make the 15% Pledge because we believe it’s the right thing to do, for our clients, our industry and for our community,” said Artemis Patrick, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer of Sephora, in a press statement.

“Ultimately, this commitment is about more than the prestige products on our shelves, it starts with a long-term plan diversifying our supply chain and building a system that creates a better platform for black-owned brands to grow, while ensuring black voices help shape our industry. We recognize we can do better and this pledge builds on our ongoing work to use our resources to drive meaningful and long-term change for Sephora and our industry.”

 

 

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We’re joining @15percentpledge and @aurorajames. We recognize how important it is to represent Black businesses and communities, and we must do better. So, we’re starting now.

A post shared by Sephora (@sephora) on Jun 10, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

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Entrepreneur Felicia Dortch Opens Up About Juggling a Day Job, a Business, and Four Children

Being a single mother of four is a job in itself, especially in today’s challenging times. But, somehow Felicia Dortch is managing motherhood with her many other titles, which include author, publisher, registered nurse, public speaker, model, and entrepreneur.

In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, the multi-hyphenated domestic abuse survivor talks about how she put her faith in God to find success.

BE: What motivates you to be an entrepreneur while managing your day job?

Dortch: The motivation stems from the lack of ability to have my own schedule and be there for my children when it really counts without having to request days off or hope to get paid for being off. I am a registered nurse so being off is difficult considering the need is so great. Also, the ability to control what I make. With the position that I have at this time, I receive a set amount of pay with no increase unless I receive a raise. I want the sky to be the limit as to what I can bring home, not what a company deems sufficient.

How do you find the time to run your own business?

I am very strategic and I schedule everything. I have a “family command center” at which I have my schedule and my children’s schedule. They understand that if it is not on the schedule, it will not be done or they will not go. I keep a calendar book and I utilize it to the fullest. I also block out family time to make sure I don’t neglect what’s most important to me.

Being a writer, how and where do you draw inspiration?

I’ve been writing since a very early age. I love creating stories, and my children, past hurts, and life experiences are where I draw my inspiration.

Why did you decide to start your own publishing company and what goals do you have for it?

I decided to start my company because I got very frustrated and felt like giving up. The companies I called felt so out of reach for me and my vision. So I prayed about it and honestly, the training and launch fell into my lap. My goal is to help those that feel the same way. The ones that have a story but can’t get it out. Those who have a story that needs to be told. I want to be accessible to those people.

With the current pandemic crisis taking over our lives, how has it affected you and how you work?

Actually, it has helped my business. On one hand, due to the type of nursing I do, which is a Nurse Analyst, I am able to work from home, therefore I have more time on my hands to work for my publishing company. On the other, people are bored and need something to do. So why not write. I gained 10 clients during this pandemic.

What would you suggest to anyone who is interested in starting their own business?

I would say do your research. Learn as much as you can about that business. Also, pray and make sure that it’s your destiny because if it’s not, the doors won’t open. Lastly, get a coach! Someone that REALLY knows what they are doing and has the receipts to prove it. Someone like Dave Anderson. He has been a Godsend. He pushes you beyond where you can even see.

What are your future business plans? Where do you want to see your business heading?

I want to continue to build and expand. I am currently in the process of launching my social media marketing firm. I am a model, and I also just signed a contract to co-write movies. I hope to become a household name per se, and most importantly, I want to continue to walk in the path set before me by God.

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Donald Trump to hold next rally on Juneteeneth in Tulsa

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, June 10, that his first re-election rally after the coronavirus pandemic will be on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Why is this significant?

Tulsa is the location of the deadliest race massacre in American history. Almost 100 years ago, a thriving Black community was decimated when racist whites killed hundreds of African Americans.

READ MORE: Donald Trump likes a tweet for the first time and it’s about ‘Insecure’

Oklahoma’s governor, Kevin Stitt, issued a statement yesterday saying, “The President is making Oklahoma his first campaign stop since March 2, and his visit here confirms Oklahoma is the national example in responsibly and safely reopening.”

The Oklahoma rally will be the president’s first since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Tulsa County has had 973 people die from coronavirus, according to state tallies. The president is also planning rallies in Texas, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina.

The White House has not given a clear reason why the president chose to hold his first rally on Juneteenth or at this historic site. But people are watching and questioning the decision.

“Hard to view this as deliberate,” MSNBC host Joy Reid tweeted about the Tulsa rally. “Trump and his alt-right crew salt the wounds of our ugly racial history to activate the ID of his white conservative followers and try to send a shiver of fear down Black folks’ spines. But this theater of horrors won’t work. Ever.”

Hard to view this as anything but deliberate. Trump and his alt-right crew salt the wounds of our ugly racial history to activate the ID of his white conservative followers and to try to send a shiver of fear down black folks’ spines. But this theater of horrors won’t work. Ever. https://t.co/gdfk048tXm

— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 11, 2020

When asked about social distancing at his rallies, the president’s campaign communications director referenced the recent peaceful protests against police brutality.

“Where we go we will make sure it is safe to hold a rally and what safety precautions we put in place,” Tim Murtaugh said, “But, I would point out to the national media that I don’t remember them doing any social distancing shaming when they were doing all of the coverage of the demonstrations that were going on.”

It is hard for many to believe that the significance of the date or location was lost on the president and his campaign leaders.  Twitter users were quick to point out the historic significance of Juneteenth and Tulsa, OK as a rally site calling the campaign’s choice is “curious,” while others called it “disgusting symbolism.”

Trump will hold his first rally in months on June 19 in Tulsa.

June 19 is Juneteenth.

The campaign’s choice of Tulsa on Juneteenth is curious given the city’s history. The worst single incident of racial violence in US history occurred in Tulsa in 1921.https://t.co/sZo14FQYiL

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 10, 2020

Trump’s first rally in months will be on Juneteenth in the city of the Black Wall Street massacre. His team might be too stupid to realize this, but what disgusting symbolism. https://t.co/uUUFppEBj7

— Tyler Dinucci (@TylerDinucci) June 10, 2020

READ MORE: Russell Westbrook executive producing Tulsa race massacre docuseries

The massacre has become the subject of books, films, and even a TV show—The Watchmen on HBO. Also, Juneteenth is the date that African Americans acknowledge as the official ending of enslavement in America.

After the pandemic and worldwide conflicts related to police brutality, this year’s celebrations are due to be significant.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

The post Donald Trump to hold next rally on Juneteeneth in Tulsa appeared first on TheGrio.

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The Cyberwar Needs More Women on the Front Lines

To combat criminals who prey on women and children, we must start educating girls to be the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.

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Hollywood Is About to Reopen. It Could Be Better Than Before

When TV and film production restarts, the industry has an opportunity to fix its long-entrenched inequalities and invest in black and brown artists.

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Merriam-Webster Dictionary To Change Definition Of Racism At Missouri Woman’s Request

In the conversation about racism, there has been much debate about the how the word should be defined. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, racism is defined as a “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.” One Missouri woman is looking to change that.

Twenty-two-year old Drake University graduate, Kennedy Mitchum, recently approached Merriam-Webster last month about her proposal to update the definition. According to CNN, Mitchum sent her email and got a reply from editor Alex Chambers the next morning.

“I kept having to tell them that definition is not representative of what is actually happening in the world,” she told CNN. “The way that racism occurs in real life is not just prejudice it’s the systemic racism that is happening for a lot of black Americans.”

After an email exchange, the editor agreed that the definition should be updated. A new one is currently being drafted. “This revision would not have been made without your persistence in contacting us about this problem,” Chambers said in the email, which was provided to CNN. “We sincerely thank you for repeatedly writing in and apologize for the harm and offense we have caused in failing to address this issue sooner.”

Peter Sokolowski, an editor at large at Merriam-Webster, also spoke with CNN that its entry also defines racism saying it was “a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles.”

“I think we can express this more clearly to bring the idea of an asymmetrical power structure into the language of this definition, but it’s there,” Sokolowski said. “The mission for [Noah] Webster himself, you know, back in his first dictionary in 1806, was to essentially present the current active vocabulary of American English and that’s still our mission today.”

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DJ Scratch Has the Vision to Fuel his Entrepreneurial Spirit

The history of hip-hop is well-documented. It was created in the streets of New York City, lived in the parks, and then blossomed into the biggest genre of music in the world. One of the fortunate hip-hop artists who made a business from the natural talent he possessed is still creating music, living off his craft, and building his entrepreneurial spirit in the process.

Brooklyn’s own DJ Scratch was playing to the audience virtually years before other DJs started showcasing their craft on social media. With the advent of his signature company, Scratchvision, he continues to build the platform that also showcases other prominent DJs across the world.

In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, the three-time Grammy-nominated DJ and multi-platinum record producer, born as George Spivey, opened up about his business acumen.

BE: You were ahead of the game when you launched Scratchvision over 10 years ago. Why did you decide to create a platform like Scratchvision and what makes it unique?

DJ Scratch: I created ScratchVision because urban radio and music television vanished right before our eyes. Urban radio put an end to mix shows. The mix shows that started at 9 p.m. was the time of day that DJs could let loose and play what the people wanted to hear and break new records. But 2009 was the end of radio DJ’s having that freedom. Now, they have to add the same playlist of songs that are in rotation during the day into their nighttime mix shows.

Then music television vanished. MTV and BET music video shows were replaced with reality shows. The music and the history of music was taken away from this generation. So I wanted to fill that void, but in a more advanced way. So I created a social media website like Facebook, added a TV screen, a live chatroom, and a 24-hour radio station. Instead of listening to a DJ on the radio, you can watch the DJ spin and the audience watching can interact live with the DJ.

This was over 10 years ago, unheard of at that time. As the technology grew, so did ScratchVision.com. Now we have a mobile app that streams our live shows as well.

You’re known as the DJ for EPMD and producing many hits for a variety of artists. What advice would you give to anyone who wants to enter the entertainment industry and create something that will sustain their career?

Good relationships are most important.

Talent-wise, just be yourself. You can never be exposed being yourself.

Do not do business without paperwork; handshake deals don’t stand up in court.

What role does social media play in helping artists today?

Most artists haven’t figured out how to use social media to their advantage yet because they’re showing off their riches to their fans and not interacting with their fans. Social media is the greatest thing to happen for artists. Now you don’t have to kiss the radio DJ’s ass to get your song played so the masses can hear it. The artists now have direct access to their fans. (Because their fans are following them.) Social media cuts out the middle man to reach the people that buy and stream your records.

How are you able to sustain your business while still pursuing the creative aspects of your work?

I’m able to sustain my business while being creative because I created a business that serves music to the masses. Music makes the world go round, everyone loves music regardless of the genre.

Being involved in the business of hip-hop since the inception of the genre, how has your mindset changed from doing something you love for fun and now creating and maintaining an entity you own and operate?

My mindset changed because I really had to learn that business is business and you can’t take business personally. Most importantly, I wanted to create something musically for us by us. Everyone is eating off of hip-hop and black culture except black people. It’s time for black ownership in hip-hop where we can thrive. (Salute to Tidal and Revolt.) Respected hip-hop news websites are now gossiping instead of protecting the kings and queens of our culture. Black hop-hop media was originally created to give the positive news of our kings and queens. Now, black hip-hop media is only reporting the scandal of people in our culture just like white media.

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Is it Save to Send My Child to Back to Day Care

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Revolt Launches New “Black News” Show With Host Eboni K. Williams

With the growing desire for news relevant to black culture, attorney and television personality, Eboni K. Williams announced her latest gig as the host and executive producer of “Revolt Black News.”

Williams unveiled the news that she will be the permanent host of the Revolt TV news show twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Williams also serves as the co-host to the network’s popular show “State of the Culture” along with rappers Joe Budden and Remy Ma.

“With everything going on in the news cycle right now, we need a space where black culture and critical analysis combine to advance the conversation,” said Williams in a press statement. “This increased role at REVOLT will allow me to serve my community in a meaningful way at a historic time.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of the Revolt TV network, announced the new show back in April,  revealing that it would focus on reporting and issues impacting black people in addition to providing solutions.

“My legal experience, newsroom experience, and understanding of the issues uniquely position me for this role,” she continued. “I’m excited to help REVOLT elevate the dialogue and keep our audience educated and informed.”

Prior to joining Revolt, Williams worked as a political contributor on FOX News Channel (FNC) and HLN. She also co-hosted The Fox Specialists, a nationally syndicated prime-time show on the FNC, in 2017.

 

 

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New Show Alert!! ⁣ ⁣ I’m beyond excited to share a new phase of my work on behalf of our people⁣ ⁣ Eboni K. Williams, has signed on to serve as Host and Executive Producer of ‘REVOLT BLACK NEWS’. ⁣ ⁣ In a media alert on Tuesday, REVOLT announced Williams will permanently host ‘REVOLT BLACK NEWS’ twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST starting on June 9, 2020. Williams is also a co-host on REVOLT’s ‘State of the Culture’.⁣ ⁣ “With everything going on in the news cycle right now, we need a space where Black culture and critical analysis combine to advance the conversation. This increased role at REVOLT will allow me to serve my community in a meaningful way at a historic time,” said Eboni K. Williams.⁣ ⁣ Williams is also a regular guest expert on the nationally syndicated radio show ‘The Breakfast Club’, which simulcasts on REVOLT, and she was previously named by ESSENCE Magazine as one of its ‘Woke 100’. Williams’ undergraduate degree is in African-American studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.⁣ ⁣ “My legal experience, newsroom experience, and understanding of the issues uniquely positions me for this role. I’m excited to help REVOLT elevate the dialogue and keep our audience educated and informed,” said Williams.⁣ ⁣ LETS GOOOOO!!!! @revolttv @diddy @stateofthecultureshow

A post shared by Eboni K. Williams (@ebonikwilliams) on Jun 9, 2020 at 3:21pm PDT

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The Musk of Romance

Like her brother Elon, Tosca Musk is a revolutionary—in the steamy, softcore genre of romance movies.

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What's Confusing About Calling Covid-19 Cases ‘Asymptomatic’

There’s a difference between people who never develop symptoms and people who just don’t have them yet. And that matters when calculating public health risk.

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Coronavirus in Africa: Outbreak 'accelerating' in continent

Outbreaks are spreading from capital cities to rural areas, with supplies running short, says WHO.

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Zimbabwe's MDC 'abductees arrested for lying about torture'

The opposition says three women tortured by state agents have been charged over their allegations.

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How Ghana paid tribute to George Floyd

The African-American is immortalised in the West African state where people were once enslaved.

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Amazon Won't Let Police Use Its Facial Recognition Tech for One Year

Amid nationwide protests over police brutality, the company is stopping law enforcement from using its most controversial product.

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Coronavirus Guide: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment, and Economics

Everything we know about Covid-19, from avoiding the virus to caring for your loved ones, with regular updates.

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Walmart announces end to putting ‘multicultural’ products in locked cases

Walmart announced Wednesday that it will no longer place “multicultural” hair products behind locked cases in another sign of the changing of the times.

READ MORE: Meet the queen who created Young King Hair Care for Black and Brown boys

Walmart and many other companies have long been criticized for placing products that serve the Black community behind locked cases when whites do not have that kind of barrier when shopping.

On Wednesday, Walmart announced they would rescind the policy. They said that locked cabinets were their practice only “in about a dozen” of their 4,700 U.S. stores. The company explained the change on social media, apologizing to those who called out the disparate treatment.

 

Jesús, we’re sensitive to the issue and understand your concerns. We have made the decision to discontinue placing multicultural hair care and beauty products in locked cases. This practice was recently in about a dozen of our 4,700 stores nationwide.

— Walmart (@Walmart) June 10, 2020

Walmart reached out directly to CBS Denver reporter Tori Mason after she reported about customers believing that that white privilege extended to something as simple as hair care products.

BREAKING: Walmart emailed me saying it will discontinue placing multi-cultural hair products in cases. https://t.co/ruP87MA6hP pic.twitter.com/2K8Fb4Puwm

— Tori Mason (@ToriMasonTV) June 10, 2020

 

Walmart shopper Judah Bell said the process of shopping was often a humiliating experience.

“This Walmart is in the heart of Montbello. There are Black and brown people all over the place. The message is clear: We don’t trust you,” Bell said.

Bell often has to drive 11 minutes to a more affluent area of town where the cases are not locked. They generally are in urban areas.

“In my neighborhood Walmart, you have to go find somebody and then if they don’t have the key, they have to find somebody, so you’re just standing there waiting, sometimes for as long as 10 to 15 minutes,” Bell said.

Walmart spokesman Lorenzo Lopez told NBC News that company is “sensitive” to the issues being raised. Lopez said a course correction would be implemented immediately.

READ MORE: Black owned business The Honey Pot ambushed with racist reviews because of Target commercial

“As a retailer serving millions of customers every day from diverse backgrounds, Walmart does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Like other retailers, the cases were put in place to deter shoplifters from some products such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and other personal care products,” Lopez said.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

 

 

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Thomas Lane, former cop charged with killing George Floyd, makes bail

One of the fired police officers who was charged in the death of George Floyd has made bail. TMZ reports that Thomas Lane, the officer who had just four days on the job has been able to post $750K on a $1M dollar bail.

READ MORE: Black activist shot by same police department he trained on bias

Lane’s lawyer, Earl Gray, told TMZ only that it was “pretty good news” when asked how Lane was able to post bond. His family did seek donations to help him get out of jail and for his defense, the site reports, but was unable to confirm if that’s how he raised the money.

Lane is the one officer out of the four who asked if Floyd should be laid on his side while he was lying prone on the street in handcuffs. He also, according to his family, was the one who accompanied Floyd in the ambulance and he performed CPR.

People visit a memorial at the site where George Floyd was killed on June 3, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

However, Lane, along with the three other ex-officers including Derek Chauvin, who had his knee on Floyd’s neck, was seen pinning Floyd down. He is the officer shown in the mask.

 

 

Despite Lane’s request to turn Floyd over, Chauvin would not let up and Lane’s family says that he was prohibited by the chain of command to intervene more. It appears that the family will cite his lack of experience as a factor in why he didn’t do more.

Chauvin, a 19-year veteran of the Minneapolis police force, had 18 citations on his record on May 25 when Floyd died after police were called to a forgery in progress call. Floyd was accused of passing a $20 bill at a convenience store in North Minneapolis.

Lane and former Minneapolis police officers Tao Thao, J Alexander Kueng were all charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder in a case that has generated worldwide protests for the last 16 days. Some protests have turned violent and looters destroyed and burned stores in several states.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder.

READ MORE: New York passes bill to allow police records to be made public 

But in the wake of the protests and Floyd’s death, sweeping changes have been instituted in police departments including banning chokeholds and in New York, allowing police personnel records to be made public.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

 

 

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Louisville detective who got no-knock search warrant for Breonna Taylor reassigned

The Louisville detective who sought a ‘no-knock’ warrant for Breonna Taylor‘s home which resulted in her death has been placed on administrative reassignment.

READ MORE: Louisville city council committee passes Breonna Taylor law

The Courier-Journal reported Wednesday that interim Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert Schroeder announced that he placed Detective Joshua Jaynes on leave until further notice. Schroeder stated that questions needed to be answered from Taylor’s family, attorneys, and other authorities in regard to “how and why the search warrant was approved.”

Breonna Taylor is pictured in an undated photo. (Credit: Instagram/@keyanna.guifarro)

Schroeder added the matter has been referred to the FBI, who have started their own inquiry into the death of the 26-year-old EMT. Taylor was shot and killed on March 13 when Louisville police officers entered her home unannounced to serve a no-knock warrant in connection with a narcotics investigation.

Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, said that he thought someone was breaking in and fired off a shot. The officers returned fire, shooting Taylor eight times. She died at the scene and there have so far been no arrests in her death.

Court records showed that Jaynes had requested a judge’s permission for five no-knock searches in relation to a narcotics investigation in March “due to the nature of how these drug traffickers operate.” Jefferson Circuit Judge Mary Shaw signed all of them within minutes.

Jamarcus Glover and Adrian Walker were named in all the warrants. Taylor only appeared in the one for her apartment. It was because Jaynes said Glover had gotten a package from Taylor’s home in January and drove to a “known drug house.”

The detective further wrote that he “verified through a U.S. postal inspector that Jamarcus Glover has been receiving packages” at Taylor’s apartment.

Protesters ride aboard a vehicle with a smoke machine, with a sign reading ‘Justice for Breonna’, during a peaceful demonstration against racism and police brutality on Hollywood Boulevard on June 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

“It is not uncommon for drug traffickers to receive mail packages at different locations to avoid detection from law enforcement,” Jaynes wrote. ” … Mr. J. Glover may be keeping narcotics and/or proceeds from the sale of narcotics” at Taylor’s apartment “for safekeeping.”

When the warrant was executed at Taylor’s home, Glover was already in custody.

READ MORE: Officer involved in shooting of Breonna Taylor accused of sexual assault

However, U.S. postal inspector Tony Gooden of Louisville pushed back against the assertion that Taylor’s home was a drug den. He told WDRB News that his agency looked into whether Taylor’s home was being used in an illegal manner and it proved that it wasn’t the case.

“There are no packages of interest going there,” Gooden told the news outlet.

Benjamin Crump, the noted civil rights attorney who is defending Taylor’s family, said Gooden’s words showed there was no justification to issue a no-knock warrant on her home. In a statement, the attorney declared that Gooden’s comments “directly contradicts what the police stated in the affidavit to secure a no-knock warrant for her home.”

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

 

 

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Georgia’s Failure Shows How Not to Run an Election in the Pandemic

Limiting in-person polling sites makes it both harder to vote and more dangerous.

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NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell Responds to President Trump’s Tweet: ‘You Are Divisive and a Coward’

Retired basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell has responded to President Donald Trump’s social media post over the weekend by stating directly to the president, ‘You Are Divisive and a Coward,’ according to The Hill.

Trump has once again taken the stance that people kneeling during the national anthem are disrespecting the flag even though they are protesting racial injustice and police brutality toward black people.

Late last week, Trump took to Twitter to state, “…We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!”

…We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart. There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag – NO KNEELING!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2020

Russell, who became the first black man to become an NBA coach, had this to say to the president.

“#Trump you projected your narrative that #TakingAKnee is disrespectful & #UnAmerican it was never about that! You are divisive & a coward. It takes true courage 2 stand 4 what is right & risk your life in the midst of a #pandemic #Proud2kneel #BlackLivesMatter

”

#Trump you projected your narrative that #TakingAKnee is disrespectful & #UnAmerican it was never about that! You are divisive & a coward. It takes true courage 2 stand 4 what is right & risk your life in the midst of a #pandemic #Proud2kneel #BlackLivesMatter @MSNBC @BostonGlobe https://t.co/nhNITHSrxo pic.twitter.com/h0PuUYVFwu

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) June 7, 2020

Russell is wearing the Presidential Medal Freedom given to him by former President Obama back in 2010. Obama had stated at the time that Russell is “an impassioned advocate of human rights” who “marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality.”

Russell has won the NBA championship 11 times in 13 years while playing for the Boston Celtics. He was a five-time MVP (Most Valuable Player) and 12-time NBA All-Star. He also coached the Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, and the Sacramento Kings.

 

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White Landlord Evicts Black Business Owner In Iowa For Joining Protesters

For the past week, social media has been flooded with images of protesters marching in the streets in protest across the country and around the world. Even though many have come out in support of these people who are calling for an end to racial violence and police brutality, others have been experiencing push back from locals in their communities on the opposing end.

In a report by TMZ, a Des Moines business owner named Jeremiah Johnson shared a video on his social media platforms of his white landlord coming to his fashion retail store, Stylent Brands where he also rents out office space, to say his lease had been terminated because he saw a video with business partners of Johnson attending a peaceful protest under the assumption that he was there looting.

In the clip, Johnson tries to get a reason for why he was being evicted to which the landlord responded that it had to do with Johnson being around “illegal activity.” TMZ also reported that Johnson says the landlord sent his attorney an email, allegedly saying they were out there protesting for rights “they hadn’t yet earned or deserved.”

Johnson spoke out on his Twitter that he plans to take the landlord to court.

 

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We got kicked out from our office space in Des Moines Iowa by our landlord because he saw us on the news exercising our 1st amendment right by PEACEFULLY PROTESTING. Other people can protest for haircuts but when I protest for equality, injustice and police brutality in this country then I’m doing something illegal? No one is superior to me. Only God can judge me. I hope everyone is seeing what is going on and how we are treated. @stylentbrands

A post shared by Jeremiah B. Johnson Jr III (@jeremiah_miah11) on Jun 6, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT

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The Best Gaming Mouse (2020): Razer, SteelSeries, Logitech

Whether you're into esports or casual fragging, these are the best corded and wireless gaming mice we've tested at a variety of price points.

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Over A Million People Are Calling for the Investigation Into Kendrick Johnson’s Death to be Reopened

The massive protests taking place worldwide in wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have led to a petition calling for an investigation into the death of Kendrick Johnson to be reopened, according to The Grio.

Johnson, who was a 17-year-old high school sophomore, was found rolled up in a gym mat at Lowndes High School gymnasium on Jan. 11, 2013. State and local officials ruled that Johnson suffocated after purportedly reaching for a pair of sneakers inside the mat and getting stuck.

The petition, titled Reopen Kendrick Johnson’s Case #J4Kendrick, has garnered more than 1.2 million signatures. It states that Johnson’s popularity made him a target of envy among his peers and that the son of a retired FBI agent admitted to killing Johnson over a girl that they both liked.

“Johnson was an honor roll student and well-known athletic all around the school, which had caused him to gain a lot of attention, especially from females. However, one day Kendrick Johnson’s popularity began to make people jealous, which was when he had got into an argument with Brian Bell, who was a student at Valdosta High School along with KJ. Both Kendrick Johnson and Brian Bell constantly argued with each other over Brian Bell found out that his girlfriend, who was Taylor Eakin, was having a sexual affair with Kendrick Johnson. There were two confession statements floating around, which made national news,” reads the petition.

It continues: “Both Brian Bell and Ryan Hall, who is Brian Bell’s friend, had met Kendrick Johnson in the gym and then Brian Bell killed Kendrick Johnson. Brian Bell has also stated that he killed Kendrick Johnson multiple times over the phone. Brandon Bell, who is both a student at Valdosta High School and the brother of Brian Bell, had got drunk at a party on July 4 of 2013 and told people that Brian Bell killed Kendrick Johnson. The second statement was about Ryan Anthony Domek-Hernandez, who is a friend of Branden Bell, side of the story, which said that when he went to Branden Bell’s apartment in Florida, Branden Bell had told him that Brian Bell killed Kendrick Johnson by striking his neck with a 45 pound weight/dumbbell after they began arguing over Taylon Eakin.”

The attorney representing the family of Floyd, Benjamin Crump, brought attention to the petition.

“What happened to #KendrickJohnson in 2012 is HORRIFIC, yet his killer was never held accountable. Please sign this petition & spread the word that federal authorities need to reopen this case, so Kendrick & his family can get the justice they deserve!”

What happened to #KendrickJohnson in 2012 is HORRIFIC, yet his killer was never held accountable. Please sign this petition & spread the word that federal authorities need to reopen this case, so Kendrick & his family can get the justice they deserve!! https://t.co/7ORW7ugLCn pic.twitter.com/9HUakxR0Gb

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 6, 2020

Kim Kardashian West was also supportive of the petition and asked her 65.5 million Twitter followers to sign the petition.

Please sign this! We demand justice for Kendrick!!!! Sign the Petition to Reopen Kendrick Johnson’s Case #J4Kendrick · https://t.co/BlYQlKVzKl https://t.co/16yxY9cL8y

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 6, 2020

 

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Jermaine Dupri, Slutty Vegan, and Impossible Foods Launch Nationwide Voting Initiative

Local elections are underway in multiple states leading up to the November presidential elections. A number of public figures have been using their platforms to spread awareness and encourage people to go out and vote. Recently, Atlanta native and music superstar Jermaine Dupri and Pinky Cole, owner of the Slutty Vegan, are teamed with Impossible Foods to start a new campaign to encourage young people to go out and vote.

Starting this week, the group will host the Votenik Initiative, playful spin from the city’s famous Freaknik event, to help feed communities while also encouraging them to go out and vote in their local elections and in November. Cole, who is known for her famous vegan soul food pop-ups, will open her food truck at schools and voting sites. Patrons who vote will be offered a complimentary food item from the Slutty Vegan’s menu.

“This is the next step in making sure that everyone gets out and vote,” said Cole in a press statement. “This is the most productive way to get our voices heard, and we are beyond grateful to be launching this initiative with both Jermaine Dupri and Impossible Foods.”

This event is the latest initiative of Cole’s Pinky Cole Foundation that recently has been offering local relief efforts to the community amid the COVID-19, or novel coronavirus pandemic. Through her foundation, Cole has been able to offer financial assistance to help small businesses pay their rent and provide meals to other local grassroots organizations.

 

 

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Hey GA Sluts! IT’S VOTING DAY! We know the lines are long, so we’re going to take care of you while you wait! . Join us for VoteNik! . We teamed up with @jermainedupri, @pinkygivesback and @impossiblefoods to feed voters for FREE between 2PM-6PM at Ralph Bunche Middle School. . *While supplies last* . Your voice is necessary to make changes in our communities! See you soon! . . #sluttyveganatl #sluttyvegan #slutsofinstagram #vegan #slutburger #thesluttytakeover #veganburger #vegantakeover #burgers #atl #atlanta #veganislife #slutnation #slutsonthemove #slutmobile #veganstastebetter #sluttified #getsluttified #fortheculture #eatplants #atlshawty #eatplantsyaslut #eatplantsbitch #sluttystrong #slutthevote #voteordie #sluttysummer #sluttysummer2020

A post shared by Slutty Vegan ATL (@sluttyveganatl) on Jun 9, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

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Martin Management Group Advocates For Anti-Lynching Bill, Donates to NAACP

The Martin Management Group, a family with Kentucky roots dating back to 1833, has endorsed the passing of the anti-lynching bill and has donated $25,000 to the NAACP.

In a June 8 press release, the Martin family expressed its anger and disappointment in Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul blocking the anti-lynching bill stuck in the Senate.

“Our family is as shocked as many Kentuckians that Senator Rand Paul has decided to be the sole vote
thwarting the attempt to pass anti-lynching legislation that our country has fought for decades to have,” the Martin Family said. “During these times we need leaders that take swift and decisive actions that help to heal and unite Americans. This leadership also starts at home. These donations are a statement that our family remains in the fight for equality and social justice.”

The Martin Management Group ranked No. 9 on the BE 100’s Auto Dealer 40 list of the largest black-owned auto dealerships, also donated $25,000 to the Kentucky branches of the NAACP. The group added further commitments will continue to be made in support of social equality initiatives.

Many people have blamed the anti-lynching bill being stalled on Sen. Paul. Paul wrote an op-ed in the Courier-Journal Monday, explaining that he actually hasn’t blocked the bill, but instead offered an amendment to strengthen the bill.

“The bill as written would allow altercations resulting in a cut, abrasion, bruise, or any other injury no matter how temporary to be subject to a 10-year penalty,” Paul wrote last week. “My amendment would simply apply a serious bodily injury standard, which would ensure crimes resulting in a substantial risk of death and extreme physical pain be prosecuted as a lynching.

“Because I stand so strongly behind the belief that a hateful crime such as lynching deserves a severe sentence, I could not support a bill that places such a low threshold on what could be considered a lynching,” Paul added.

The House of Representatives passed the Emmett Till Anti-lynching Act in February by a bipartisan vote of 410-4. In response to the recent police killings and protests across the country, House Democrats have drafted the Justice In Policing Act.

The bill would allow for the use of force only as a last resort, ban chokeholds, prohibit racial and religious profiling, and make it easier to hold police accountable for misconduct, among other dramatic changes.

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